Les D'Arcy is a living legend. At 89 years old, he's obviously not received the memo about slowing down, and is going for gold, literally. He's headed to China to compete in the over 80s Table Tennis Championships in Inner Mongolia.
An unabashed crowd-pleaser, Hugh Hartford’s table-top portrait avoids patronising its aged subjects, bouncing between sweetly satirical and sincerely moving. Given the theme, it’s only a shame it doesn’t last a bit longer.
The sight of this elderly bunch hobbling around the table may well make you laugh, but the passion with which they play each game as if it might (and probably will) be their last will also make you cry.
Remarkable people in a heartwarming, inspirational film.
The novelty wears off quickly enough, but the personalities behind the paddles endure.
These dynamic table-tennis stars put the rest of us to shame.
What a heartwarmer.
A twinkly, lovely documentary...smashing, indeed.
Hartford deserves credit for not only capturing the essence of the sport but also exploring in a non-condescending way its value for those who continue to participate long after society would have them confined to a nursing home.
Certainly the film offers a positive message about continued activity in later life, and the enlivening effect of friends and hobbies and competition; but it rather undermines that serious supportiveness when it treats its subjects too much like amusing mascots.
The 91-year-old ping-pong champion
Ping Pong players nearly as old as the sport itself
Cameo, Edinburgh from Thursday August 16, 2012. More info: http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/
Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow from Sunday August 12, 2012, until Tuesday August 14, 2012. More info: http://www.glasgowfilm.org/theatre/
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