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Much has been documented about the act of running, a therapeutic exercise with ability for therapeutic unburdening. In the realm of competitive games, yet, the stress of rivalry can lead athletes to forget of this ultimate goal. Reimagined from the eponymous manga, Kenji Iwaisawa’s enthralling anime looks beyond prizes and accolades to investigate the existential drive that fuels an athlete’s ambition.

Narrative Summary

The 100-Meter Film traces Togashi and Komiya, childhood friends whose life paths separate when they go pro. Formerly the speediest young pupil in Japan, Togashi guides the less self-assured Komiya with the essentials. As the duo progress into their teens and their 20s, Komiya progressively advances up the standings of top athletes, while Togashi is stuck in a slump; both confront fears and doubts. Encompassing more than 15 years, the narrative documents their psychological barriers, laying bare the struggles of an competitor’s existence, caught in a cycle of public scrutiny, performance expectations and endorsement requirements.

Creative Merits

Possibly it’s because of the base story, but the film’s response to these complicated problems is rather superficial; time and time again, a character’s inner doubts just vanish after a prolonged talk with a fellow athlete or mentor. But what the film falls short in story nuance and pacing, it redeems itself with in dazzling visuals. Using rotoscoping, in which animation is drawn atop live-action footage, the film generates exquisitely intricate sprinting scenes. The physical exertion of a dash is visibly evident, and the struggle and triumph of contests are etched on the characters’ bodies.

Memorable Moments

One notably pivotal race finishes in the downpour, with cascades of grey strokes that overwhelm the scene. Beyond spoken words, these displays of stylistic brilliance encapsulate the near-transcendent euphoria the movie aims to inspire.

The Sprint Film is released in Britain from November 16.