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Much has been recorded about the practice of running, a restorative movement with ability for cathartic release. Within the context of competitive games, however, the pressure of rivalry can lead athletes to forget of this primary objective. Adapted from the same-named comic, Kenji Iwaisawa’s enthralling anime looks beyond trophies and medals to examine the existential drive that spurs an sports star’s dream.

Plot Overview

The 100-Meter Film follows Togashi and Komiya, childhood friends whose life paths split when they go pro. Once the fastest grade-schooler in Japan, Togashi assists the less confident Komiya with the basics. As the twosome progress into their teens and their 20s, Komiya consistently improves up the standings of premier sportspeople, while Togashi is mired in a rut; both struggle with anxieties and insecurities. Encompassing more than 15 years, the story documents their psychological barriers, exposing the struggles of an sports professional’s journey, trapped in a cycle of societal observation, achievement demands and endorsement requirements.

Creative Merits

Maybe it’s due to the original work, but the movie’s approach to these intricate issues is somewhat facile; frequently, a protagonist’s uncertainties simply disappear after a prolonged talk with a colleague or elder. But what the anime falls short in story nuance and tempo, it redeems itself with in stunning imagery. Utilizing live-action tracing, in which animation is superimposed on filmed sequences, the movie generates remarkably precise dash moments. The physical exertion of a sprint is clearly shown, and the suffering and elation of competition are imprinted on the characters’ bodies.

Memorable Moments

One particularly momentous race finishes in the rain, with sheets of monochrome brushwork that engulf the frame. More than any dialogue, these flourishes of creative mastery embody the almost spiritual high the film aims to provoke.

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