Watch Top Spin

Top Spin is a documentary that chronicles the journey of three American teenagers - Ariel Hsing, Michael Landers, and Lily Zhang - as they prepare to compete in the 2012 London Olympics in table tennis. The film, directed by Mina T. Son and Sara Newens, offers a unique insight into the fiercely competitive and physically demanding sport of table tennis, while also exploring the personal struggles and sacrifices the athletes make in pursuit of their dreams.

The movie begins by introducing us to the three main characters, who have been training in table tennis since a very young age with the hope of making it to the Olympics one day. Ariel Hsing, a sixteen-year-old from San Francisco, has already won three national championships and is seen as one of the brightest prospects in the sport. Michael Landers, also sixteen, is a prodigious talent from Long Island who has been dubbed "the next Michael Phelps of table tennis." Lily Zhang, eighteen, is a two-time national champion who moved from China to California with her family when she was just six years old to pursue her love of the game.

As the documentary unfolds, we follow the three athletes as they train for the Olympic trials and compete in various tournaments across the country. We get a glimpse into the intensity of their daily routines, the grueling physical demands of the sport, and the mental fortitude required to compete at the highest level. We also see the sacrifices they make in order to achieve their goals - from missing out on social events to foregoing college scholarships - and the pressure they feel to perform both for themselves and for their families.

One of the most interesting aspects of the movie is the way it explores the cultural differences between table tennis in America and in other parts of the world. We see how Chinese players dominate the sport at the international level due to their rigorous training regimes and emphasis on discipline and technique. Conversely, the American style of play is more focused on speed and athleticism, which can be an advantage in some situations but also puts them at a disadvantage against more technically proficient opponents. The movie also touches on the politics of the sport, such as the difficulties American table tennis players face in obtaining visas to compete in China.

Despite the hurdles they face, all three athletes remain focused on their ultimate goal: making it to the Olympics. Along the way, they encounter setbacks and moments of doubt, but their resilience and determination never wavers. The movie builds to a thrilling climax as the Olympic trials approach and the athletes must give it their all in order to secure a spot on the U.S. team. We're left on the edge of our seats as we watch them battle it out in intense matches that will determine their fate.

Overall, Top Spin is a compelling and inspiring documentary that sheds light on a little-known but fascinating sport. The film offers an intimate look into the lives of three remarkable athletes and the incredible sacrifices they make in order to achieve their dreams. With stunning visuals and heart-pumping action, it's a must-see for anyone interested in the world of sports and the human spirit.

Top Spin is a 2015 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 6.9 and a MetaScore of 81.