Bend It Like Beckham

Bend It Like Beckham is a charming comedy that reminds that you that you should follow your dreams and never give up. Director Gurinder Chadha’s cultivated, gentle humour benefits from the contrast of two diametrically opposed cultures. And she knows how to work with actors like few others. The young Parminder Nagra is especially memorable. If you like distinctive comedies with a British touch, believe that dreams are achievable and you’re perhaps a bit of a misunderstood outsider, don’t hesitate to watch this movie. It's not Billy Elliot, but it is definitely a film that will give you something. (10/25/2002)

If you agree to play the creators’ game here, then, as a harmless family TV movie with an obligatory message, it’s quite all right. However, it lacks the humor to make it a comedy, the matches or races to make it a sports movie and the relationships to make it a teenage “relationships" movie. The would-be sports sequences are edited and directed appallingly, but there luckily there are so few of them that they don’t get a chance to get on your nerves. The girls are likeable, although Keira is still a kid really, but they are tripped up by the shaky beginning and the unbearable length. The filmmakers deserve to get a red card for that. But it has no problem keeping up with the substitutes on the mundane movies bench, that we see dozens of every year. If you don’t mind the downsides, I see no reason for not setting off down the path toward a big dream, encountering prejudice from the family and the outside world. (07/04/2007)

A contradictory film – either you love it or you don't understand how anyone can love it. I'm one of those who doesn't get it. Too overcooked for me. The film certainly doesn't deserve to carry Beckham in its title. The only positive thing here is the beautiful Keira. Nothing else. (06/10/2011)

A likable sports comedy from two different worlds. Given that I don’t like Keira Knightley and that I was a bit disappointed with the subsequent Bride and Prejudice, I had a nice feeling from this relaxing film. Jonathan Rhys Meyers was already well on his way to becoming Henry. :) Thanks for the donations, this is a good solution. (08/25/2009)

A brisk and funny comedy that pleasantly surprised me. The biggest credit for this probably goes to the two main actresses, who I have grown quite fond of with this film. (09/20/2004)

This movie entertained me years ago, so I gladly refreshed my memory by watching it again. I like Indian culture, even though it is quite distinctive. I also like football, which is simply a simple and unique sport, and of course, I enjoy good movies. This is a fairly good comedy with strong characters in the lead roles. It is enjoyable to watch. (03/10/2015)