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Ping Pong (PingPong) 1 DVD Import Comedy! 5 Stars! IN HAND

ED159 

Based on the best selling Japanese manga......

Ping Pong

NTSC format

Language: Japanese

Subtitles: English (removable)

Sound: Dolby Digital

Running time 114 Min.

Region: 0

Anamorphic Widescreen

Features Excellent English Subtitles

Nominated for Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Director, Best Editing, Best Cinematography, Best Lighting, Best Supporting Actress at Award of the Japanese Academy 2003

The mysteries of life are answered in "Ping Pong", an often surreal Japanese film from 2002 that examines the interplay of friendship, loyalty, rivalry, and self-esteem in an arena measuring five feet by nine feet. Based on the popular comic book by Matsumoto Taiyo, which explored the zen of table tennis in meticulous detail, "Ping Pong" has become a cult favorite among fans of Asian film. With its elegant visual dissection of the sport and examination of the differing philosophies among its players, "Ping Pong" is a triumph for first-time director Fumihiko Sori.

The story is centered on the long-standing friendship between two high-school ping-pong players, the arrogant and brazen Peco (Yôsuke Kubozuka of Isao Yukisada's stylish drama "Go") and the quiet and introspective Smile (Arata, who appeared in Hirokazu Koreeda's creepy "Distance"), so-named because he never smiles. Like their clashing personalities, they have contrasting approaches to the game-- whereas Peco wantonly crushes any opponent that dares to cross his path, Smile thinks of it only as a means to pass the time. And though Smile is the more talented player, he frequently and intentionally loses to Peco out of his misguided ideas of friendship. However, this does not sit well with Smile's coach, who is reliving his faded glory days of professional ping pong through his understudy's gift. It also ends up giving Peco an unrealistic impression of how good of a player he actually is.

Since becoming a big hit in Asia during its theatrical run last year, the popularity of "Ping Pong" has only grown since its highly sought-after DVD release. Inspiring and entertaining in how it reveals life lessons in the minutiae of competitive table tennis, "Ping Pong" is an impressive debut for director director Fumihiko Sori, and a showcase for the talents of lead actors Kubozuka and Arata. Not a single spin, slam, or chop is wasted.