100 Meters Review – Mesmerising Anime of Young Athletes in Quest for Mind-Body Elevation

A great deal has been recorded about the practice of running, a therapeutic exercise with capacity for emotional liberation. Within the context of competitive games, though, the stress of competition can cause individuals to overlook of this fundamental aim. Reimagined from the original graphic novel, Kenji Iwaisawa’s mesmerising anime goes past prizes and accolades to explore the inner motivation that drives an athlete’s ambition.

Story Synopsis

The Sprint Story traces Togashi and Komiya, childhood friends whose personal journeys split when they turn professional. Once the speediest young pupil in Japan, Togashi guides the less confident Komiya with the essentials. As the duo enter their teens and their 20s, Komiya progressively advances up the ranking of top athletes, while Togashi is stuck in a slump; both battle anxieties and insecurities. Covering more than 15 years, the story follows their mental obstacles, exposing the difficulties of an athlete’s life, locked in a loop of public scrutiny, achievement demands and sponsorship demands.

Visual Highlights

Maybe it’s down to the base story, but the film’s response to these complicated problems is a bit simplistic; time and time again, a protagonist’s uncertainties quickly dissolve after a lengthy conversation with a fellow athlete or mentor. But what the anime falls short in story nuance and rhythm, it redeems itself with in stunning imagery. Using live-action tracing, in which cartooning is drawn atop real-life video, the feature produces exquisitely intricate dash moments. The athletic effort of a race is visibly evident, and the struggle and triumph of competition are engraved on the athletes’ physiques.

Unforgettable Scenes

One especially significant race concludes in the storm, with torrents of charcoal lines that overwhelm the scene. More than any dialogue, these displays of stylistic brilliance encapsulate the near-transcendent euphoria the movie aims to inspire.

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