Bend it Like Beckham

Gurinder Chadha’s smash hit about an Asian girl with an undying love for football.

Jess Bhamra (Parminder Nagra) is a typical teenager with an obsession with football, a hobby which offends the sensibilities of her traditional Indian parents. When she's talent-spotted by another local teen, Jules (Keira Knightley), Jess is introduced to the exciting possibilities of both a girls’ football team and its attractive coach, Joe (Jonathan Rhys Meyers). Soon she’s on a collision course with her parents and on the cusp of making some pivotal decisions about her future.

Gurinder Chadha’s irresistibly winning film was a smash hit in its day, striking a chord with audiences for its celebration of football alongside a sensitive culture-clash drama and spiky comedy. Its later adaptation as a hit West End musical is testament to an effortless charm and enduring appeal.