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Plenty has been documented about the practice of running, a healing activity with ability for therapeutic unburdening. In the realm of elite athletics, however, the stress of contests can lead athletes to forget of this primary objective. Reimagined from the original graphic novel, Kenji Iwaisawa’s mesmerising anime looks beyond prizes and accolades to explore the core impetus that spurs an athlete’s ambition.

Narrative Summary

The 100-Meter Film traces Togashi and Komiya, early-life buddies whose career trajectories separate when they go pro. Previously the speediest young pupil in Japan, Togashi helps the less self-assured Komiya with the essentials. As the duo move through their adolescence and adulthood, Komiya consistently improves up the leaderboard of elite competitors, while Togashi is stuck in a slump; both battle worries and uncertainties. Covering more than 15 years, the tale tracks their internal hurdles, laying bare the struggles of an competitor’s existence, locked in a cycle of public scrutiny, performance expectations and endorsement requirements.

Visual Highlights

Maybe it’s because of the original work, but the movie’s approach to these intricate issues is a bit simplistic; time and time again, a protagonist’s uncertainties quickly dissolve after a lengthy conversation with a colleague or elder. But what the film lacks in story nuance and rhythm, it compensates for in stunning imagery. Employing live-action tracing, in which cartooning is traced over real-life video, the feature generates exquisitely intricate dash moments. The athletic effort of a sprint is visibly evident, and the struggle and triumph of rivalry are etched on the characters’ bodies.

Memorable Moments

One notably pivotal race concludes in the downpour, with cascades of grey strokes that overwhelm the screen. Beyond spoken words, these displays of artistic excellence capture the quasi-enlightened elation the animation aims to evoke.

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