Review of Ping Pong the Animation

A show that explores the mindset of a group of ping-pong-obsessed individuals to discuss motivation, effort versus talent, and the emotions that inspire us to fight and win in competitive environments. Like many sports anime, Ping Pong the Animation isn't so much focused on the action of the fights as on character development and the internal struggles that accompany the matches. For characters like Smile, Peco, Kazama, and others, the fights aren't just against their opponents on the other side of the table, but also against themselves. It takes the conflict beyond the practice rooms and tournaments to reflect on why each of them pursues whatthey want. It's one of those series where the pacing is slow but is so you can get to know each player in this town and what's at stake in each of their matches, whether it's their fame, their honor, the right to return home as a victor, the title of the strongest, or "the hero."

Yuasa handles the characters very well in their routines and how they grow throughout the story, showing the ups and downs of their victories and defeats. His chaotic direction alongside the experimental animation style and Kensuke Ushio's wonderful soundtrack, further elevates the excitement of the fights to a level that repeatedly kept me at the edge of my seat and my eyes glued to the screen.

It's not realistic, but it doesn't aim to be; it's an exaggeration of the mental battles the players go through in order to get closer to them and visualize the frenzy of their actions. Not only do you see every swing, every jump, every hit, and every bounce, you also feel the weight behind them. Like other works by the director, such as Devilman Crybaby or Tatami Galaxy, watching some scenes conveys a sense of what I suppose people see when they're on drugs, and it's so exciting.

A must-watch for fans of the medium. Masterpiece.