The Film Bend It like Beckham - Movie Review Example

I thought the storyline to be very interesting because most Indian families are like how Jess’ family was shown. I watched the film by myself but later discussed it with my sister who had the same views as me.

Jess was not given chances to be herself and her family was unable to accept that she was different. Her friend Jules's mother also thought that Jess and Jules were in a lesbian relationship with each other because they never spent time with boys or did other stereotypical things that girls are supposed to do. This tells us a lot about how society views a woman in not just the Indian culture but also in developed western cultures. This movie is similar to a film called ‘She’s the Man’ set in America where again, a young girl is not given her break to play football and has to fight for her rights and prove to everyone that she is as good as anyone else. This film helps to understand that gender is a social construct and women are not made only for cooking and cleaning the house; they can have other varied interests too which they should be given a chance to inculcate into their lifestyles and nurture.

39 minutes – Jess’s sister breaks up and Jess is trying to console her while practicing then the coach comes to her house to talk to her parents
1.12 minutes – Jule’s family takes an interest in football and they’re having a breakfast conversation as her mom tries to learn the game; Jess’ mother prays that her results are good

Persepolis, written and directed by Marjane Satrapi is a beautiful account of the life of a young girl as she grows up against the backdrop of the Iran war. As a young girl, she had several questions on her mind regarding the war and the consequences it would have on her family. Her parents and her grandmother always protected her so that she would not feel the atrocious effects of the war and later, for her to complete her education, they sent her to France. There, as she grows up into a young lady, she discovers many facets of life by herself with no one to answer her questions. She discovers love and sexuality and also experiments with different kinds of lifestyles, then realizes that she should not give up on her identity, no matter what.
Frustrated with herself at times, she finds herself talking to her grandmother in her dreams who helps her get on the right path again. She goes back to Teheran and stays with her parents because she believes that is what will cure her depression. Marjane finds love in her family and soon even gets married. The marriage however ends up in a divorce and she feels that she has more time to study and educate herself and free women around her from the terrible clutches of the patriarchal society that persists in the country. The film ends on a happy note, with Marjane still figuring life out for herself and answering questions regarding why her Uncle gave up his life for the family during the reign of the Shah.
I loved how the film was made and even though it was animated it was extremely realistic; Marjane as a woman goes through the journey of life as a vulnerable creature and is wounded many times, however, she always gets back on her feet and manages to find answers. The movie was very inspiring and I am sure to suggest it as a must-watch to others.
39 minutes – Marjane is sent to France, the backdrop of the Teheran war is shown through her uncle’s perspective
1.12 minutes – Marjane breaks up with her boyfriend in France whom she thought she would spend her life with but then realizes his shortcomings as he cheated on her. Read More