Ping Pong: The Triumph
| Ping Pong: The Triumph | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Chinese | 中国乒乓之绝地反击 |
| Literally | China's table tennis counterattack |
| Directed by |
|
| Written by |
|
| Starring | |
| 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 |
|
Running time | 137 minutes |
| Country | China |
| Language | Chinese |
| Box office | US$14.1 million[1] |
Ping Pong: The Triumph (Chinese: 中国乒乓之绝地反击) is a 2023 Chinese sports drama film starring Deng Chao, Sun Li and Timmy Xu. The story draws inspiration from a true incident centered on table tennis coach Cai Zhenhua who assembled five talented players at the 1995 World Championships. The film was developed following the success of the 2021 television series Ping Pong.[2]
Plot
Set between 1992 and 1995, the story follows a table tennis coach inspired by Cai Zhenhua, who returns from abroad determined to make a difference. Under his leadership, five players — Ding Song, Ma Wenge, Wang Tao, Liu Guoliang, and Kong Linghui; come together in Tianjin, where they embark on a remarkable journey culminating in a dramatic comeback at the World Championships.[3]
Cast
- Deng Chao as Dai Minjia: based on Cai Zhenhua
- Sun Li as Wang Ying
- Timmy Xu as Bai Minhe: based on Ma Wenge
- Duan Bowen as Huang Zhao: based on Wang Tao
- Cai Yida as Gong Feng: based on Ding Song
- Ding Guansen as Hou Zhuoxiang: based on Liu Guoliang
- Sun Xilun as Dong Shuai: based on Kong Linghui
- Wu Jing as Da Li: based on Xi Enting
- Yu Haoming as Wang Yao: based on Wang Hao
Release
On 24 January 2023, the film was initially released; after a moderate initial response, it shifted to limited viewing the next day. Later, it was re-released on 17 February 2023.[4]
On 14 November 2024, it was dubbed and distributed in Italy under the title Ping Pong: Il Ritorno by Imago Communication; marking an European Premiere.[5]
Reception
James Marsh of South China Morning Post rated the film 3/5, stated "Ping Pong: The Triumph is a slick, polished production fueled by national pride and nostalgia. The spirited ensemble keeps us invested in the individual challenges and struggles faced by the team. While not a classic, it should get its intended audience on its feet".[6] Carla Hay of Culture Mix stated "Ping Pong: The Triumph is more than about winning games. It’s a predictable underdog story with a rather bland screenplay, but the action scenes are well filmed and keep viewers interested".[7]
Soundtrack
| ""No One Called "Hey""" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Lorne Balfe and Andrew Kawczynski | |
| Released | January 20, 2023[8] |
| Length | 4:35 |
| Label | East Asia Record Production Company Limited |
| Songwriter | Tang Tian |
| Producer | Yu Fei |
| Official video | |
| Ping Pong: The Triumph - Song on YouTube | |
Accolades
| Award | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Rooster Awards | Best Picture | Ping Pong: The Triumph | Nominated | [9] |
| Best Director | Deng Chao & Yu Baimei | Nominated | ||
| Best Art Direction | Huo Tingxiao | Nominated | ||
| Best Sound Recording | Feng Yanming & Lin Xuelin | Nominated |
References
- ^ "Zhōng Guó Pīng Pāng". The Numbers. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ "Ping Pong - Bai Jingting, Timmy Xu". CPOP HOME. 12 March 2021. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ Zhu Yijin (21 January 2023). "中國乒乓 黎明時隔多年再為電影獻聲 休閒打扮出鏡型格不變" [China Table Tennis Lai Ming lent his voice to a movie after many years, and his style remains unchanged when he appears in casual attire]. HK01 (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 22 January 2023. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
- ^ Zhang Xiaoha (26 January 2023). "最慘春節片只播2天！ 「突發二次上映」遭嗆：老套題材啥時播都一樣 Ettoday星光雲 | ETtoday新聞雲" [The worst Spring Festival movie will only be aired for 2 days! "Sudden second release" was choked: the same old themes are broadcast no matter what time]. ETtoday (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 3 February 2023. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
- ^ "Ping Pong: Il Ritorno". Imago Communication. Retrieved 25 October 2024.
- ^ "Review – Ping Pong: The Triumph movie review – Deng Chao recalls China's overcoming of table tennis struggles in rousing 1990s-set sports drama". South China Morning Post. 14 March 2023. Archived from the original on 16 October 2023. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
- ^ Hay, Carla (26 February 2023). "Review: Ping Pong: The Triumph". Culture Mix. Archived from the original on 5 December 2023. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
- ^ Chen Nan (17 January 2023). "Theme song of upcoming sports movie released". China Daily. Archived from the original on 20 January 2023. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
- ^ "第36届金鸡奖入围名单公布！惠英红：看到了我这粒尘埃" [The shortlist for the 36th Golden Rooster Awards has been announced! Hui Yinghong: I saw this speck of dust in me]. 8world Entertainment Lifestyle (in Chinese). 15 October 2023. Archived from the original on 15 October 2023. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
External links
- Ping Pong: The Triumph at IMDb
- Ping Pong: The Triumph at Douban (in Chinese)
- Ping Pong: The Triumph at Rotten Tomatoes