You all have heard the saying, “Never judge a book byits cover,” right? Well, I did just that this weekendin regards to “Bend It Like Beckham” and came outpleasantly surprised.

The movie is about an Indian girl growing in Englandwhose dream is to play soccer professionally, justlike her hero: England national and ManchesterUnited’s David Beckham.

However, standing in her way are the two biggest andtoughest defenders she has ever faced: her parents.They want Jess (Parminder Nagra) to take up a life ofa traditional Indian woman. That means a life ofcooking, not a life of kicking.

In actuality, Jess’ parents’ reservations have moreto do with making sure that she not go through thesame tough times that they did rather than telling herthat she can’t play because it isn’t lady like.

Along her journey towards either a life of “football”or a life of housewife, Jess meets Jules (KeiraKnightley), a girl playing for on of the top girls’clubs in England. Knowing she will get in a whole heapof trouble if she’s caught playing, Jess tells her momthat she has a summer job; even going the lengths oftelling her sister to cover for her as she goes toGermany for a tournament. While in Germany, Jessreceives a lot of encouragement from her coach, Joe(Jonathan Rhys Meyers); so much encouragement that thetwo of them fall for one another.

In the end, Jess’ father lets her play in the finalmatch of the year, even though her sister is gettingmarried that same day. Jess and Jules win the matchand are off to America, each on a soccer scholarshipto Santa Clara, a top women’s soccer program.

Nagra, in her theatrical debut, gives an outstandingperformance. Her raw emotion projected through themovie, as well as her actual soccer skills. The movie had an excellent flow to it, and the comedicantics of Jess’ family left me laughing and wantingmore, especially her parents.

This movie is the ultimate example of how strictparents may have their child’s best interests atheart, but that they have to end up letting go and letthem make their own decisions and to follow theirdreams.

The movie parallels “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” in itsfamily life and traditions, introducing the audienceto the beautiful and delightful Indian culture.

In a word, “Bend It Like Beckham” was simply”brilliant.” You’ll know what I mean after you see it.