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Plenty has been written about the art of running, a healing activity with ability for cathartic release. In the sphere of competitive games, yet, the stress of competition can lead athletes to forget of this ultimate goal. Adapted from the original graphic novel, Kenji Iwaisawa’s mesmerising anime transcends awards and honors to explore the core impetus that spurs an athlete’s ambition.

Plot Overview

The Sprint Story chronicles Togashi and Komiya, youth companions whose personal journeys split when they turn professional. Previously the speediest young pupil in Japan, Togashi assists the less self-assured Komiya with the essentials. As the twosome progress into their adolescence and adulthood, Komiya steadily accelerates up the standings of elite competitors, while Togashi is mired in a rut; both struggle with anxieties and insecurities. Encompassing more than 15 years, the tale tracks their psychological barriers, laying bare the difficulties of an athlete’s life, trapped in a cycle of media attention, result pressures and endorsement requirements.

Visual Highlights

Perhaps it’s due to the source material, but the film’s response to these intricate issues is rather superficial; frequently, a lead’s mental struggles simply disappear after a extended discussion with a colleague or elder. But what 100 Meters falls short in plot refinement and tempo, it redeems itself with in dazzling visuals. Using trace-over animation, in which cartooning is traced over real-life video, the film produces remarkably precise running sequences. The athletic effort of a race is on full display, and the struggle and triumph of contests are etched on the athletes’ physiques.

Unforgettable Scenes

One particularly momentous race concludes in the storm, with sheets of charcoal lines that overwhelm the scene. Apart from conversation, these displays of stylistic brilliance capture the quasi-enlightened elation the film aims to inspire.

The Sprint Film is released in Britain from 16 November.