Bend It Like Beckham (UK)

Introduction
What is this film? A comedy, a chick flick, or something else?

The Plot
Jess wants to play football, but she has two things against her.
1 - she`s a girl, 2 she`s Indian.
She is actually a pretty good footballer, and is sort of accepted by the lads playing footy in the park.
Much less accepted by her family, where good Indian girls learn to cook and then get married, not play football.
She meets up with another girl Jules, who plays football for a local womens team, then the problems really start.
Trying to keep this secret, from her family who would disapprove. Then complications with the male coach, Jules mother and more.

The Cast
Parminder K. Nagra plays Jess very well.
Keira Knightley plays Jules and another good performance.
Rest of the cast are good too. There is even a long distance cameo of Mr Beckham at the end.

The Visuals/Audio
Visuals are fine. Sound is a 5.1 mix, but as its another dialogue based film doesn`t really require it.


The Extras
A number of cute extras.
Audio commentary with the director and co-writer - only listen to this a bit.
Behind the scenes featurette including premiere footage and outtakes - the usual sort of stuff and not too back-slappy for once.
Gurinder`s indian kitchen - quite delightful short as the writer and director takes you through the details of cooking Aloo-Gobi, with a couple of aged relatives looking over her shoulder and tut-tutting at her efforts. Quite amusing!
Deleted scenes - some bits that didn`t make it. Nothing staggering here.

Summary
The plot is probably a little predictable in retrospect, but acts as a good vehicle.
There is plenty of humour along the way. An empowering movie, and quite heartwarming.
Certainly worth a watch.