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A great deal has been written about the act of running, a therapeutic exercise with potential for emotional liberation. Within the context of competitive games, however, the stress of competition can make people lose sight of this ultimate goal. Adapted from the original graphic novel, Kenji Iwaisawa’s enthralling anime goes past prizes and accolades to explore the inner motivation that spurs an athlete’s ambition.

Story Synopsis

The Sprint Story traces Togashi and Komiya, early-life buddies whose career trajectories separate when they enter elite competition. Once the speediest young pupil in Japan, Togashi helps the less self-assured Komiya with the fundamentals. As the twosome enter their youth and early maturity, Komiya progressively advances up the ranking of premier sportspeople, while Togashi is stuck in a slump; both struggle with fears and doubts. Encompassing more than 15 years, the story documents their mental obstacles, laying bare the struggles of an athlete’s life, caught in a pattern of public scrutiny, achievement demands and endorsement requirements.

Artistic Strengths

Perhaps it’s because of the source material, but the film’s response to these complicated problems is a bit simplistic; time and time again, a character’s inner doubts just vanish after a extended discussion with a peer or a senior. But what 100 Meters lacks in story nuance and rhythm, it redeems itself with in stunning imagery. Utilizing rotoscoping, in which animation is superimposed on real-life video, the feature creates remarkably precise sprinting scenes. The bodily strain of a dash is on full display, and the suffering and elation of contests are engraved on the characters’ bodies.

Unforgettable Scenes

One especially significant race concludes in the rain, with cascades of charcoal lines that overwhelm the scene. More than any dialogue, these bursts of creative mastery embody the near-transcendent euphoria the animation aims to provoke.

The Sprint Film is in UK cinemas from November 16.