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Plenty has been written about the act of running, a restorative movement with capacity for therapeutic unburdening. In the realm of competitive games, yet, the stress of contests can make people lose sight of this primary objective. Reimagined from the original graphic novel, Kenji Iwaisawa’s spellbinding anime transcends prizes and accolades to investigate the existential drive that fuels an sports star’s dream.

Plot Overview

The 100-Meter Film follows Togashi and Komiya, youth companions whose career trajectories separate when they go pro. Formerly the speediest young pupil in Japan, Togashi helps the less self-assured Komiya with the essentials. As the pair enter their adolescence and adulthood, Komiya progressively advances up the standings of premier sportspeople, while Togashi is mired in a rut; both struggle with anxieties and insecurities. Covering more than 15 years, the narrative follows their mental obstacles, laying bare the difficulties of an sports professional’s journey, locked in a pattern of public scrutiny, achievement demands and sponsorship demands.

Visual Highlights

Possibly it’s down to the source material, but the movie’s approach to these intricate issues is rather superficial; time and time again, a protagonist’s uncertainties simply disappear after a lengthy conversation with a peer or a senior. But what 100 Meters lacks in narrative subtlety and rhythm, it makes up for in breathtaking graphics. Using live-action tracing, in which cartooning is drawn atop real-life video, the movie generates stunningly detailed dash moments. The athletic effort of a dash is clearly shown, and the struggle and triumph of rivalry are engraved on the characters’ bodies.

Memorable Moments

One especially significant race concludes in the downpour, with torrents of grey strokes that engulf the frame. More than any dialogue, these bursts of artistic excellence embody the quasi-enlightened elation the movie aims to evoke.

The Sprint Film is released in Britain from 16 November.