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A great deal has been documented about the art of running, a therapeutic exercise with potential for cathartic release. In the sphere of professional sports, however, the strain of contests can make people lose sight of this primary objective. Reimagined from the original graphic novel, Kenji Iwaisawa’s spellbinding anime goes past trophies and medals to examine the existential drive that fuels an sports star’s dream.

Plot Overview

The Sprint Story chronicles Togashi and Komiya, childhood friends whose life paths split when they go pro. Previously the fastest grade-schooler in Japan, Togashi guides the less confident Komiya with the essentials. As the twosome enter their youth and early maturity, Komiya progressively advances up the standings of elite competitors, while Togashi is trapped in a decline; both struggle with fears and doubts. Spanning more than 15 years, the tale documents their internal hurdles, exposing the difficulties of an sports professional’s journey, locked in a loop of societal observation, result pressures and sponsorship demands.

Creative Merits

Perhaps it’s down to the source material, but the movie’s approach to these complex dilemmas is a bit simplistic; frequently, a lead’s mental struggles just vanish after a prolonged talk with a colleague or elder. But what the film falls short in plot refinement and pacing, it redeems itself with in dazzling visuals. Employing rotoscoping, in which cartooning is superimposed on live-action footage, the film produces exquisitely intricate dash moments. The athletic effort of a dash is visibly evident, and the pain and the joy of contests are engraved on the characters’ bodies.

Memorable Moments

One notably pivotal race concludes in the downpour, with sheets of monochrome brushwork that overwhelm the screen. More than any dialogue, these displays of stylistic brilliance embody the almost spiritual high the animation aims to inspire.

100 Meters is released in Britain from 16 November.