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Coming of Age in a Multicultural Setting
by Yahoo! Movies User (movies profile)
Jan 25, 2007
38
of
58 people found this review helpful
This is a charming story which combines the tensions of passing through adolescence in two distinctly different cultures with friendship, love and exceptional talent. We meet a lovely young woman, Jess, who is an avid and extremely talented football (soccer) player in England. The problem is that she comes from an immigrant Hindi family which sees her inability to make daal as far more important than her desire to pursue her beloved sport. Similar to "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", Jess faces the struggle between the value placed on individual growth that the culture of Western countries have and the traditional path of respect for her parents and culture. Examples of both are clearly portrayed through her sister, Pinky, and her best friend who is English. In addition we see the struggle parents who immigrate to a new country face expecting their children to behave as a member of the home culture while they are living and learning in a very different culture. While Jess learns to balance her conflicting needs the story never becomes sappy, typical or blaming. It gives a realistic view of a child trying to please everyone, including herself. The humor that is peppered throughout the film keeps it easy to watch. It never becomes burdened with the difficult issues it deals with. Although the movie ends on a positive note it is not simplistic. Almost everyone grows and reaches a clearer understanding of how to negotiatie between the needs of the two cultural systems and their own needs. This movie portrays the reality of immigrant parents and children who are facing the struggles to stand in both cultures. The growth of Jess's father and the resignation of her mother are touching. The portrayal of all people being able to change and grow is upbeat. Finally, the scene over which the credits play is brilliant in its hope and humor. Marnie |
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