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Much has been written about the practice of running, a healing activity with potential for therapeutic unburdening. Within the context of competitive games, though, the strain of rivalry can make people lose sight of this primary objective. Reimagined from the original graphic novel, Kenji Iwaisawa’s mesmerising anime goes past awards and honors to explore the inner motivation that drives an competitor’s aspiration.

Story Synopsis

100 Meters traces Togashi and Komiya, early-life buddies whose life paths separate when they go pro. Once the fastest grade-schooler in Japan, Togashi helps the less self-assured Komiya with the essentials. As the twosome move through their adolescence and adulthood, Komiya progressively advances up the ranking of elite competitors, while Togashi is stuck in a slump; both confront fears and doubts. Spanning more than 15 years, the tale follows their psychological barriers, exposing the struggles of an athlete’s life, locked in a pattern of media attention, performance expectations and commercial obligations.

Artistic Strengths

Maybe it’s down to the source material, but the movie’s approach to these complex dilemmas is somewhat facile; time and time again, a character’s inner doubts simply disappear after a lengthy conversation with a colleague or elder. But what 100 Meters is deficient in story nuance and tempo, it redeems itself with in breathtaking graphics. Employing rotoscoping, in which drawn art is traced over live-action footage, the movie generates exquisitely intricate dash moments. The bodily strain of a sprint is visibly evident, and the struggle and triumph of competition are etched on the protagonists’ forms.

Unforgettable Scenes

One notably pivotal race concludes in the storm, with torrents of charcoal lines that immerse the screen. Apart from conversation, these flourishes of artistic excellence encapsulate the near-transcendent euphoria the animation aims to provoke.

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