Bend It Like Beckham

1400 Words3 Pages

Although the lives of individuals are influenced heavily by their own values, customs and culture, what many can relate to are the expectations and moral guidelines set onto them by their families and communities. The cultural traditions and social expectations of contemporary families hinder the growth and potential of an individual, particularly those of younger generations wishing to discover a deeper sense of self and personal beliefs. In the film, Bend It Like Beckham directed by Gurinder Chadha depicts the lives of two very culturally different girls (Jess and Jules) living with the same struggle of finding one’s own identity combined with following the outdated expectations of their families that hold them back. Through the lives of …show more content…

Jess’s continued pursuit of football is perceived by her mother as being oppositional or rebellious, rather than a career choice or dream. The generational differences between Jess and her mother are transparent when her mother questions, “What family would want a daughter-in-law who can run around kicking a football all day but can’t make round chapatis?”(Mrs. Bhamra). In Jess’s culture, it is expected that marriage be a top priority, which her mother stress over any other aspects of Jess’s life. This idea of marriage is stemmed from her family's desire for security and comfortability, which Jess is very unconcerned about during this period of her life. Mrs. Bhamra’s traditional beliefs cause her to be unaware of her daughters true potential which in turn hinders their relationship. Jess’s sister also has trouble recognizing the differences of Jess and her family when she asks, “Jess don’t you want all of this? This is the best day of your life, innit?” in which Jess replies, “I want more than this”(Pinky/Jess). Although typically girls in Indian culture dream of the day they are wed, Jess does not fit into this social understanding which creates a barrier between her and the other women of her

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