Ping Pong (2002)

Directed by Fumihiko Sori

Starring Arata (After Life, Distance), Ysuke Kubozuka (Laundry)

Not a huge amount I can say about this as it's pretty formulaic and is ripe for a Hollywood make-over. 

A feelgood lightweight comedic story about the value of friendship and a common love, ping pong. 

The story adapted from a manga traces the friendship and competitiveness of Peco (Ysuke Kubozuka) and Smile (Arata) from youngsters, where Smile is rescued from a gang of bullies by Peco, through high school to a competition where they (predictably) end up in the final playing against each other.

Peco is abrasive and chopsy, hes very good at table tennis, good enough to trounce anyone who dares to play him. Smile came to start playing through their friendship, quiet and subdued he is the opposite of Peco, he also has something Peco doesn't, a natural though underused talent for the game. 

Despite his talent and the fact that he's good at psyching out his oppostion, Peco surprisingly loses two matches, he hits a depressive spell, abandons table tennis and just spends his time feeling sorry for himself. He is inspired to get back into the game, going through intensive training all the time believing that the toughest player hell have to compete with will be his friend. 

The day of the big competition arrives, both players win their preliminary rounds. During one particularly tough game Peco learns to let go and just enjoy the sheer pleasure of playing, at this moment comes the reality that the player he had to compete with was himself. Both players make it to the final, Peco Vs Smile, there can be only one winner; will their friendship be able to stand the test?

Its obvious the cast enjoyed making the film and a lot of the pleasure comes through the performances, well worth a rental if you're looking for something light and positive. 

Cheers Trev.

BBFC rated 12A

R2 Pal dvd available from ICA Projects. R2 and R3 editions also available.