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On August 25, 2000—exactly 25 years ago today—a film that looked like just another teen comedy flipped, stunted, and cheered its way into becoming a cultural phenomenon. Bring It On was more than just pom-poms; it was a witty, smart, and iconic movie that we're still quoting a quarter of a century later.
It captured the dizzying highs and gut-wrenching lows of high school, wrapping it all in a sparkly red ribbon of cheerleading, competition, and the kind of friendships that feel like they can withstand anything.
At first glance, it was easy to dismiss Bring It On as fluff, a colorful explosion of teen spirit. But beneath the perfect choreography and powerhouse smiles was a story with a real heart, a surprising conscience, and a rhythm that has kept it beating in our collective memory for two and a half decades. It was the movie that made us all want to try a toe touch in our living rooms, that made us believe in the power of a "spirit stick," and that taught us, perhaps for the first time, to look closer at where our inspiration—and our privilege—comes from.
More Than Just Spirit Fingers: Why the Story Holds Up
The core of Bring It On is the journey of Torrance Shipman, played with a perfect blend of vulnerability and determination by Kirsten Dunst. As the newly minted captain of the five-time national champion Rancho Carne Toros, Torrance is living the dream.
That is, until she discovers a crushing truth: their winning routines have all been stolen from the East Compton Clovers, a predominantly Black squad from a less affluent neighborhood, led by the formidable and fiercely proud Isis, brought to life by Gabrielle Union.
This revelation transforms the film from a simple sports rivalry into a sharp, incisive commentary on cultural appropriation, long before the term was a common part of our vocabulary. The confrontation between Isis and Torrance is a pivotal moment, not just for the characters, but for the audience. "Every time we get some, here y'all come trying to steal it, putting some blond hair on it and calling it something different," Isis tells a mortified Torrance. The line, delivered with weary frustration by Union, laid bare the film's central conflict: it wasn't just about stolen cheers, it was about stolen opportunities, stolen recognition, and a system that rewards the privileged while ignoring the originators.
The Clovers had the talent and the originality, but they lacked the resources to make it to the national stage where they could rightfully claim their crown. The Toros, on the other hand, had everything—sponsorships, manicured lawns, and five championships they hadn't truly earned. This dynamic elevated Bring It On beyond its genre, making it a film that was not only entertaining but important. It asked uncomfortable questions about fairness, integrity, and what it really means to be a winner. And it did so without ever feeling preachy, weaving its social commentary seamlessly into a narrative filled with humor, heart, and some of the most memorable cheerleading sequences ever put to film.
The Quotes We Still Use Today
A quarter of a century later, the dialogue of Bring It On has embedded itself into our cultural lexicon. It’s a testament to the sharp, witty script by Jessica Bendinger that so many lines are still quoted with glee by fans who weren't even born when the movie was released.
You can’t talk about Bring It On without mentioning the birth of "spirit fingers." The scene with the eccentric and slightly unhinged choreographer, Sparky Polastri, is pure comedic gold. His insistence, "These aren't spirit fingers. THESE are spirit fingers," has become a universally understood expression of enthusiastic approval.
Then there are the cheers, which are less like sideline chants and more like declarations of an entire generation's attitude. The opening cheer alone is a masterclass in confident, unapologetic sass: "I'm sexy, I'm cute, I'm popular to boot!" it begins, a mantra of self-assurance that is instantly recognizable.
And of course, there’s the iconic back-and-forth between the Toros and the Clovers that has become a staple of pop culture: "Brrr, it's cold in here! There must be some Toros in the atmosphere!" This was more than just a cheer; it was a challenge, a declaration of war fought with words and rhythm.
And the one-liners just keep coming. From Torrance’s declaration of leadership, "This isn't a democracy, it's a cheerocracy," to her brother’s supportive, if slightly goofy, "I got the door, Tor," the film is packed with endlessly repeatable gems that have stood the test of time.
The Ultimate Showdown: The Toros vs. The Clovers
The entire film builds to the national championship, a final, glitter-dusted confrontation where both teams have a chance to prove what they’re made of. The journey to get there is fraught with disaster for the Toros. After learning their routines are stolen, their attempt to create a new, original one results in a cringeworthy, dropped-spirit-stick performance that lives in infamy. The "spirit stick curse" becomes a hilarious, and for Torrance, deeply serious, obstacle to overcome.
The final competition is a spectacle of athleticism and attitude. The East Compton Clovers, having finally secured the funding to attend on their own terms, are electrifying. Their routine is a powerful, innovative performance that is undeniably their own. They are sharp, synchronized, and radiate a confidence that comes from years of being the best, even when no one was watching.
The Toros, humbled and forced to innovate, deliver a clean, impressive routine. They’ve worked hard, and for the first time, they are competing with integrity. In the end, it’s the Clovers who take home the first-place trophy, a victory that feels both earned and just. But in a surprisingly touching moment, Isis gives a nod of respect to Torrance. The Toros may have come in second, but they won back their honor. The film's ending is a refreshing departure from the typical underdog story; it suggests that winning isn’t everything, but earning what you have is.
The Film's Lasting Legacy
Twenty-five years on, Bring It On has more than earned its cult classic status. It spawned a franchise of direct-to-video sequels, none of which managed to capture the magic of the original. It even inspired a Broadway musical. But its true legacy lies in the way it continues to resonate with audiences. It was a film that celebrated the athleticism of cheerleading, treating it not as a sideline distraction, but as a fiercely competitive sport.
It gave us characters to root for and remember.
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Torrance Shipman, the principled captain who chooses to do the right thing, even when it’s the hard thing.
Missy Pantone (Eliza Dushku), the cynical gymnast-turned-cheerleader who serves as the film's moral compass.
Cliff Pantone (Jesse Bradford), the charmingly alternative love interest who saw the real Torrance behind the cheer uniform.
And, of course, Isis, a character who could have been a simple antagonist but was instead portrayed with depth, dignity, and a commanding presence by Gabrielle Union.
But perhaps the most enduring aspect of Bring It On's legacy is its smart, funny, and surprisingly deep exploration of cultural ownership. It was ahead of its time in tackling themes of white privilege and appropriation in a way that was accessible to a mainstream audience. It did so with a light touch, but the message was clear and has only become more relevant with time.
Bring It On is a time capsule of Y2K fashion and music, but its story is timeless. It's a film about friendship, integrity, and fighting for what you believe in, whether that’s a national title or simply the right to be recognized for your own creativity. It’s a film that, even after 25 years, still has all the spirit.
From the Toros to the Clovers, Bring It On was packed with memorable moments. What's your favorite quote or scene from the movie? Let us know in the comments.
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