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Much has been written about the practice of running, a therapeutic exercise with capacity for cathartic release. In the realm of competitive games, though, the stress of contests can cause individuals to overlook of this primary objective. Adapted from the same-named comic, Kenji Iwaisawa’s enthralling anime transcends trophies and medals to explore the inner motivation that drives an sports star’s dream.

Story Synopsis

100 Meters chronicles Togashi and Komiya, youth companions whose life paths split when they go pro. Once the quickest elementary student in Japan, Togashi assists the less confident Komiya with the basics. As the duo progress into their youth and early maturity, Komiya steadily accelerates up the ranking of elite competitors, while Togashi is trapped in a decline; both confront anxieties and insecurities. Encompassing more than 15 years, the narrative documents their mental obstacles, exposing the difficulties of an athlete’s life, trapped in a cycle of societal observation, performance expectations and commercial obligations.

Creative Merits

Perhaps it’s because of the base story, but the film’s response to these intricate issues is somewhat facile; repeatedly, a character’s inner doubts just vanish after a prolonged talk with a fellow athlete or mentor. But what the film lacks in narrative subtlety and rhythm, it compensates for in stunning imagery. Using rotoscoping, in which drawn art is drawn atop filmed sequences, the movie generates stunningly detailed running sequences. The physical exertion of a sprint is clearly shown, and the suffering and elation of rivalry are imprinted on the protagonists’ forms.

Memorable Moments

One notably pivotal race finishes in the rain, with sheets of monochrome brushwork that engulf the screen. Beyond spoken words, these displays of creative mastery embody the almost spiritual high the film aims to provoke.

100 Meters is released in Britain from 16 November.