"The King of Ping Pong" is Swedish film about Rille, an overweight outcast who seems to be outdone by his younger brother Erik in every way. Erik is more popular, hanging out with the older kids, while the older kids pick on Rille and mock him. To compensate, Rille becomes fascinated with ping pong, declaring it to be the last egalitarian sport, untainted by drugs or scandal. Doesn't that sound like a pleasant coming of age comedy? That's what I thought when I went to see "The King of Ping Pong" at SIFF. Unfortunately, the movie turned out to be more drama than comedy, and was quite dark at times. The movie is also very slow paced, really dragging at times. Fortunately there are enough genuinely sweet and funny moments between Rille and Erik, and Rille and his friend Anja (who is quite memorable) to keep the movie from sucking, but I can't recommend "The King of Ping Pong" to anyone.
Final Grade: C
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
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