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Plenty has been written about the art of running, a therapeutic exercise with ability for cathartic release. Within the context of professional sports, though, the pressure of rivalry can lead athletes to forget of this primary objective. Transposed from the same-named comic, Kenji Iwaisawa’s enthralling anime goes past trophies and medals to investigate the existential drive that spurs an athlete’s ambition.

Story Synopsis

The Sprint Story chronicles Togashi and Komiya, childhood friends whose life paths diverge when they enter elite competition. Once the fastest grade-schooler in Japan, Togashi guides the less confident Komiya with the basics. As the twosome progress into their adolescence and adulthood, Komiya progressively advances up the standings of premier sportspeople, while Togashi is trapped in a decline; both battle fears and doubts. Covering more than 15 years, the story documents their internal hurdles, laying bare the struggles of an athlete’s life, trapped in a cycle of media attention, performance expectations and commercial obligations.

Artistic Strengths

Perhaps it’s because of the base story, but the animation’s answer to these complicated problems is a bit simplistic; repeatedly, a character’s inner doubts just vanish after a prolonged talk with a fellow athlete or mentor. But what 100 Meters lacks in narrative subtlety and tempo, it redeems itself with in dazzling visuals. Utilizing trace-over animation, in which animation is drawn atop real-life video, the feature generates remarkably precise running sequences. The physical exertion of a sprint is clearly shown, and the pain and the joy of rivalry are imprinted on the athletes’ physiques.

Memorable Moments

One especially significant race ends in the rain, with cascades of charcoal lines that overwhelm the screen. Apart from conversation, these flourishes of artistic excellence embody the quasi-enlightened elation the animation aims to provoke.

100 Meters is showing in the United Kingdom from November 16.