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A great deal has been documented about the act of running, a restorative movement with potential for cathartic release. In the sphere of professional sports, however, the pressure of contests can make people lose sight of this ultimate goal. Adapted from the eponymous manga, Kenji Iwaisawa’s enthralling anime goes past awards and honors to examine the existential drive that spurs an competitor’s aspiration.

Plot Overview

100 Meters traces Togashi and Komiya, youth companions whose personal journeys diverge when they go pro. Formerly the quickest elementary student in Japan, Togashi assists the less confident Komiya with the essentials. As the twosome progress into their youth and early maturity, Komiya progressively advances up the leaderboard of top athletes, while Togashi is trapped in a decline; both battle fears and doubts. Encompassing more than 15 years, the narrative follows their mental obstacles, laying bare the struggles of an competitor’s existence, locked in a loop of societal observation, result pressures and sponsorship demands.

Artistic Strengths

Maybe it’s due to the source material, but the film’s response to these intricate issues is a bit simplistic; frequently, a character’s inner doubts just vanish after a prolonged talk with a fellow athlete or mentor. But what the anime lacks in story nuance and rhythm, it makes up for in stunning imagery. Utilizing rotoscoping, in which drawn art is superimposed on filmed sequences, the movie generates stunningly detailed dash moments. The bodily strain of a race is clearly shown, and the pain and the joy of contests are etched on the athletes’ physiques.

Unforgettable Scenes

One especially significant race ends in the rain, with torrents of grey strokes that immerse the scene. Apart from conversation, these displays of creative mastery embody the quasi-enlightened elation the animation aims to evoke.

The 100-Meter Anime is in UK cinemas from the 16th of November.