1. Klaudija Alasauskaite
02/12/08
Bend it Like Beckham
Directed By: Gurinder Chadha
Produced by: Gurinder Chadha,
Deepak Nayar
Written by: Gurinder Chadha, Guljit
Bindra,Paul Mayeda Berges
Release date: April 12, 2002
Budget £3,507,182
-Nominated for a Golden Globe
Bend it Like Beckham explores the
lives of an Indian family living in
contemporary London, with not so
contemporary beliefs. Jess is a
secret aspiring professional football
player. Whilst to her parents’
knowledge, med school is all that is
in her future. Jess’s irrational beliefs to her family are more than
normal for the average British teen. This is where the contrast and
comparison between the stereotypical British family and a
stereotypical British-Indian family begins to take part. Once Jules
is introduced, Jess becomes more and more influenced to follow
her dreams and rebel against her cultural beliefs. Throughout the
film, issues that deal with race, gender and ethnicity become
representations of the movie, as well as the backdrop of how the
audience relates to and understand the film. As the film
continues, Jess’s battle against her family as well as her inner
battle to do the right thing is solved by the acceptance of the fact
that Jess will still follow her dream, even if her family does not
approve with it one hundred percent.
1. How does Bend it Like Beckham appeal to a British-Asian
audience?
a. Bend it Like Beckham appeals to a British-Asian
audience due to it exploring into the lives of both
British and Asian families. They underlined the
differences as well as the similarities the families have.
Each culture could relate to the movie in its own way,
as well as have a better understanding of the culture
opposite them.
2. How do you relate to the film (your own experience
consumption)?
a. I can relate to the film by Jules’s family supporting her
(or at least attempting to) in every thing she did. Her

2. family gave her dreams and aspirations a shot no
matter how extreme or timid they were.
3. What issues do you think were raised in targeting of national
and local audiences by institutions?
a. Coping with multiracial backgrounds coming together
would be a big issue for some people. Certain families
are not too familiar with interracial relationships or
even friendships. Overcoming the fear of that may
have been a big step for some people, while for
others, it was completely normal and something they
experienced everyday. Some Indian families that have
viewed this film may feel offended by Jess’s actions
and her “betrayal” to the Indian culture, where as
others may applaud her bravery and strive for
something different.