A cartoon about ping pong? What? How could something like that be interesting? Yeah, no surprise if you're thinking the same. The only reason I started watching this was because the style seemed interesting and different - let me tell you, this cartoon has a lot more to offer than you would think.
Three elements that are worthy of mention: the animation, the characters and the depth of the story.
First of all, the animation is spectacular. Constantly surprising, new textures and unexpected choices in every single episode. So lovely to see a more artsy approach than your average anime - also the movements of all the characters are so fresh and playful, it really gives off the impression that the artists had real fun drawing it. Filled me with joy. Don't be afraid to watch it simply because it's not 'aesthetically pleasing' at the beginning, because it definitely has a spark that will make you really enjoy it by the time you click 'next episode'.
The characters... Beautiful. They are not the kind of characters that you wish you could be, or that you will get a crush on. They are human. They are just like you or me, and whether they are 'good' or 'bad' is entirely unimportant... You get the chance to appreciate them exactly as people, with all the grey areas in between, and make up your own mind about them. Something truly rare in this age and time - that the setting or characterisation doesn't tell you whether you should like them or not.
On top of that, I was really impressed by the fact that no character gets left behind. Even minor characters seem to have a whole life behind them, and you get glimpses of it that allow you to understand them better. I'm certain that the writers really did think of every single one of them, and what was happening in their lives before and through the duration of the series.
And last but not least, the depth of the story. There is just no way you're gonna watch this and think this is about ping pong (although, I must admit, they also do manage to make ping pong seem really cool!). This story is about humans being human, having passions and insecurities. Their friendships, their problems, the difficulties that life keeps putting in front of them, the whole 'I am not special, and yet I am because I am me' that seems to be what every character eventually transmits to you through the screen... It's beautiful. Heartwarming. Makes you wish there was more, just so you can experience the lovely warmth of that human spark.
I want more! More of this! More stories that are real, more characters with depth, more interesting animation, and more feel-good cartoons like this one!
How thoughtful and inspiring. My life has improved exponentially now that I know the universe has brought to my attention something of this standing. Hopefully you will give it a shot, watch it, and understand what I'm talking about!
