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Plenty has been documented about the act of running, a healing activity with potential for therapeutic unburdening. Within the context of elite athletics, yet, the pressure of rivalry can cause individuals to overlook of this primary objective. Transposed from the eponymous manga, Kenji Iwaisawa’s spellbinding anime goes past prizes and accolades to examine the existential drive that spurs an competitor’s aspiration.

Narrative Summary

The 100-Meter Film chronicles Togashi and Komiya, early-life buddies whose personal journeys split when they enter elite competition. Previously the quickest elementary student in Japan, Togashi helps the less confident Komiya with the basics. As the duo move through their adolescence and adulthood, Komiya consistently improves up the ranking of top athletes, while Togashi is mired in a rut; both struggle with fears and doubts. Spanning more than 15 years, the story follows their psychological barriers, revealing the challenges of an athlete’s life, locked in a loop of public scrutiny, performance expectations and sponsorship demands.

Creative Merits

Maybe it’s down to the base story, but the animation’s answer to these intricate issues is somewhat facile; repeatedly, a protagonist’s uncertainties simply disappear after a prolonged talk with a peer or a senior. But what the film lacks in plot refinement and pacing, it redeems itself with in dazzling visuals. Using live-action tracing, in which cartooning is traced over real-life video, the film creates exquisitely intricate dash moments. The athletic effort of a race is clearly shown, and the pain and the joy of contests are etched on the athletes’ physiques.

Memorable Moments

One particularly momentous race concludes in the storm, with sheets of grey strokes that immerse the screen. More than any dialogue, these flourishes of stylistic brilliance embody the almost spiritual high the film aims to inspire.

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