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Much has been documented about the practice of running, a restorative movement with ability for cathartic release. In the realm of professional sports, yet, the strain of rivalry can lead athletes to forget of this primary objective. Reimagined from the original graphic novel, Kenji Iwaisawa’s spellbinding anime goes past prizes and accolades to examine the inner motivation that fuels an competitor’s aspiration.

Story Synopsis

The 100-Meter Film traces Togashi and Komiya, early-life buddies whose career trajectories split when they enter elite competition. Formerly the speediest young pupil in Japan, Togashi guides the less confident Komiya with the essentials. As the pair progress into their teens and their 20s, Komiya progressively advances up the ranking of premier sportspeople, while Togashi is stuck in a slump; both struggle with worries and uncertainties. Spanning more than 15 years, the narrative documents their internal hurdles, exposing the struggles of an athlete’s life, caught in a pattern of societal observation, achievement demands and endorsement requirements.

Creative Merits

Maybe it’s down to the source material, but the animation’s answer to these complicated problems is rather superficial; repeatedly, a character’s inner doubts quickly dissolve after a prolonged talk with a colleague or elder. But what the film is deficient in story nuance and rhythm, it makes up for in stunning imagery. Utilizing live-action tracing, in which drawn art is superimposed on filmed sequences, the film produces remarkably precise dash moments. The bodily strain of a sprint is visibly evident, and the pain and the joy of contests are engraved on the athletes’ physiques.

Impactful Sequences

One notably pivotal race concludes in the downpour, with torrents of charcoal lines that overwhelm the screen. Apart from conversation, these flourishes of stylistic brilliance capture the almost spiritual high the movie aims to evoke.

The Sprint Film is in UK cinemas from 16 November.