Ping Pong (2021)

Ning grew up in China being taught the strict tenants of Confucianism. Now studying at an American University, this philosophy has informed every aspect of his life, including the way he plays ping pong. One day, while crushing a hapless opponent, he is approached and challenged by Ning, a carefree Chinese-American student who grew up in the states. Lam proves to be more than a match for Ning, all the while oblivious to the way his haphazard style infuriates his opponent. After a series of back and forth rounds Ning emerges victorious, but Lam's carefree attitude to the game causes him to snap, and he blows up at the hapless American, demanding to know why he's playing "wrong." Immediately after the exchange the ping pong ball is crushed by a wandering student, and Lam and Ning are forced to wait for a replacement before they can resume their game. During the awkward wait, Lam chides Ning, explaining that he chooses to play in however way he wants because it's fun. Ning realizes that his strict worldview has restricted him his whole life, and the two return to the table with a new appreciation of each other's styles.