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A great deal has been written about the act of running, a healing activity with ability for therapeutic unburdening. In the realm of competitive games, yet, the strain of contests can make people lose sight of this ultimate goal. Adapted from the original graphic novel, Kenji Iwaisawa’s enthralling anime looks beyond prizes and accolades to examine the inner motivation that drives an athlete’s ambition.

Narrative Summary

100 Meters chronicles Togashi and Komiya, youth companions whose career trajectories diverge when they go pro. Previously the quickest elementary student in Japan, Togashi helps the less confident Komiya with the basics. As the twosome enter their adolescence and adulthood, Komiya consistently improves up the ranking of premier sportspeople, while Togashi is trapped in a decline; both battle fears and doubts. Covering more than 15 years, the story tracks their internal hurdles, exposing the challenges of an athlete’s life, locked in a loop of media attention, achievement demands and commercial obligations.

Artistic Strengths

Perhaps it’s because of the base story, but the animation’s answer to these complicated problems is somewhat facile; time and time again, a lead’s mental struggles simply disappear after a lengthy conversation with a fellow athlete or mentor. But what the film is deficient in story nuance and tempo, it redeems itself with in breathtaking graphics. Utilizing rotoscoping, in which animation is superimposed on filmed sequences, the film generates exquisitely intricate dash moments. The bodily strain of a dash is visibly evident, and the suffering and elation of competition are etched on the athletes’ physiques.

Impactful Sequences

One particularly momentous race ends in the rain, with cascades of charcoal lines that immerse the screen. Apart from conversation, these bursts of artistic excellence embody the quasi-enlightened elation the film aims to evoke.

100 Meters is released in Britain from the 16th of November.