Bend it Like Beckham (2002)

"Eyes down. Don't smile. Indian bride never smiles. You'll ruin the bloody video."
- Wedding videographer

Jessminder (Parminder Nagra) is an Indian teenage girl living in London with a gift for playing soccer. Her traditional family wants none of it, however, especially her father, whose own dreams of being a cricketer were crushed years ago by prejudice. But her talent and drive eventually win out. Extreme feel-good movie manages to avoid most cliches and remain respectful of the culture it focuses on. Rating: 2.5 of 4 reviewed 6 Nov 2007

"A smart, lively and altogether warmhearted dramatic comedy that blends tradition and modernity on screen as adroitly as teenage Jess does in her irresistibly complicated life."
- Kenneth Turan (Los Angeles Times)