Bend It Like Beckham Makes its American Debut

February 25, 2003

Already a hit overseas, especially in its native U.K., where it broke the record for largest box office for a British financed and distributed movie, Bend It Like Beckham is a darling with the critics and winner of numerous awards like Best Comedy Film at the British Comedy Awards. Now it is finally set to open in the States, starting with a limited released on March 12th and a planned wide release to follow.

The movie tells the story of Jess Bhamra, a young lady being raised in a traditional Indian family who longs to play professional football (or soccer as it’s known Stateside) like her idol David Beckham. Her family wants her to prepare for a traditional Indian wedding and learn how to cook the perfect chapatti and forget her dreams of sports stardom. With the help of her friend Jules and love interest Joe can she convince her parents to let her chase her dreams?

Bend It Like Beckham stars Parminder K. Nagra, in her feature film debut as Jess Bhamra and Keira Knightley, who won the London Critics Circle Film Awards for British Newcomer of the Year for her role as Jules Paxton. It is the third film written and directed by Gurinder Chadha whose other works include Bhaji on the Beach and What's Cooking?

Distributor Fox Searchlight, the independent movie arm of Fox Studios, hopes that Bend It Like Beckham will break box office records here as well. Currently The Full Monty holds the box office record for British movie at nearly $46 million. But it could also become a cultural phenomenon like My Big Fat Greek Wedding and then sky’s the limit to what it could make.

For more information please visit the official site and check out the trailer.

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