Melle C. back from the Cinema

Bend it like Beckham

What a nice film !! Mainly because, they managed to avoid all the "cliché" about Punjabi families living in Britain.

Through this simple story of a football-fan girl living in a rather traditionalist family, we can have a good overview of what it feels like to be in these shoes.

At first we could think that in classic occidental families we have succeed in getting rid off traditions. We are allegedly supposed not to depend on surroundings, family and/or circle of acquaintances' opinion on our choice or way of life. In fact, it is more an impression than the truth.

Secondly, by watching that film, we can also measure the good sides of traditions, Punjabis or else. Tradition is in some ways a kind of security web, which protects the individual, the family and even the community. And security, as everything has a price, sometime a bit high, Bend it like Beckham does not forget to show it.

One of the conclusion of this film maybe that tradition is something to keep, as much as intelligent understanding of the situation we are facing in the 21st century. I know it sounds full of good feelings, but it does not hurt from time to time, does it?