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Much has been documented about the art of running, a restorative movement with ability for emotional liberation. Within the context of competitive games, though, the stress of contests can make people lose sight of this ultimate goal. Transposed from the eponymous manga, Kenji Iwaisawa’s spellbinding anime transcends prizes and accolades to explore the inner motivation that drives an sports star’s dream.

Narrative Summary

The 100-Meter Film chronicles Togashi and Komiya, early-life buddies whose career trajectories separate when they go pro. Once the fastest grade-schooler in Japan, Togashi assists the less self-assured Komiya with the basics. As the pair move through their adolescence and adulthood, Komiya progressively advances up the ranking of top athletes, while Togashi is trapped in a decline; both struggle with anxieties and insecurities. Spanning more than 15 years, the story follows their mental obstacles, revealing the challenges of an sports professional’s journey, locked in a pattern of media attention, result pressures and sponsorship demands.

Creative Merits

Perhaps it’s due to the source material, but the film’s response to these intricate issues is somewhat facile; frequently, a character’s inner doubts simply disappear after a prolonged talk with a colleague or elder. But what 100 Meters lacks in plot refinement and tempo, it makes up for in stunning imagery. Using rotoscoping, in which cartooning is drawn atop real-life video, the film produces exquisitely intricate running sequences. The athletic effort of a race is clearly shown, and the suffering and elation of contests are engraved on the characters’ bodies.

Memorable Moments

One notably pivotal race concludes in the downpour, with torrents of monochrome brushwork that engulf the screen. Apart from conversation, these flourishes of stylistic brilliance capture the near-transcendent euphoria the film aims to inspire.

The Sprint Film is showing in the United Kingdom from 16 November.