100 Meters Review – Mesmerising Animation of Young Athletes in Search for Physical and Spiritual High

A great deal has been written about the practice of running, a healing activity with ability for cathartic release. Within the context of professional sports, yet, the strain of contests can cause individuals to overlook of this ultimate goal. Reimagined from the original graphic novel, Kenji Iwaisawa’s enthralling anime transcends awards and honors to explore the inner motivation that spurs an competitor’s aspiration.

Story Synopsis

The Sprint Story traces Togashi and Komiya, early-life buddies whose life paths split when they turn professional. Formerly the quickest elementary student in Japan, Togashi assists the less self-assured Komiya with the basics. As the twosome enter their teens and their 20s, Komiya consistently improves up the leaderboard of premier sportspeople, while Togashi is stuck in a slump; both confront anxieties and insecurities. Covering more than 15 years, the tale follows their internal hurdles, laying bare the difficulties of an sports professional’s journey, caught in a cycle of media attention, result pressures and sponsorship demands.

Artistic Strengths

Possibly it’s down to the base story, but the movie’s approach to these complicated problems is rather superficial; frequently, a character’s inner doubts quickly dissolve after a prolonged talk with a peer or a senior. But what the film lacks in plot refinement and tempo, it redeems itself with in dazzling visuals. Employing rotoscoping, in which animation is drawn atop live-action footage, the film produces remarkably precise dash moments. The athletic effort of a dash is visibly evident, and the struggle and triumph of contests are etched on the athletes’ physiques.

Memorable Moments

One particularly momentous race concludes in the rain, with sheets of grey strokes that immerse the frame. Beyond spoken words, these bursts of stylistic brilliance encapsulate the almost spiritual high the film aims to provoke.

The Sprint Film is in UK cinemas from 16 November.