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Much has been written about the practice of running, a healing activity with ability for cathartic release. In the sphere of competitive games, yet, the strain of contests can lead athletes to forget of this fundamental aim. Transposed from the same-named comic, Kenji Iwaisawa’s mesmerising anime transcends awards and honors to explore the core impetus that drives an athlete’s ambition.

Story Synopsis

The Sprint Story follows Togashi and Komiya, early-life buddies whose life paths separate when they go pro. Formerly the speediest young pupil in Japan, Togashi assists the more uncertain Komiya with the basics. As the twosome enter their youth and early maturity, Komiya steadily accelerates up the ranking of top athletes, while Togashi is stuck in a slump; both struggle with fears and doubts. Encompassing more than 15 years, the tale follows their mental obstacles, laying bare the struggles of an sports professional’s journey, caught in a loop of public scrutiny, performance expectations and sponsorship demands.

Artistic Strengths

Perhaps it’s because of the source material, but the movie’s approach to these intricate issues is a bit simplistic; repeatedly, a lead’s mental struggles quickly dissolve after a extended discussion with a colleague or elder. But what 100 Meters is deficient in narrative subtlety and rhythm, it makes up for in stunning imagery. Utilizing rotoscoping, in which drawn art is traced over real-life video, the film generates stunningly detailed running sequences. The bodily strain of a dash is clearly shown, and the pain and the joy of rivalry are imprinted on the characters’ bodies.

Impactful Sequences

One particularly momentous race finishes in the rain, with sheets of grey strokes that immerse the frame. More than any dialogue, these bursts of creative mastery encapsulate the quasi-enlightened elation the animation aims to evoke.

The 100-Meter Anime is released in Britain from the 16th of November.