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A great deal has been recorded about the practice of running, a therapeutic exercise with ability for emotional liberation. In the realm of competitive games, however, the pressure of competition can cause individuals to overlook of this ultimate goal. Adapted from the eponymous manga, Kenji Iwaisawa’s mesmerising anime looks beyond prizes and accolades to examine the inner motivation that spurs an athlete’s ambition.

Narrative Summary

100 Meters follows Togashi and Komiya, early-life buddies whose life paths diverge when they enter elite competition. Previously the speediest young pupil in Japan, Togashi helps the less self-assured Komiya with the essentials. As the duo move through their youth and early maturity, Komiya steadily accelerates up the leaderboard of elite competitors, while Togashi is mired in a rut; both confront anxieties and insecurities. Covering more than 15 years, the tale documents their internal hurdles, revealing the challenges of an competitor’s existence, locked in a loop of societal observation, achievement demands and endorsement requirements.

Creative Merits

Possibly it’s down to the original work, but the animation’s answer to these intricate issues is a bit simplistic; frequently, a character’s inner doubts quickly dissolve after a extended discussion with a colleague or elder. But what the film lacks in plot refinement and tempo, it compensates for in breathtaking graphics. Using rotoscoping, in which animation is drawn atop filmed sequences, the film creates stunningly detailed dash moments. The physical exertion of a dash is on full display, and the struggle and triumph of rivalry are etched on the athletes’ physiques.

Unforgettable Scenes

One particularly momentous race finishes in the downpour, with sheets of grey strokes that immerse the frame. Beyond spoken words, these displays of artistic excellence encapsulate the quasi-enlightened elation the animation aims to inspire.

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