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A great deal has been written about the act of running, a therapeutic exercise with potential for cathartic release. In the realm of competitive games, however, the strain of contests can cause individuals to overlook of this fundamental aim. Reimagined from the same-named comic, Kenji Iwaisawa’s enthralling anime transcends prizes and accolades to investigate the inner motivation that fuels an athlete’s ambition.

Plot Overview

The Sprint Story traces Togashi and Komiya, youth companions whose life paths diverge when they go pro. Previously the speediest young pupil in Japan, Togashi helps the more uncertain Komiya with the fundamentals. As the twosome move through their adolescence and adulthood, Komiya progressively advances up the ranking of top athletes, while Togashi is mired in a rut; both confront anxieties and insecurities. Covering more than 15 years, the story documents their mental obstacles, revealing the challenges of an competitor’s existence, trapped in a pattern of public scrutiny, achievement demands and commercial obligations.

Creative Merits

Possibly it’s because of the original work, but the film’s response to these intricate issues is rather superficial; time and time again, a character’s inner doubts just vanish after a prolonged talk with a colleague or elder. But what 100 Meters is deficient in story nuance and pacing, it redeems itself with in dazzling visuals. Using rotoscoping, in which drawn art is drawn atop filmed sequences, the feature generates remarkably precise sprinting scenes. The athletic effort of a race is clearly shown, and the pain and the joy of competition are etched on the characters’ bodies.

Unforgettable Scenes

One particularly momentous race finishes in the rain, with sheets of charcoal lines that immerse the scene. Beyond spoken words, these displays of artistic excellence encapsulate the almost spiritual high the movie aims to evoke.

100 Meters is in UK cinemas from the 16th of November.