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

Much has been documented about the art of running, a restorative movement with ability for cathartic release. Within the context of competitive games, however, the strain of contests can cause individuals to overlook of this primary objective. Transposed from the same-named comic, Kenji Iwaisawa’s enthralling anime transcends prizes and accolades to examine the inner motivation that spurs an athlete’s ambition.

Narrative Summary

The 100-Meter Film traces Togashi and Komiya, childhood friends whose personal journeys diverge when they enter elite competition. Formerly the quickest elementary student in Japan, Togashi assists the more uncertain Komiya with the fundamentals. As the duo move through their youth and early maturity, Komiya consistently improves up the ranking of premier sportspeople, while Togashi is stuck in a slump; both struggle with fears and doubts. Covering more than 15 years, the story follows their psychological barriers, revealing the challenges of an competitor’s existence, locked in a loop of public scrutiny, achievement demands and sponsorship demands.

Artistic Strengths

Possibly it’s due to the original work, but the animation’s answer to these complicated problems is somewhat facile; repeatedly, a protagonist’s uncertainties simply disappear after a extended discussion with a peer or a senior. But what the film falls short in plot refinement and rhythm, it compensates for in stunning imagery. Utilizing live-action tracing, in which animation is superimposed on real-life video, the film generates stunningly detailed running sequences. The bodily strain of a dash is clearly shown, and the pain and the joy of competition are imprinted on the athletes’ physiques.

Impactful Sequences

One particularly momentous race ends in the rain, with torrents of monochrome brushwork that engulf the screen. Apart from conversation, these bursts of artistic excellence embody the near-transcendent euphoria the film aims to provoke.

The Sprint Film is in UK cinemas from November 16.