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Plenty has been written about the act of running, a restorative movement with ability for emotional liberation. In the realm of elite athletics, however, the stress of competition can cause individuals to overlook of this primary objective. Adapted from the same-named comic, Kenji Iwaisawa’s enthralling anime looks beyond prizes and accolades to explore the inner motivation that drives an athlete’s ambition.

Story Synopsis

The 100-Meter Film follows Togashi and Komiya, early-life buddies whose career trajectories diverge when they go pro. Once the speediest young pupil in Japan, Togashi helps the less confident Komiya with the fundamentals. As the twosome progress into their youth and early maturity, Komiya consistently improves up the standings of premier sportspeople, while Togashi is stuck in a slump; both battle anxieties and insecurities. Spanning more than 15 years, the narrative documents their psychological barriers, exposing the challenges of an competitor’s existence, locked in a loop of public scrutiny, achievement demands and commercial obligations.

Creative Merits

Possibly it’s down to the base story, but the film’s response to these complex dilemmas is somewhat facile; frequently, a character’s inner doubts quickly dissolve after a extended discussion with a fellow athlete or mentor. But what the anime lacks in plot refinement and pacing, it makes up for in breathtaking graphics. Utilizing live-action tracing, in which cartooning is traced over filmed sequences, the film produces stunningly detailed dash moments. The athletic effort of a race is clearly shown, and the pain and the joy of contests are imprinted on the protagonists’ forms.

Unforgettable Scenes

One particularly momentous race ends in the downpour, with torrents of monochrome brushwork that overwhelm the frame. Beyond spoken words, these bursts of stylistic brilliance capture the near-transcendent euphoria the film aims to evoke.

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