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Plenty has been documented about the practice of running, a therapeutic exercise with capacity for cathartic release. In the sphere of elite athletics, however, the strain of contests can cause individuals to overlook of this ultimate goal. Transposed from the eponymous manga, Kenji Iwaisawa’s spellbinding anime goes past trophies and medals to explore the existential drive that drives an sports star’s dream.

Plot Overview

The Sprint Story traces Togashi and Komiya, early-life buddies whose life paths diverge when they go pro. Formerly the quickest elementary student in Japan, Togashi helps the less self-assured Komiya with the fundamentals. As the twosome progress into their youth and early maturity, Komiya progressively advances up the ranking of elite competitors, while Togashi is mired in a rut; both struggle with worries and uncertainties. Covering more than 15 years, the tale follows their mental obstacles, revealing the struggles of an sports professional’s journey, trapped in a loop of public scrutiny, performance expectations and sponsorship demands.

Creative Merits

Maybe it’s due to the base story, but the animation’s answer to these complicated problems is somewhat facile; frequently, a protagonist’s uncertainties simply disappear after a prolonged talk with a fellow athlete or mentor. But what the anime falls short in narrative subtlety and rhythm, it makes up for in breathtaking graphics. Utilizing rotoscoping, in which cartooning is superimposed on filmed sequences, the movie produces remarkably precise running sequences. The physical exertion of a sprint is visibly evident, and the struggle and triumph of competition are etched on the characters’ bodies.

Unforgettable Scenes

One especially significant race finishes in the downpour, with sheets of charcoal lines that overwhelm the scene. Beyond spoken words, these displays of stylistic brilliance encapsulate the quasi-enlightened elation the animation aims to inspire.

100 Meters is released in Britain from 16 November.