I was in UK when it was released and since it didn’t sport the usual glamour [Hollywood, ads, actors, etc] the hype was low and expectations were not as high. Guess what happened – we got a pleasant surprise. It turned out to be pretty good, well…. except some parts.

All recent Hollywood movies released amidst HUGE – hype and expectations turn out to be TRASH. Publicity is the ONLY best thing about these movies. They even couldn’t create ripples at the box office whereas small ones like “My Fat Greek Wedding” released silently took the box office by storm.

Well, coming to Beckham, my assumption is that British Directors haven’t forgotten the art of story-telling like their American counterparts. “Four Weddings and a Funeral”, “Notting Hill” and “Bridget Jones’s Diary” – the best thing in all these is the NARRATION. Despite the lack of graphics, action, glamour and other masala stuff all turned out to be hits. Many people liked and appreciated them. This movie might not be as good but still is watchable.

In addition to being present in the title, Beckham does make a brief appearance in the end. But, still this isn’t about foot-ball [Foot Ball fans will be disappointed] nor is it a remake of Lagaan. Its about a girl [not the Cinderella type]. Just an ordinary girl, next door [well…. the next door in UK]. Her sufferings at the hands of conservative [not the British Party] Indian parents.

The plight of majority of Indian girls living abroad has been exposed without exaggeration, as it is. No voice of their own, no freedom to take their own decision [regarding marriage, career and even the dress they should wear]. Pretty sad isn’t it? That’s what Beckham is all about.

Girls – just guess what all the things your parents won’t like you to do, don’t like you to wear, don’t like to choose [career, husband, etc] and the scolding you might receive – everything is experienced by the main-character, Jas. Well atleast she’s lucky because her parents after much resistance relent and allow her to play football, travel ALONE to America, and kiss her boyfriend. Can you do all these? I doubt, even in UK. Well, that why’s this movie is special.

It’s a British movie about British-Indians shot in Britain. Racism and its effect, identify crises, stereo-types of Indians created by British, the problems faced by Indians due to both Indians and British – wait, don’t run away – these issues aren’t discussed in it, but have helped shape the way Indians abroad are and hence the movie.

The initial pick-up is good, followed by the smooth ride until the second half. After running pretty much from the start, Jas slows down to Party and ends up kissing her friend’s boyfriend. This is where things slow down and it seems that the director had got confused on how to proceed further.

Appreciate the director for developing the sub-plots pretty well and giving it a natural feel – the sister’s romance, the wedding arrangements, Lesbian misconception, etc. These sub-plots have helped push and at times pull the movie. A good narrative should start, move fast and end smoothly. Here, in many instances the movie seems to be ending but isn’t. The movie is good but without the glitches it could’ve been better.

Although I’m a male [promise] I appreciate the director for showcasing the problems and obstacles faced by Indians [especially women] abroad. In an environment where we are supposed to work harder than the natives but shouldn’t expect more and where we are treated differently, clinging on to (useless) traditions will just create additional burden and affect our performance adversely. Better understanding & appreciation of other’s feelings will bring peace, joy and happiness, among family and friends.

Although it may seem, the characters aren’t stereotypes. There are no exaggerations in the characterisation and sequences. The performances of Parminder, Anupam Kher and Archie Panjabi are so natural that it makes one feel like watching a reality show.

It’s a low-budget film but the production values aren’t cheap. That’s the advantage with family scripts, the producer and director needn’t worry about money and have more time to think about the script. No need of huge sets because the flats in and around London are pretty good. The British Country side is a good filming location.

Overall: Good. Its just 2 hrs but what makes it seem lengthy?

Recommendation: You won’t be disappointed. Watch it along with family or with your girl/boy friend.

Plot Revealed In The Review:	Somewhat revealed
Best to watch with:	Family
Movie Genre:	No Comment
Best part in the movie:	No Comment