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Much has been written about the act of running, a restorative movement with ability for emotional liberation. In the sphere of elite athletics, though, the strain of rivalry can cause individuals to overlook of this ultimate goal. Reimagined from the original graphic novel, Kenji Iwaisawa’s mesmerising anime looks beyond awards and honors to examine the inner motivation that fuels an sports star’s dream.

Plot Overview

100 Meters traces Togashi and Komiya, early-life buddies whose personal journeys split when they go pro. Previously the fastest grade-schooler in Japan, Togashi assists the more uncertain Komiya with the basics. As the twosome enter their adolescence and adulthood, Komiya consistently improves up the ranking of elite competitors, while Togashi is stuck in a slump; both confront fears and doubts. Covering more than 15 years, the narrative follows their psychological barriers, laying bare the challenges of an athlete’s life, locked in a pattern of societal observation, result pressures and endorsement requirements.

Artistic Strengths

Maybe it’s because of the source material, but the film’s response to these intricate issues is somewhat facile; frequently, a character’s inner doubts quickly dissolve after a extended discussion with a peer or a senior. But what the film lacks in plot refinement and tempo, it redeems itself with in breathtaking graphics. Employing trace-over animation, in which drawn art is drawn atop filmed sequences, the feature generates stunningly detailed running sequences. The bodily strain of a race is on full display, and the pain and the joy of competition are etched on the characters’ bodies.

Impactful Sequences

One notably pivotal race ends in the storm, with sheets of grey strokes that immerse the scene. More than any dialogue, these flourishes of creative mastery encapsulate the quasi-enlightened elation the movie aims to evoke.

100 Meters is in UK cinemas from 16 November.