Pingpong (2006)

Director:

Matthias Luthardt

Writers:

Meike Hauck (writer)
Matthias Luthardt (co-writer)

Release Date:

16 November 2006 (Germany)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

Plot Keywords:

Aunt Nephew Relationship | Swimming Pool | Piano | Family | Dog

Awards:

2 wins & 1 nomination

Cast

Sebastian Urzendowsky	...	Paul
Marion Mitterhammer	...	Anna
Clemens Berg	...	Robert
Falk Rockstroh	...	Stefan

Runtime:

89 min

Country:

Germany

Language:

German

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Switzerland:14 (canton of Vaud) | Netherlands:12 | Switzerland:14 (canton of Geneva) | Singapore:M18 | Germany:12

Filming Locations:

Ballenstedt, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany

Company:

Hochschule für Film und Fernsehen 'Konrad Wolf'

Trivia:

French subtitles (original version with subtitles) by Titra Film Paris. French text by Marie Marcelot.

Soundtrack:

Sonate für Klavier Opus 1

Great First Feature

There were a few moments in this film that I didn't buy (I won't say what--no spoilers here), but that's what happens when you take risks on screen.

Tone-wise, I'd say this film was like American Beauty, but done much better. There were still some over-the-top moments, but unlike the Alan Ball/Sam Mendes mega-hit, parts of this film feel genuine. The script was juggling many nuanced through-lines, and did so surprisingly well.

Solid acting. Nice control of the camera--and the HD-to-35mm blowup looked pretty darn nice.

I'd like to see more from this director.