Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Teens chase Olympic dreams in compelling sports documentary.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Top Spin
What's the Story?
TOP SPIN tells the story of Ariel, Lily, and Michael, all high schoolers who all fell in love with table tennis (aka ping-pong) from a very young age. Years of practice, dedication, and sacrifice are hopefully about to pay off as documentary filmmakers follow them in the months leading up to the trials for the 2012 U.S. Olympic team. As we get to know each of the three, we also meet the families, coaches, and friends who help and support them as they pursue their dreams. Thrilling wins and heartbreaking losses are part of each athlete's story, too. Do all three have what it takes to chase Olympic gold?
Is It Any Good?
If competitive table tennis wasn't on your radar, it certainly will be after watching this quietly fascinating and compelling look at three high school kids preparing for the Olympic team trials. Tweens and teens especially will enjoy rooting for Lily, Michael, and Ariel to make the team in Top Spin and will learn a lot about table tennis, sportsmanship, focus, and sacrifice. Although the sport may seem quirky to U.S. audiences, going along with these talented athletes through ups and downs and wins and losses in pursuit of their dreams will open kids' eyes to universal themes of sports achievement.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about sacrifice. What would you be willing to give up to pursue your dream? Friends? School events such as prom or graduation? Time with your family? What makes giving up those things worthwhile for Top Spin's Ariel, Lily, and Michael?
Did anything surprise you about the world of competitive table tennis? What's something you didn't know before you saw this movie?
How do table tennis players compare to other athletes in the Olympics? Are they as strong or as fit, and do they work as hard as other athletes?
How do the athletes in Top Spin demonstrate perseverance? Why is this an important character strength?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 15, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : June 15, 2016
- Cast : Ariel Hsing , Lily Zhang , Michael Landers
- Directors : Sara Newens , Mina T. Son
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s)
- Studios : The Film Sales Company , First Run Features
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 80 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : February 6, 2026
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