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A great deal has been documented about the act of running, a restorative movement with ability for therapeutic unburdening. In the sphere of professional sports, yet, the pressure of contests can make people lose sight of this ultimate goal. Adapted from the original graphic novel, Kenji Iwaisawa’s enthralling anime looks beyond trophies and medals to explore the inner motivation that spurs an sports star’s dream.

Narrative Summary

The 100-Meter Film chronicles Togashi and Komiya, early-life buddies whose personal journeys split when they turn professional. Formerly the fastest grade-schooler in Japan, Togashi helps the less confident Komiya with the fundamentals. As the duo move through their youth and early maturity, Komiya progressively advances up the leaderboard of elite competitors, while Togashi is stuck in a slump; both confront anxieties and insecurities. Encompassing more than 15 years, the story follows their mental obstacles, laying bare the challenges of an competitor’s existence, caught in a pattern of societal observation, result pressures and sponsorship demands.

Creative Merits

Maybe it’s down to the source material, but the movie’s approach to these intricate issues is a bit simplistic; frequently, a lead’s mental struggles just vanish after a prolonged talk with a peer or a senior. But what 100 Meters lacks in plot refinement and pacing, it redeems itself with in dazzling visuals. Utilizing rotoscoping, in which cartooning is superimposed on filmed sequences, the film generates exquisitely intricate sprinting scenes. The athletic effort of a dash is clearly shown, and the pain and the joy of contests are engraved on the athletes’ physiques.

Impactful Sequences

One particularly momentous race concludes in the rain, with cascades of charcoal lines that overwhelm the frame. Apart from conversation, these bursts of creative mastery encapsulate the near-transcendent euphoria the movie aims to provoke.

The 100-Meter Anime is in UK cinemas from November 16.