An important idea displayed throughout the film Bend It Like Beckham (Directed by Gurinda Chadha) was the act of challenging ‘gender stereotypes’. I found the presentation of conflicting typical gender requirements especially important because this taught me that expectations are not always meant to be met, and that sometimes going against them gives you the opportunity to become the person you would like to be, and not what others want you to. The demonstration of challenging gender stereotypes in Bend It Like Beckham played a vital role in the moral of the visual text.
It also assists in character building throughout the movie. This is shown through the character Jess Bhamra. Her parents set with extremely high rituals and a sister close to marriage, Jess is trusted to become the standard Sikh housewife in order to pursue the future that is expected from her. However, Jess’ interest is someplace else – the girl has a great passion for football. She is defiant of her parents by sneaking out or lying to them so she can carry out her determination of playing the sport, despite their disapproval.
As football is known to be a more masculine sport, this suggests the focus on provoking gender stereotyping, as Jess plays the sport with her own motivation. She is rebelling against the traditions of a female in her culture. This made me consider the difference between multiple family/religion values. Things like woman playing football are more socially acceptable in some cultures than others (i. e. English to Indian).
The Essay on Gender Barriers in Sports
It is clear there are strides being taken towards equality in women’s sports, from Billy Jean King beating Bobby Rigs in the “Battle of the Sexes” to the policy known as Title IX. Every day we as a society make attempts to close the gap between genders. We know gender certainly does play a role in human nature, society, and even sports. But both genders, male and female, still face overwhelming ...
One reason why this idea is important in the film, is because it portrays different points of views.
Chadha compares Jess and her sister, Pinky, by using the technique of inter-cutting the scenes of Jess’ football final and Pinky’s wedding celebration. By doing this, the director is clearly showing how the sisters differ. Pinky is demonstrating a regular Sikh woman’s life, getting married in a Sari and dancing traditionally with her husband, while surrounded by beloved friends and family. Jess is the complete opposite, contrasting with her sister as she is running around kicking a ball (something that would not be predicted for a female of her race) in a football kit, surrounded by fans and her team mates, who are now like her family.
This technique provokes the audience’s thoughts, making them realize the difference between what Jess is required to be and what she wants to be. This made me think about how anyone can go through Jess’ problems, having difficulty with parents about their future decisions, disagreeing with each other’s choices. Another reason why the idea of challenging gender stereotypes is important, is because it teaches the audience to stand up for themselves and be who they want, not what people expect them to be.
The director uses cinematography – a low angle shot on Jess near the end of the film, where she is informing her parents about her opportunity to fly over to America for university. This angle makes Jess seem superior and mightier than her relatives, who have a high angle shot on them, resulting in them looking vulnerable. This technique helps the audience understand that Jess is speaking out for herself, telling her family what she wants, and what she would like to be in life.
It tells them that this is her moment to shine and take over her own life, that she is no longer shy and helpless under her parents’ requirements. This effect made me think about how confidence can get you far throughout life and speaking out for what you believe in can sometimes be the right thing to do. In conclusion, the most important idea in Bend It Like Beckham is challenging gender stereotypes. It is important to the film because it teaches the viewer to be themselves, no matter what others expect of you.
The Essay on Secret life of Bees Film Critique
In the 2008 drama The Secret Life of Bees this film tales the life of Lily Owens. A 14 year old girl, who is bothered by her mother pass. Lily Owens is a bold fearless little girl that takes you on a journey. She deals with the abuse from her father as well as racism. This takes place in South Carolina in 1964 during the civil rights movement. This film will bring you to tears, while also keeping ...
Thus he has an very negative attitude towards the hockey player when he gets invited to the hockey tournament and it was he was also being very stereo typical towards the maori players since they were playing in a much more casual level in comparison the a professional hockey player, thus showing lots of judgement. He was also furious when the narrator told him that it was not really a legitimate tournament. He was okay with that thoe gradually this was good for jerry because it taught him the importance of mixing with different people and that professionalism is not everything.
