I'd be the first to admit that this movie isn't the best, but personally, it's one of my favorites. I love the Indian culture, I love England and I love soccer/football, and the combination of all three makes this a score for me. The movie sets the parameters as a not particularly deep but heartwarming comedy, and sticks to them all the way through. And the acting was surprisingly good. All in all, an offbeat but excellent movie! I'd say that the inappropriate content would probably go over most kids' heads, but that it's more enjoyable if you're 12 or so.
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Bend It Like Beckham
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Superb tale of a girl's struggle for her dreams.
Themes in this movie include: family relationships, gender issues, growing up
updated 10.02.09
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 13 and Up
The good stuff
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Role models:
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Bend It Like Beckham
Parents need to know there is an implied sexual situation between a couple committed to marrying each other. Homosexuality is discussed. Several of the under 21-year-old characters do have a beer or a glass of wine, however they drink responsibly and are of legal age in the UK/Germany, where the scenes take place. Jess hides her soccer playing from her family and lies to protect her secret.
Read our full review by Nell Minow
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about why Jess feels she cannot talk to her family about her love of sports and how she defends her subterfuge.
- How does her father's cricket experience impact his view of Jess' soccer playing?
- What might be the common bond between Irish Joe and Indian Jess?
Our Members Say
See all 30 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Tons of fun!
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
A great mother/daughter movie - opens the path to communication and discussions
As with many movies of this nature, my daughter and I watched it together. In doing this, we are able to discuss any situation or concept that appears which in-turn opens the lines of communication to what might be otherwise difficult for my daughter to ask. We both loved this movie and felt that the characters were great role models, not only in their emotions and lives, but in their desire to make their families happy, as well as themselves. We still watch it time and again and continue to discuss different ideas and concepts as my daughter grows older and has new questions. We still quote many lines from this movie, that would have otherwise been uncomfortable for my daughter; however, we were able to discuss them and now we joke about them!
- I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it
A must see
This is a great movie that I saw ith my cousin and we loved it!!
- I rate this title iffy for age 7 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
Great 8+ Family Movie
The scene where Jess is drunk, kissing Joe, the coach, is slightly mature, and Pinky and her fiance have an 'extreme kissing' scene. There's also some strong insulting language. And there's some talk about homosexuality. Other than that it's fine. The only fights are verbal arguments about whether or not Jess should play soccer.
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
Uplifting and engaging
This is a wonderful coming of age movie with interesting cultural aspects. It is well acted and is an excellent choice for young teen girls even if they don't play sports. Cast includes Kira Knightly.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
I LOVE IT!
This movie is hilarious and I would recommend it to anybody 10+. Though it's sort of aimed at girls, boys can enjoy it too. If you rent/buy it, you should definitely watch the special features. This movie has a good message, and in the end Jess comes clean about her secret soccer playing. :)
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Better than expected...
This was a decent movie, it had its funny moments, and the story was a classic. Good for anyone who can handle a couple of swears, a couple of sexist comments, and a reference to lesbians. Good stuff
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
One of the best soccer movies...
I really enjoyed Bend It Like Beckham! I am a soccer player myself so I think I had a greater apprieciation for it. Jess really had a lot of courage to stand up to her parents in the end and her coach really encouraged her. I thought it was really stupid how Jess and her friend (Keira Knightly)were in a fight and that Jess's friend never asked her what really went on. It's one of those movies that leaves you smiling!!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
AWESOME!
I HATE sports movies. And yet, I LOVE this movie. Strange? Not after you've seen it. It's so much more than just a sports movie because it has a whole different dimension and storyline. Also, any teenage girl will certainly appreciate Jonathan Rhys-Meyer as the coach. It is laugh-out-loud hilarious at times and you are so caught up in everything that happens and feel just as bad as Jess whenever something goes wrong. Rent it, or better yet, buy it! You'll love it!
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
soccer rocker
i have played soccer since i can remember and i have never felt so connected to this movie jess deals with a hating cultural backround while where i live soccer is a boys game i also can not wait to see gracie!
- I rate this title off for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
blah!
I turned this movie off during the middle. I hated it. When i was about 10 years old i wanted to see this. My mom wouldn't let me. When i turned 12 she said "whatever i don't care" so i watched it. I wished i hadn't.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
This was an absolutely awesome movie. Tackled issues like homophobia and family ties wonderfully.
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
16&up
good movie, but it has a lot of sexual content.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
Great Movie
Nonstop laughs and touching story. I saw this movie when I was 9 and immediatly bought it on video. How come Indian parents are always depicted as controlling and strict people? One of the best parts were when Jess' teammates were trying to figure out how to wear a sari.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
Fun to watch with teen boys and girls
I watched with my neices and nephews, and it was interesting to discuss afterward how young adult life differs by gender, culture and class. This movie provided lots of food for thought, and was lots of fun.
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
Great movie!-loved the soccer scenes!
This movie was full of excitement and great soccer. The movie is full of funny moments but still it was PG-13 and had some bad language.
I loved the soccer and thought this was an AWESOME movie!
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