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Plenty has been documented about the art of running, a restorative movement with ability for therapeutic unburdening. In the sphere of professional sports, however, the pressure of contests can cause individuals to overlook of this fundamental aim. Adapted from the original graphic novel, Kenji Iwaisawa’s spellbinding anime transcends awards and honors to investigate the existential drive that spurs an sports star’s dream.

Narrative Summary

The Sprint Story traces Togashi and Komiya, youth companions whose life paths separate when they turn professional. Previously the fastest grade-schooler in Japan, Togashi assists the more uncertain Komiya with the basics. As the twosome progress into their adolescence and adulthood, Komiya steadily accelerates up the leaderboard of elite competitors, while Togashi is trapped in a decline; both struggle with fears and doubts. Encompassing more than 15 years, the narrative follows their mental obstacles, laying bare the struggles of an athlete’s life, trapped in a cycle of media attention, achievement demands and endorsement requirements.

Artistic Strengths

Possibly it’s down to the source material, but the movie’s approach to these intricate issues is a bit simplistic; time and time again, a protagonist’s uncertainties just vanish after a extended discussion with a fellow athlete or mentor. But what the anime falls short in plot refinement and tempo, it makes up for in dazzling visuals. Using rotoscoping, in which drawn art is traced over real-life video, the movie generates remarkably precise dash moments. The athletic effort of a race is on full display, and the struggle and triumph of contests are etched on the characters’ bodies.

Unforgettable Scenes

One notably pivotal race concludes in the downpour, with sheets of grey strokes that overwhelm the scene. Apart from conversation, these bursts of artistic excellence capture the near-transcendent euphoria the animation aims to provoke.

100 Meters is in UK cinemas from November 16.