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Plenty has been recorded about the art of running, a therapeutic exercise with potential for emotional liberation. In the realm of elite athletics, yet, the pressure of competition can cause individuals to overlook of this fundamental aim. Adapted from the original graphic novel, Kenji Iwaisawa’s enthralling anime goes past trophies and medals to examine the existential drive that drives an athlete’s ambition.

Story Synopsis

The Sprint Story follows Togashi and Komiya, youth companions whose career trajectories separate when they go pro. Once the quickest elementary student in Japan, Togashi assists the more uncertain Komiya with the essentials. As the twosome move through their teens and their 20s, Komiya progressively advances up the standings of premier sportspeople, while Togashi is mired in a rut; both battle anxieties and insecurities. Encompassing more than 15 years, the story follows their psychological barriers, exposing the challenges of an sports professional’s journey, trapped in a loop of media attention, achievement demands and sponsorship demands.

Creative Merits

Possibly it’s because of the original work, but the movie’s approach to these complicated problems is rather superficial; frequently, a character’s inner doubts simply disappear after a prolonged talk with a fellow athlete or mentor. But what 100 Meters lacks in narrative subtlety and pacing, it compensates for in stunning imagery. Using rotoscoping, in which drawn art is drawn atop filmed sequences, the movie creates exquisitely intricate sprinting scenes. The physical exertion of a sprint is clearly shown, and the pain and the joy of rivalry are etched on the athletes’ physiques.

Unforgettable Scenes

One especially significant race ends in the rain, with torrents of grey strokes that immerse the screen. Apart from conversation, these displays of artistic excellence capture the almost spiritual high the movie aims to evoke.

The Sprint Film is in UK cinemas from November 16.