Bend It Like Beckham (2002)

Directed by: Gurinder Chadha

Starring: Parminder Nagra, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Keira Knightley, Archie Panjabi, Shaznay Lewis, and Anupam Kher

Jesminder “Jess” Bhamra (Parminder Nagra) is the daughter of Punjabi Sikhs who live in West London.  She has a passion for football (soccer), but her more traditional family discourages her from playing the sport.  She typically plays in the park along with guys form the neighborhood.  When Jules Paxton (Keira Knightley), a member of the local team known as the Hounslow Harriers, happens to be in the park one day, she discovers Jess and recruits her for the team.  From there, a beautiful friendship begins, and Jess must cover up this new part of her life from her parents.

Bend It Like Beckham is a rare gem and a heartfelt sports flick.  Jessminder’s crazy family delivers loads of laughs, while Jess and Jules deliver plenty of action on the football field.  Don’t miss out on this rather unique sports flick that takes you on a wild journey.  Bend It Like Beckham gets a 0.03% rating.