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A great deal has been documented about the practice of running, a restorative movement with potential for therapeutic unburdening. In the sphere of competitive games, though, the stress of contests can make people lose sight of this primary objective. Adapted from the eponymous manga, Kenji Iwaisawa’s spellbinding anime goes past awards and honors to explore the inner motivation that drives an competitor’s aspiration.

Story Synopsis

100 Meters follows Togashi and Komiya, early-life buddies whose personal journeys separate when they enter elite competition. Formerly the quickest elementary student in Japan, Togashi assists the less confident Komiya with the fundamentals. As the duo move through their youth and early maturity, Komiya steadily accelerates up the standings of top athletes, while Togashi is trapped in a decline; both battle fears and doubts. Spanning more than 15 years, the tale follows their internal hurdles, laying bare the difficulties of an sports professional’s journey, locked in a pattern of public scrutiny, result pressures and endorsement requirements.

Artistic Strengths

Maybe it’s due to the original work, but the animation’s answer to these complicated problems is somewhat facile; repeatedly, a character’s inner doubts just vanish after a extended discussion with a colleague or elder. But what the anime falls short in narrative subtlety and tempo, it redeems itself with in breathtaking graphics. Utilizing live-action tracing, in which cartooning is traced over real-life video, the movie creates exquisitely intricate sprinting scenes. The bodily strain of a dash is on full display, and the struggle and triumph of rivalry are etched on the athletes’ physiques.

Memorable Moments

One notably pivotal race ends in the downpour, with torrents of grey strokes that engulf the screen. Beyond spoken words, these displays of stylistic brilliance capture the almost spiritual high the animation aims to evoke.

The Sprint Film is in UK cinemas from the 16th of November.