Cheer Up

Cheer Up is a captivating 2016 documentary that takes a deep dive into the world of competitive cheerleading. The film explores the paradoxical journey of two teams, focusing on the challenges of young adulthood, competition, and the undeniable spirit of teamwork. Directed by Christy Garland, the movie delves into the lives of the cheerleaders and their coaches on and off the mat.

The film mainly focuses on two cheerleading squads from Finland, namely on the competitive teams of the Ice Queens and Rovaniemi, situated up in the Arctic Circle. The drama unfolds as the athletes prepare for the National Championship, amidst a series of complexities and expectations. Through this journey, the film gives insights into contemporary Finnish culture, youth, and the universal struggles of growing up.

Cheer Up directed with a sincere, sensitive, and compassionate gaze, allows viewers access to the personal lives of its protagonists. It gives us an understanding of their character, aspirations, and vulnerabilities. The narrative is primarily driven by three protagonists – Miia, Aino, and Patricia. Patricia is a driven American who moves to Finland to coach the Ice Queens, an underdog cheerleading squad, whereas Miia and Aino are two cheerleaders struggling to find their place within the team and the larger social structures they inhabit.

Director Christy Garland explores with an empathetic lens, the pressure of the sport, the inner turmoil, doubts, and disappointments faced by the athletes. From the stress of training to personal issues, each individual has their set of struggles. However, the sheer resilience of these cheerleaders and their undying will to pursue their passion makes this film an inspiring and moving watch.

Throughout the narrative, the societal pressures of achieving perfection, both on the personal front as well as within the sport, play a crucial role. Particularly noteworthy is the depiction of Patricia's professional struggle in leading her Finnish team despite cultural and linguistic barriers, and teaching her cheerleaders to handle failure, pick themselves up, and brave the odds.

The Honest and transparent portrayal of the different layers that shape the lives of the film's central characters gives 'Cheer Up' a remarkable depth often associated with the best of coming-of-age narratives. It breaks down the stereotype of cheerleading as a superficial activity, instead presenting it as a rigorous sport that shapes the personality of its participants, teaching them not just about their physical capabilities, but life lessons about teamwork, resilience, handling defeat and striving for success.

Garland’s eye for capturing intimate and powerful moments shines throughout the movie. Her balanced take, showcasing the cheerleaders' struggles and their moments of triumph equally, highlights the human aspect of competitive sport. The viewer sympathizes with the relentless efforts of these young women just as much as they cheer for their accomplishments, while also critiquing the ever-increasing societal demands on young girls.

The cinematography of Cheer Up is particularly gripping, portraying the bleak Finnish landscapes in stark contrast to the vibrancy of the sport, working as a commentary on the looming bleakness of challenges around the cheerleaders' bright passion. The documentary does not shy away from showing the rigors of the sport, physical pain, and exhaustion the cheerleaders experience and how it shapes them into resilient young women.

The film's soundtrack adds another layer of depth to the narrative, perfectly accompanying the emotional amplitude of the various story threads and effectively heightening the tempo around the climactic cheerleading sequences.

Garland uses the niche world of cheerleading as a platform to comment on universal themes like commitment, teamwork, resilience, and the reality of growing up, making 'Cheer Up' a watch that both entertains and enlightens.

In conclusion, Cheer Up is not merely a film about cheerleading but a compelling exploration of growth, grit, and gumption. It's a story about young women finding their identities in a demanding world, the pressures of competitive sports, and the unity and resilience of a team against all odds. Whether a fan of cheerleading or not, 'Cheer Up' is a universally compelling watch for anyone interested in human stories of ambition, resilience, and triumph.