When Bangkok residents Luke Cassady-Dorion (read our interview) and Jason W. Best were introduced to Bangkok University’s cheerleading team, they just knew it was a great story waiting to be told. Indeed, the under-funded underdogs would go on to win gold at the International Cheer Union competition in the USA. The movie, too, met with great success overseas. After screening in over 10 countries and winning the 60°N Os International Film Festival’s Best Documentary, we’re happy to see the film back on home ground for the audience who should find it most meaningful. 

The documentary follows Bangkok University team’s captain, Toey. Diminutive, self-centered and authoritarian, his personality can be grating, but you can’t help but admire his determination, as he teaches himself cheerleading by watching videos and then leads his team to victory in national competitions for several years in a row. Tension reaches its peak as the team is invited to participate at the International Cheer Union competition in the US. With higher stakes, the training reaches a frenzy that has everyone on edge. 

Directed by Luke Cassady-Dorian, the documentary’s form is fairly classic. It lets the powerful story cast its own magic, while natural and empathetic interviews allow us to connect with the protagonists. Toey makes for a great lead, too, his imperfections saving the film from being just a feel-good underdog story. It all culminates in a rather emotional finale.

Obviously, the virtue of teamwork and hard work are central themes. But the flick also briefly touches on Thai social norms and beliefs. This is where we felt the movie was trying too hard to determine how the cheerleaders’ Thainess was somehow behind their success, or maybe add an unnecessary touch of exoticism to the proceedings. 

It’s a documentary that fulfills its purpose: celebrating the hard work of a team. You’ll be entertained, you’ll probably change your opinion on cheerleading, and you may even ask yourself, “How committed am I to what I love?”