Bend It Like Beckham, the 2002 movie directed by Gurinder Chadha and written by Chadha, Guljit Bindra and Paul Mayeda Berges is a great comedy and family film. It is a top pick of mine as a great movie to watch with your daughter, or any members of your family.

From the beginning of this movie to the end, Bend It Like Beckham brings laughs and eye-opening revelations to raising daughters. Add to this the mix of bi-cultural problems as director and writer Gurinder Chadha encountered in her own life and conveyed well in the story and you’ve got a story that transcends generations and cultures.

Bend It Like Beckham is the story of Jesminder “Jess” Kaur Bhamra who is an Indian girl growing up in Great Britain with the skill and liking for football (soccer to the Americans). The eighteen year old hooks up with another her age, Juliette “Jules” Paxton, who harbors the same love for the sport. Both girls appear to lack the ability to follow the conventions of others their age, or at least in the eyes of their families.

It is exasperating and fun to watch Jess struggle with the life her mother expects her to live. Forcing her to cook traditional meals and fuss over her daughter’s obsession with football. We wince as she struggles to hide her secret affiliation with the girls football team or when she tries to assimilate to her parents lifestyle expectations.

Jules faces relationship problems with her mom that are unbeknownst to her. No spoilers here, let’s just say if you haven’t seen the movie this sub-plot of a simple misunderstanding is one of the movies prized story lines. As movie lessons go, this is a prime example of keeping a line of communication open with your daughter and to not make assumptions.

In addition to all the subtle stories being told in Bend It Like Beckham the action of football weaved together with the colorful Indian wedding of Jess’ sister is exhilarating and full of life. It is a reminder of how we each have a place where we belong.

Having a relationship with your daughter is important. There is so much to a relationship where we give and take and try to fill our lives. Bend It Like Beckham shares what it is like to rebel against the norm and to live a full life. Share Bend It Like Beckham with your daughter.