How does Gurinder Chada create interest and show the conflict of cultures in the film Bend It Like Beckham?

To show the cultural differences between both families in the film the director makes the characters put an exaggerated accent on. This is mainly seen with Jasminder’s parents who tend to communicate in English but with Indian accents. This is to emphasize the Indian culture. In the opening sequence this is shown when Jasminder scores the ‘winning goal’ and there is a talk between the commentators. The humorous part is when Jasminder’s mother is asked about her view on her daughter‘s talent; she surprises the commentators by a sudden outburst of anger. She screams in a strong Indian accent followed by something said in Hindi, this is very amusing as it shows how she feels about her daughter’s hobby not even bothering about her talent. It seems that she only cares about what impression it will give of. This creates humour and attracts the viewers because of the strong accent used by Jasminder’s parents depicting the conflict of cultures. This is made clear when Jasminder meets Jules mother and she introduces herself. Jules mother expresses her view on her daughters hobby to Jasminder who in return agrees (not knowing how to react).

Another way in which interest is made in the film is by the use of contrast between cultures creating humour. The director uses the cultures to contrast the way in which both families live their lives and how traditions affect the way they have been taught to see life. With Jasminder’s family, the daughters are expected to leave the professions to the husband and be house-wives. However, with Jules family the daughters are expected to (from her mothers prospective) care about their appearance and are taught that first impressions count. Her father gives her an entirely different idea, he gives the impression that girls are just as equal as boys. He expresses that their future is in their own hands and making decisions which will change the way they live life is their responsibility. A scene where this is shown effectively, is when Jules and her father are in the garden having a game of football. Her mother notices her daughters delight from playing football and tries to show her other ways in which to find happiness. By commenting on what other girls her age spend their time doing, she hints that Jules should be out finding love and shopping. She also mentions that appearance counts and a little effort goes along way. This upsets Jules and she storms off. Her father explains that there are other things in life which can occupy a teenager, disagreeing with his wife. This interests the viewers as it shows cultural differences and how disagreements can often lead to sadness. Both teenagers are given pressure from their mothers that at their age they should care about their appearance. Despite the fact both girls would rather have a game of football to satisfy themselves. This attracts the attention of the audience because it is amusing to see both mothers complaining about their daughter’s appearances, whilst with the girls, appearance and cultural traditions doesn’t bother them.

Gurinder Chada wants to create humour and by using juxtaposition she is able to contrast ideas. This brings out the feature of both British and Indian cultures. We see this when Jasminder along with her sister enters a shop which represents Asian culture. When Jess goes shopping with her older sister, colourful accessories express the lively Indian culture. When Pinkie (Jess’s older sister) chooses the suit for her engagement party she emphasizes her ‘love’ for the suit this creates comedy because she acts very sarcastic and this is entertaining. Jess doesn’t care about what she wears to the engagement party but her sister embarrasses her because of the attention being attracted by her enthusiasm. However, the shop that the British mother and daughter visit shop represents the idea of British pride in a woman’s appearance. Therefore, the mother of Jules wants her daughter to pay attention to her appearance. This embarrasses Jules because of the way her mother is ‘advertising’ the underwear to her. This is amusing for the audience and contrasts both families and their cultural differences. This also links the attitudes given by both Jess and Jules on the idea of ‘first impressions’. It shows the audience what makes both girls similar in the sense that both their mothers do not want them to enter the world of football and how their appearances do not affect the way they live, while contrasting British and Indian cultures.

Characterisation and body language keeps the audience interested and is another technique used by the director to keep the audience focused. Both techniques focus on the way each character reacts and responds to their surroundings and situations. When Pinkie is around her ‘friends’ she puts on an act, pretending to be interested with what they have to say. However, the truth is the only reason she chooses to mix with these people is to compete with them and show them that she can be as good as them in looks and appearance. This makes her two-faced and amuses the audience. Her body language is very strong and at times can make her look very comical. Strong body language used by certain characters keeps the audience entertained and exaggerates the gestures used by characters.

Gurinder Chada uses a variety of techniques such as accents in the voice, contrasts, stereotypes, sarcasm, characterization and juxtaposition of British and Indian cultures which creates humour and interest. All of these conflicts come to a head in a colourful finale, where Jess and her loyalties are severely tested. As her sister’s wedding falls on the same day as an important final. The cultures continue to clash. This creates an immense atmosphere for this amazing film. Humour is one of the main techniques used in this film as it attracts the audience and keeps the audience amused and entertained. Furthermore, humour also expresses characters views and opinions and illustrates the films main point.