Ping Pong

Ping Pong is a movie that is intended for a senior audience. It is about being able to take oneself out of the rut of every day life, and have fun, especially when one is eighty years old. This film started out in a very documentary style, but soon transformed into something magical. Maybe it was the transition, when the scene of the airplane soaring into the skies took place, or maybe it was the organized chaos in China that changed the mundane mood of the near-to-death experience. Whatever it was, there was an element of excitement in this movie, which contributed to the individuals personal drives and ambitions, and this lifted the spirits of the players and the viewers of the film in the audience, hence kudos to the director of the film for being able to capture the love-for-life, and for putting it together for all to witness and enjoy.

Heart warming and a beautiful insight to how these players see their health and their mortality. No matter what is thrown at them and by all means, its more than most, they just get up and carry on. Some strong inspirational characters to inspire all generations. Had me in tears as well as laughter. I went to the preview in London and the Q&A after with Terry Donlon was powerful to say the least. If these guys can do what they do at their age and health, anyone can. They prove that the power of the mind and a strong will can overcome mountains. Makes you feel like you want to get up and go and do something productive, no matter how old or young you are. Simply brilliant!

The documentary starts with 89 year old Les Darcy talking about his former teammate and world table tennis champion 81 year old Terry Donlan on a radio programme. Terry is ill with prostate cancer. Les quotes:

If with pleasure you are viewing any work a man is doing, If you like him or you love him, tell him now; Don't withhold your approbation till the parson makes oration And he lies with snowy lilies on his brow; No matter how you shout it he won't really care about it; He won't know how many teardrops you have shed; If you think some praise is due him now's the time to slip it to him, For he cannot read his tombstone when he's dead

The film then moves back to six months earlier. Terry is still reasonably well, his cancer controlled. In Sweden we see Rune Forsberg, Swedish champion. Then USA - Houston – Lisa and Jim Modlich. To Germany - Ursula Bihl, and Inge Hermann, both 89 years old. Mongolia – Sun Yon Qing. Australia – Dorothy deLow. They are all travelling to China for the 2010 World Senior (over 85) Table Tennis Championships.

Anson and Hugh Hartford have produced a little gem of a documentary. We share in the life stories of these sporting heroes, observe their struggle against a variety of opponents and marvel at the indefatigable human spirit. The music and filming never get in the way of the subjects who are somehow more majestic, the more humble they act. Everyone should see this, whatever age you are.

Who knew that there was such a thing as the Over 80s world table tennis championships? That alone is intriguing enough to draw you into this remarkable documentary . The film makers have chosen some extraordinary characters to follow through the tournament , engaging , likable -for the most part- entertaining and a wonderful endorsement for the benefits, physical, emotional and mental of playing this game. It is honest too, unsentimental and doesn't shy away from the downsides of old age . You learn the central characters' back stories, follow them through the tournament, see, as you do in any sport contested at the highest level, ruthlessness, gamesmanship ,if not downright skulduggery , and witness the players meeting triumph and disaster -or at least losing . You root for your heroes, boo silently at the villain and come away determined to start playing yourself .

Just been to see this at a packed special screening where the directors were present for a Q&A. A touching and humorously compelling glimpse into the world of octogenarian table tennis. Brilliantly edited, combining just the right amount of back story of 8 protagonists from around the world including two lovely old gents from the UK, together with footage from the World Championships which were held in China in 2010. Believe you me, the emotions aroused were similar to watching Team GB live at the London Olympics. Nearly forgot to mention that it also has a great soundtrack.

This film will sadly only get limited screening in cinemas but I believe it will be shown on Channel 4 later this year. Miss it at your peril - it's outstanding and is one of my favourite films of 2012 so far.