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A great deal has been recorded about the art of running, a restorative movement with ability for emotional liberation. Within the context of elite athletics, however, the stress of rivalry can make people lose sight of this primary objective. Reimagined from the eponymous manga, Kenji Iwaisawa’s mesmerising anime looks beyond trophies and medals to explore the inner motivation that fuels an sports star’s dream.

Story Synopsis

The 100-Meter Film follows Togashi and Komiya, youth companions whose career trajectories split when they enter elite competition. Once the quickest elementary student in Japan, Togashi guides the less confident Komiya with the essentials. As the twosome move through their teens and their 20s, Komiya steadily accelerates up the leaderboard of premier sportspeople, while Togashi is trapped in a decline; both battle anxieties and insecurities. Covering more than 15 years, the narrative tracks their internal hurdles, revealing the challenges of an competitor’s existence, locked in a loop of public scrutiny, result pressures and endorsement requirements.

Visual Highlights

Perhaps it’s down to the original work, but the animation’s answer to these intricate issues is a bit simplistic; frequently, a lead’s mental struggles just vanish after a prolonged talk with a fellow athlete or mentor. But what the film falls short in plot refinement and tempo, it redeems itself with in dazzling visuals. Employing rotoscoping, in which animation is traced over live-action footage, the film creates remarkably precise running sequences. The physical exertion of a dash is visibly evident, and the suffering and elation of competition are imprinted on the protagonists’ forms.

Unforgettable Scenes

One notably pivotal race finishes in the rain, with torrents of monochrome brushwork that engulf the screen. Beyond spoken words, these displays of stylistic brilliance encapsulate the quasi-enlightened elation the film aims to provoke.

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