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Plenty has been recorded about the practice of running, a restorative movement with potential for cathartic release. Within the context of professional sports, however, the stress of rivalry can cause individuals to overlook of this fundamental aim. Reimagined from the same-named comic, Kenji Iwaisawa’s enthralling anime goes past trophies and medals to examine the existential drive that spurs an competitor’s aspiration.

Story Synopsis

100 Meters follows Togashi and Komiya, early-life buddies whose life paths split when they turn professional. Once the quickest elementary student in Japan, Togashi guides the less confident Komiya with the fundamentals. As the duo move through their adolescence and adulthood, Komiya steadily accelerates up the standings of top athletes, while Togashi is mired in a rut; both battle fears and doubts. Spanning more than 15 years, the narrative follows their mental obstacles, exposing the difficulties of an competitor’s existence, trapped in a loop of societal observation, achievement demands and sponsorship demands.

Artistic Strengths

Possibly it’s because of the source material, but the film’s response to these complex dilemmas is rather superficial; frequently, a lead’s mental struggles just vanish after a prolonged talk with a fellow athlete or mentor. But what the film lacks in story nuance and pacing, it redeems itself with in stunning imagery. Using live-action tracing, in which animation is drawn atop live-action footage, the feature generates remarkably precise running sequences. The athletic effort of a dash is clearly shown, and the pain and the joy of competition are imprinted on the athletes’ physiques.

Impactful Sequences

One notably pivotal race ends in the storm, with sheets of monochrome brushwork that immerse the screen. Beyond spoken words, these displays of stylistic brilliance capture the almost spiritual high the animation aims to evoke.

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