FAB Flicks is back — and we’re kicking off the outdoor film season with a little “futbol” flavor, in honor of the FIFA World Cup, coming to our area this summer! With support from BAM, we’re screening the soccer classic “Bend It Like Beckham.”
In this 2002 British comedy-drama, a kaleidoscope of color and culture clash humorously as an Indian family in London tries to raise their soccer-playing daughter in a traditional way. Unlike her elder sister Pinky (Archie Panjabi), who is preparing for an Indian wedding and a lifetime of cooking the perfect chapatti, Jess’ (Parminder Nagra) dream is to play soccer professionally like her hero David Beckham. Wholeheartedly against Jess’ unorthodox ambition, her parents eventually reveal that their reservations have more to do with protecting her than with holding her back. When Jess’ best friend Jules (Keira Knightley) suggests she try out for a pro team, Jess is forced to make a choice between tradition and her beloved sport, and her family must decide whether to let her chase her dream… and a soccer ball.
Run time: 112 minutes
Rated PG-13 (for sexual content and language)
Image: courtesy of Searchlight Pictures