Taiyo Matsumoto’s graphic novels have enjoyed a good track record in print-to-screen adaptations. Black and White became the innovative and vibrant animation Tekkonkinkreet; Ping Pong in contrast shares the live-action treatment with Blue Spring. Across all of his back catalogue, regardless of medium, Matsumoto’s work has an uncanny knack for highlighting inner conflict and the importance of friendship in the face of adversity. In the case of Ping Pong it follows the exploits of teenage eccentric Peco Hoshino and the ironically nicknamed ‘Smile’ Tsukimoto - two childhood buddies who, despite their polar opposite personalities and philosophies, are united by a mutual interest in playing table tennis.
At worst, sporting films are often limited to fans of the pursuit in question and at best limited to sports fans in general. Given that I know little about the technicalities of this particular game and that my general feeling towards all competitive activity is often apathy, it’s an understatement to say I was pleasantly surprised at my enjoyment of this movie. The game of table tennis is actually a background to the story that unfolds, and the finer points of the game are considerably less important than the consequences of events and the feelings that the characters harbour for the game and each other. Granted, the dramatic slow-motion camera work in the tournament scenes and the obvious - and often obsessive - enthusiasm the protagonists have for the game will draw in viewers who are fans of table tennis, but Ping Pong’s approach ensures that it has a wider appeal.
The two leads are engaging and make for a superb on-screen dynamic - their differing motivations that drive their following of the game are explained well and explored at length, allowing for a deep understanding as to how and why this one hobby dominates their lives. As we follow the two of them through the pains of adolescence and the progress of their favourite pastime, we also meet other players who share their love of table tennis but whose enthusiasm manifests itself in an entertaining variety of forms. Some are naturally talented, some compensate through hard graft, some do it out of boredom while others lose sight of the enjoyment factor that amateur sport offers. This throws up fascinating and insightful questions in regards to the spirit of fair play and what it really means to win - Smile couldn’t care less about winning or losing, but playing the game allows him to hang out with his best friend and personal hero, who is keenly aware of his own inferior skill but is driven by an obsession to be the best.
The story is filled with trials, dramas, twists and edge-of-the-seat moments to give a rollercoaster ride powered by the tension of fast-paced games and personal rivalries. Most importantly, it allows fans of the game to immerse themselves in the moment but for the rest of us places enough emphasis on what is going through their minds to prevent the action scenes becoming repetitive. Although it’s a refreshing change from movies of the genre, it manages to maintain the trademark fighting spirit and the sympathy for the underdog: one of my favourite scenes, that of Peco rediscovering his self-confidence on a bridge with a defiant excalamation of “I can fly!” from the top of his lungs in accented Engrish, is up there with the all-time great sporting movie moments. Other pivotal scenes, such as the training section which reminds me of the Rocky Steps, capture the feel of sports movies but by paying homage to them but are inspiring rather than cheesy.
Fumihiko Sori knows where to zoom in and capture the minutiae of the characters’ expressions and movements, but also when to step back and allow time for the significance of events to sink in. The pacing is spot-on throughout too but what will be of particular interest to fans of the game is how the scenes in which the matches are being played are shot in (presumably CG-assisted) slow-motion, which exaggerates every hit, bounce and pained look of concentration to exhilerating and dramatic effect. The soundtrack, when not filled with the crisp tap of ping-pong balls, includes the likes of the Beat Crusaders whose synth-tinged rock enhances the buoyant atmosphere of youthful energy.
SummaryEven if you’re not a table tennis fan, don’t let the sporting theme put you off: Ping Pong is all about the drama, humour and emotions that surround a fascinating group of people doing what they love. It’s not just about a game: the ups and downs of Peco, Smile and their rivals are metaphors for the trials that life throws at us. This is a gripping, energetic and refreshing piece that deserves more widespread attention.
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