Ping Pong: The Triumph | |
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Chinese | 中国乒乓之绝地反击 |
Literally | China's table tennis counterattack |
Directed by |
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Written by |
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Starring |
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Cinematography | Max Da-Yung Wang |
Edited by | Ballu Saluja |
Music by | Andrew Kawczynski |
Production company | Hengye Pictures |
Distributed by | China Lion Film Distribution |
Release date |
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Running time | 137 minutes |
Country | China |
Language | Chinese |
Box office | US$14.9 million[1] |
Ping Pong: The Triumph (Chinese: 中国乒乓之绝地反击) is a 2023 Chinese sports drama film co-directed by Deng Chao with Yu Baimei. The film starring Deng Chao with Sun Li and Xu Weizhou is set in 1992 to 1995, and follows a table tennis coach based on Cai Zhenhua, who comes back from abroad to serve as the coach with a resolve to make a difference. Under his leadership, five players, Ding Song, Ma Wenge, Wang Tao, Liu Guoliang, and Kong Linghui, played in Tianjin. The story of a desperate counterattack in the World Championships.[2]
The film was initially released on 24 January 2023, but due to lack of response, it was put on limited viewing the next day. It was re-released on 17 February 2023.[3]
James Marsh of South China Morning Post rated the film 3/5 and wrote, "Ping Pong: The Triumph is a slick and polished production fuelled by national pride and rose-tinted nostalgia." He praised the ensemble, writing, "the spirited ensemble, keeps us invested in the individual challenges and struggles faced by the team’s so-called 'Five Tiger Generals' when they are away from the table." He concluded, "While perhaps not a sporting classic for the ages, Ping Pong: The Triumph should get its intended audience on its feet".[4] Carla Hay of Culture Mix opined in his review that the film is "more than about winning games." Hay added, "All aspects of the movie (the writing, direction and acting) are not terrible, but neither are they outstanding." She found the screenplay "somewhat bland" but action scenes "well-filmed". Hay wrote, "It's a very formulaic and predictable 'underdog' sports story, but there are enough riveting scenes of table tennis/ping pong competitions to keep viewers interested."[5]
""No One Called "Hey""" | |
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Song by Lorne Balfe and Andrew Kawczynski | |
Released | January 20, 2023[6] |
Length | 4:35 |
Label | East Asia Record Production Company Limited |
Songwriter(s) | Tang Tian |
Producer(s) | Yu Fei |
Official video | |
Ping Pong: The Triumph - Song on YouTube |
Award | Date | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref. |
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Golden Rooster Awards | 4 November 2023 | Best Picture | Ping Pong: The Triumph | Nominated | [7] |
Best Director | Deng Chao, Yu Baimei | Nominated | |||
Best Art Direction | Huo Tingxiao | Nominated | |||
Best Sound Recording | Feng Yanming, Lin Xuelin | Nominated |