As the FIFA Women’s World Cup kicked off in Australia on Thursday July 20, we look back at feature films, which have veered away from the well-known stories of men and focus on their female counterparts. Here are five films to watch to celebrate the FIFA Women’s World Cup this year.
Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
It’s hard not to mention Bend It Like Beckham in a list of films about women’s soccer. Parminder Nagra plays Jess, a teenager of Punjabi origin living in the suburbs of London. Passionate about football (soccer), she worships David Beckham, her idol, and plays in secret until Jules (Keira Knightley) notices her and invites her to join her team. Jess will then have to learn the rules of the game, more complex than she expected, like those of life.
She’s The Man (2006)
In this feature film adapted from the play Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare, Andy Fickman tells in a comedic tone the struggles of playing soccer when you are a female. The protagonist, Viola Hastings (played by Amanda Bynes), has to use her imagination to play the sport she loves. She disguises herself as a boy and decides to join her twin brother’s school where she makes the team. Obviously, once there, things go awry.
Gregory’s Girl (1981)
Directed by Scottish director Bill Forsyth, the film follows Gregory, a 16-year-old boy with three interests: school, soccer and girls. Unfortunately, his school results aren’t up to par, his performances on the soccer field aren’t great and his relationships are basically non-existent as he is incredibly shy. When he falls in love with Dorothy, a new girl who joins the soccer team, Gregory will have to fight his insecurities to ask her out.
Gracie (2007)
Gracie wears the colors of soccer and women’s combat to practice sports. Directed by Davis Guggenheim, the movie unfolds the story of a young girl who, following the death of her soccer star brother, decides to replace him on her school’s team. Surrounded by boys and the conservative mores of the 1970s, Gracie fights with determination for her dream. It’s a drama based on real events.
Her Best Move (2007)
Directed by Norm Hunted, this film follows fifteen-year-old soccer prodigy Sara Davis (played by Leah Pipes) as she navigates high school, relationships, and life, all while she has the chance to join the U.S. national team. She and her dad, who is also her coach, often butt heads, as she tries to make it to the top, because she also wants a normal life.
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