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Much has been written about the act of running, a therapeutic exercise with potential for emotional liberation. In the sphere of elite athletics, however, the pressure of rivalry can cause individuals to overlook of this fundamental aim. Reimagined from the same-named comic, Kenji Iwaisawa’s spellbinding anime goes past prizes and accolades to examine the inner motivation that drives an sports star’s dream.

Story Synopsis

100 Meters follows Togashi and Komiya, early-life buddies whose life paths split when they enter elite competition. Once the fastest grade-schooler in Japan, Togashi assists the less confident Komiya with the essentials. As the duo enter their teens and their 20s, Komiya steadily accelerates up the leaderboard of premier sportspeople, while Togashi is trapped in a decline; both battle worries and uncertainties. Spanning more than 15 years, the story documents their mental obstacles, revealing the struggles of an sports professional’s journey, trapped in a pattern of public scrutiny, achievement demands and endorsement requirements.

Artistic Strengths

Maybe it’s due to the base story, but the film’s response to these intricate issues is a bit simplistic; frequently, a lead’s mental struggles just vanish after a lengthy conversation with a peer or a senior. But what 100 Meters falls short in plot refinement and rhythm, it compensates for in breathtaking graphics. Using live-action tracing, in which drawn art is drawn atop real-life video, the film generates remarkably precise sprinting scenes. The athletic effort of a dash is on full display, and the suffering and elation of competition are etched on the characters’ bodies.

Impactful Sequences

One notably pivotal race ends in the storm, with cascades of monochrome brushwork that engulf the frame. More than any dialogue, these flourishes of artistic excellence embody the quasi-enlightened elation the movie aims to inspire.

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