Connections Despite Differences

Ping Pong had an interesting effect on me to say the least. I had never seen a movie in another language so I had no idea what to expect. I must admit, I did fall asleep through segments of the film (because I was tired, not because it was boring); however, the parts that I was awake for were intriguing. The thing that stood out to me the most in the film was simply the lifestyles of the Japanese. Having been born and raised in the United States, I haven’t had much exposure to the way that others live their lives. Seeing as though this film was a Japanese film, the language was, self-explanatorily, Japanese. However, despite the fact that I didn’t understand a majority of what was being said in the film, I was able to feel connected to the story being portrayed.

Until I saw this film, I felt like Japan was a whole other world; but in reality, it is similar to the United States. Sure, there are cultural differences, but humans are still humans despite nationality. Japanese children go to school, Japanese boys play sports like ping pong, and Japanese people feel emotions such as competitiveness and anger, just like Americans do. I know it might sound silly, but I have always thought that being a part of another culture meant living a completely different way and feeling different emotions, but this film made me realize that we are more alike than I thought.

This film was based around the growth and development of two childhood friends, Peco and Smile, and the effect that ping pong had on that development. The messages portrayed were so universally simple! Peco was competitive and wanted to win. Smile enjoyed the sport and was upset by the amount of pressure placed on him. These are natural feelings and emotions. Just because the film was in Japanese, I was still able to understand the storyline and relate the characters emotions to the emotions that I have felt in my life.

The world is a very diverse place. There are different cultures, different customs, and different languages, but seeing this film made me realized that these differences don’t mean that we can’t relate to people of different nationalities, it simply means that we can learn and grow from each other.

Enter The Hero (aka Peco)

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”.

The Intensity of Ping Pong

The Japanese directed movie Ping Pong portrays ping pong not as a sport, but rather as a way of life. Following the lifestyle of two best friends attached to the game, the audience quickly realizes the intensity and competition associated with this seemingly friendly game. The director is able to capture two great aspects of the sport through the personalities of two different main characters.

The competitive side of the game is best described by Peco's character. Peco's one goal in life is to become the greatest Ping Pong player alive, however Peco is not able to put in the work to get there. Peco's development throughout the movie plays a key role in characterizing not only the game Ping Pong, but competition in general. Often times athletes aspire to be something great, yet are not willing to put in the work. Only near the end, when Peco decides he really wants to be the best, does he put in the training and effort necessary.

Smile, on the other hand, has no desire to play the game: playing only to pass the time. Unhappy with the competitiveness of the game, Smile is unwilling to play to his potential. Like all other sports, Smile's character can best be characterized as an athlete pushed too hard, in order to achieve full potential. Often times, these athletes lose their love for the game, making it hard for them to continue to have fun training. Only near the end, when Smile decides just to play for fun, does Smile achieve his true potential.

Ping Pong plays a key role in characterizing many genuine attitudes of athletes. The movie helps prove that anything, with the right competition, can be made into a sport. Although a seemingly odd choice sporting choice, the directors do a good job to help the audience relate to both determined Peco, and unhappy Smile: better portraying two commonly misunderstood attitudes of athletes.