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A great deal has been documented about the act of running, a restorative movement with ability for cathartic release. Within the context of professional sports, however, the pressure of competition can lead athletes to forget of this ultimate goal. Adapted from the original graphic novel, Kenji Iwaisawa’s spellbinding anime transcends prizes and accolades to investigate the core impetus that spurs an athlete’s ambition.

Narrative Summary

The Sprint Story follows Togashi and Komiya, youth companions whose personal journeys split when they turn professional. Formerly the speediest young pupil in Japan, Togashi guides the more uncertain Komiya with the essentials. As the pair enter their teens and their 20s, Komiya progressively advances up the standings of elite competitors, while Togashi is stuck in a slump; both battle fears and doubts. Spanning more than 15 years, the story tracks their internal hurdles, laying bare the difficulties of an athlete’s life, locked in a loop of public scrutiny, performance expectations 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; time and time again, a protagonist’s uncertainties simply disappear after a prolonged talk with a fellow athlete or mentor. But what 100 Meters is deficient in story nuance and tempo, it redeems itself with in stunning imagery. Utilizing rotoscoping, in which cartooning is traced over filmed sequences, the feature creates stunningly detailed sprinting scenes. The athletic effort of a sprint is on full display, and the suffering and elation of rivalry are etched on the athletes’ physiques.

Unforgettable Scenes

One particularly momentous race ends in the rain, with torrents of charcoal lines that overwhelm the frame. Apart from conversation, these bursts of creative mastery encapsulate the quasi-enlightened elation the animation aims to inspire.

The 100-Meter Anime is released in Britain from 16 November.