Bend It Like Beckham (2002) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Jess Bhamra, the daughter of a strict Indian couple in London, is not permitted to play organized soccer, even though she is 18. When Jess is playing for fun one day, her impressive skills are seen by Jules Paxton, who then convinces Jess to play for her semi-pro team. Jess uses elaborate excuses to hide her matches from her family while also dealing with her romantic feelings for her coach, Joe.
Rated PG-13 • 2002 • 1h 52m
Bend It Like Beckham earns its PG-13 rating for language, including a racial slur, and some sexual content. The film follows Jess, a British-Indian teen in London who defies her traditional parents to secretly join a women's soccer team. Parents should be aware of profanity (including "shit", "bitch", and British slang), a scene with a racial slur ("Paki"), and some homophobic remarks. Thematic content is strong, dealing with cultural… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Bend It Like Beckham appropriate for kids?
Bend It Like Beckham earns its PG-13 rating for language, including a racial slur, and some sexual content. The film follows Jess, a British-Indian teen in London who defies her traditional parents to secretly join a women's soccer team. Parents should be aware of profanity… Read more — free account
Content severity in Bend It Like Beckham
What happens in Bend It Like Beckham, moment by moment
- 0:10 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
- 0:18 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
- 0:25 ♥ Sex & Nudity 2/10
Sex and nudity in Bend It Like Beckham
This film contains moderate sexual content and references. Female soccer players are seen undressing to bras and underwear in a locker room. In one comedic scene, a mother pushes up her daughter's breasts while trying on lingerie. A couple is briefly seen kissing passionately at a wedding, with the man groping the woman's breast over her clothes. The plot also involves romantic rivalries, a few kisses between teens, and a running gag where a mother mistakenly believes her daughter and Jess are in a lesbian…
Read more — free accountViolence and gore in Bend It Like Beckham
Violence is infrequent and generally mild. On the soccer field, there is some aggressive play, including one scene where a player deliberately shoves Jess and tears her shirt. In a moment of intense family conflict, Jess's mother yells and raises her hand as if to strike her, but does not. There is a comedic moment where a character is accidentally hit in the crotch with a soccer ball.
Language in Bend It Like Beckham
The film's language is a key reason for its PG-13 rating. There are several uses of "shit" and "bitch," alongside a wide array of British slang and profanity (e.g., "bollocks," "slag," "wanker"). Most significantly, the film includes a racial slur ("Paki") used against the main character, as well as some disparaging remarks related to homosexuality.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Bend It Like Beckham
Substance use is present but mild. Characters, including older teens, drink beer and other alcoholic beverages in social settings like a nightclub and a wedding reception. A few adult characters are also occasionally seen smoking cigarettes.
Mature themes in Bend It Like Beckham
Thematic content is strong and central to the story. The primary theme is the clash between Jess's personal ambition and her family's traditional cultural expectations. The film directly confronts racism, most notably in a scene where a character recounts being barred from a club due to his Indian heritage. Other mature themes include gender roles, lying to one's parents, and exploring sexual identity, with one supporting character coming out as gay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bend It Like Beckham appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Bend It Like Beckham is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Bend It Like Beckham earns its PG-13 rating for language, including a racial slur, and some sexual content. The film follows Jess, a British-Indian teen in London who defies her traditional parents to secretly join a…
What age rating does Bend It Like Beckham have?
Bend It Like Beckham is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Bend It Like Beckham about?
Bend It Like Beckham earns its PG-13 rating for language, including a racial slur, and some sexual content. The film follows Jess, a British-Indian teen in London who defies her traditional parents to secretly join a women's soccer team. Parents should be aware of profanity (including "shit", "bitch", and British…
Is there sex or nudity in Bend It Like Beckham?
This film contains moderate sexual content and references. Female soccer players are seen undressing to bras and underwear in a locker room. In one comedic scene, a mother pushes up her daughter's breasts while trying on lingerie. A couple is briefly seen…
How violent is Bend It Like Beckham?
Violence is infrequent and generally mild. On the soccer field, there is some aggressive play, including one scene where a player deliberately shoves Jess and tears her shirt. In a moment of intense family conflict, Jess's mother yells and raises her hand as…
Is the language in Bend It Like Beckham appropriate for kids?
The film's language is a key reason for its PG-13 rating. There are several uses of "shit" and "bitch," alongside a wide array of British slang and profanity (e.g., "bollocks," "slag," "wanker"). Most significantly, the film includes a racial slur ("Paki")…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Bend It Like Beckham?
Substance use is present but mild. Characters, including older teens, drink beer and other alcoholic beverages in social settings like a nightclub and a wedding reception. A few adult characters are also occasionally seen smoking cigarettes.
What mature themes appear in Bend It Like Beckham?
Thematic content is strong and central to the story. The primary theme is the clash between Jess's personal ambition and her family's traditional cultural expectations. The film directly confronts racism, most notably in a scene where a character recounts…
How long is Bend It Like Beckham?
Bend It Like Beckham runs 112 minutes, directed by Gurinder Chadha, released in 2002.
Where can I read the full Bend It Like Beckham parent guide?
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