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Much has been documented about the practice of running, a restorative movement with potential for cathartic release. In the sphere of professional sports, however, the pressure of rivalry can make people lose sight of this ultimate goal. Adapted from the eponymous manga, Kenji Iwaisawa’s enthralling anime goes past trophies and medals to explore the existential drive that drives an athlete’s ambition.

Plot Overview

The Sprint Story traces Togashi and Komiya, youth companions whose life paths diverge when they turn professional. Previously the speediest young pupil in Japan, Togashi assists the less confident Komiya with the fundamentals. As the duo enter their adolescence and adulthood, Komiya consistently improves up the leaderboard of elite competitors, while Togashi is stuck in a slump; both battle fears and doubts. Spanning more than 15 years, the story follows their psychological barriers, exposing the struggles of an athlete’s life, caught in a loop of public scrutiny, achievement demands and sponsorship demands.

Visual Highlights

Perhaps it’s because of the original work, but the movie’s approach to these intricate issues is rather superficial; frequently, a lead’s mental struggles just vanish after a extended discussion with a colleague or elder. But what 100 Meters lacks in plot refinement and tempo, it redeems itself with in stunning imagery. Using rotoscoping, in which animation is drawn atop filmed sequences, the movie creates exquisitely intricate running sequences. The athletic effort of a sprint is clearly shown, and the suffering and elation of contests are etched on the characters’ bodies.

Memorable Moments

One especially significant race finishes in the storm, with torrents of monochrome brushwork that engulf the screen. More than any dialogue, these flourishes of creative mastery capture the near-transcendent euphoria the animation aims to evoke.

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