Reading Log Bend It like Beckham

Reading Log

Title: Bend it Like Beckham

Genre: Film

Director: Gurinder Chadha

Date: 14 June 2012

Bend it Like Beckham, directed by Gurinder Chadha, which focuses on the main aspect in the Indian culture, RESPECT. Indian culture is explored in this film through orthodox Sikh religious beliefs, rituals, cuisine and dress and the deep respect given to elders. Respect for elders is one of the ideas that are being portrayed in this film. Because of the respect that Jess has for her parents, she initially decides to abide by their wishes and stop playing football, which is her love and passion. As a descendant form the Sikh culture, women are not to play football or associate with boys “What mother will want a daughter-in-law who can run around kicking football [sic] all day but can't make round chappaties?” When her parents found out that Jess wants to play football in a girl’s league, her mother does not like the idea, and her father was disappointed in her as well. Since Jess respected her mother and father’s wishes, she did not go to her finals until her parents finally realized that Jess’ wishes are also important.

Another way in which respect for elders is demonstrated in the Indian culture is arranged marriages. In the locker room after practice, one of her teammates asks Jess if she is promised to someone, ‘It’s just culture’. This shows that no matter how much that girl or boy thinks about the opposite sex their opinions do not matter through the eyes of their elders. They discard their thoughts has if they’re totally not there at all because it is their tradition or culture so they are expected to go along with it without any complaints, trust, have faith and respect their decisions.

Deep respect for elders is further shown when Jess and Pinky