Watch Ping Pong

Ping Pong is a 2012 Japanese sports drama film directed by Fumihiko Sori, based on the manga series of the same name by Taiyo Matsumoto. The movie tells the story of two childhood friends, Peko and Smile, who are both talented table tennis players and share a passion for the sport. It explores their personal journeys as they strive to achieve their dreams and find their own individual paths in life. The movie also touches on the themes of friendship, rivalry, and coming of age.

The story of Ping Pong is set in a suburban area of Japan and revolves around the lives of two young boys, Peko and Smile. The two have been friends since childhood and share a love for table tennis. Peko is the more outgoing and confident of the two, while Smile is quiet and reserved. They often play against each other, with Peko always winning. However, despite his losses, Smile is actually the more skilled player.

As the story progresses, Peko and Smile are scouted by a local table tennis coach, Koizumi, who sees their potential and encourages them to join the local club. This is where they meet their fellow teammates, including Dragon, who is the current reigning champion of the club. Peko and Smile soon find themselves in a rivalry, competing to see who can become the better player. However, as they grow older and begin to face obstacles in their individual lives, their friendship is put to the test.

The movie explores the personal lives of the characters as they struggle to come to terms with their own desires and goals. Peko, who has always had a natural talent for table tennis, is content to play for fun and does not aspire to become a professional player. Smile, on the other hand, dreams of becoming a professional player and making a name for himself in the sport, despite his shyness and lack of confidence. Their different attitudes towards the game lead to friction between the two, as well as a growing sense of rivalry.

Other characters in the movie include China, a Chinese exchange student and talented table tennis player who becomes involved in the club, and Koizumi, the coach who is passionate about the sport and dedicated to helping his players succeed. The film also explores the personal struggles faced by each character, including issues of identity, self-worth, and family dynamics.

One of the most unique aspects of Ping Pong is its animation style. The film uses a combination of live-action footage and 2D animation to create a visual style that is both striking and innovative. The animation is fluid and dynamic, capturing the rapid movements and intensity of the game.

Overall, Ping Pong is a heartfelt and engaging film that explores the themes of friendship, rivalry, and coming of age. It is a sports movie that is more than just about the game, but rather about the personal journeys of the characters and the challenges they face in pursuing their dreams. The animation style adds a unique visual element to the film, making it a truly memorable viewing experience.

Ping Pong is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 68.