In the Japanese film Ping Pong, Smile constantly refers to Peco as “the hero”. But what makes Peico a hero? What is a hero? The explanation varies and becomes increasingly complex as the film progresses. The makers of Ping Pong use flashbacks, scenery, narrators, and a smile motif to define Peco as “the hero”.
One way in which Peco is a hero, is by standing up for Smile when they were children. The film has constant flashbacks of Peco physically protecting Smile, as well as having faith in Smile’s table tennis abilities as he patiently teaches him.
This simple explanation for why Peco is “the hero” forms the basis for a deeper identity. When not remembering the past, Smile has no need for Peco to physically rescue him or teach him table tennis. Peco’s new purpose as “the hero” is to elevate others to a perfect state of bliss while playing table tennis.
China, the Chinese player, acts as an omniscient narrator. He explains during Peico’s second to last match in the tournament that ‘[Peco’s opponent] is not playing to win or lose, but playing for the simple joy of the game. Playing like that is pure bliss’ This is immediately followed by a scenery change on the tennis court. The two opponents are no longer in the gymnasium, but in a bright white “heavenly” area with no one but themselves. Peco’s opponent (much to the shock of his team mates back in “the real world”) smiles.
This match is the only time Peco’s opponent shows any outward expression of joy or happiness. Peco’s friend Smile, only smiles twice that we are aware of. Both of these are when playing Peco for first place in a tournament. It is Peco’s mission to bring others happiness by playing ping pong with them. Otherwise these players have no one of equal merit to play against, and are unable to truly enjoy the game. That is why Peco has to train extremely hard for the tournament. Only after training is he able to accept that HE is the hero (before this, he ignored it, as he explains to Butterfly Joe). He then goes on to bring his rivals, friends, and self happiness as “the hero”.
Great analysis! I also thought it was interesting that Peco went on the fulfill his role as the hero throughout his life, and ended up accomplishing his dreams of playing in Europe. Smile though is perfectly content living a quiet life in his home town, teaching his son how to play. It was just such a perfect ending!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting indeed. What does make people a hero? I didn't see the film, but your analysis made several good points. The idea that it is a responsibility of a hero to make others happy? I love it!
ReplyDeleteThat was an interesting analysis, but you state "what is a hero" in your opening paragraph, yet you do not expound upon this idea. You state that Peco is a hero because he "physically" defends Smile, but then move on from that topic to more mundane plot description. It would have been better if you would have used themes from the film to analyse why peco was or was not a hero.
ReplyDeleteThere were way more reasons for Peco's idea of self heroism just physical protection, which was not a main theme of the movie, so it shouldn't be your only qualifier for your claim in the thesis.