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A great deal has been written about the art of running, a healing activity with ability for cathartic release. In the realm of professional sports, though, the stress of rivalry can lead athletes to forget of this fundamental aim. Adapted from the eponymous manga, Kenji Iwaisawa’s enthralling anime transcends trophies and medals to examine the inner motivation that spurs an competitor’s aspiration.

Story Synopsis

100 Meters follows Togashi and Komiya, early-life buddies whose life paths split when they go pro. Formerly the speediest young pupil in Japan, Togashi helps the more uncertain Komiya with the essentials. As the twosome enter their adolescence and adulthood, Komiya consistently improves up the standings of top athletes, while Togashi is mired in a rut; both struggle with worries and uncertainties. Spanning more than 15 years, the story follows their mental obstacles, revealing the challenges of an athlete’s life, locked in a loop of societal observation, result pressures and sponsorship demands.

Artistic Strengths

Maybe it’s down to the source material, but the animation’s answer to these complex dilemmas is somewhat facile; time and time again, a protagonist’s uncertainties just vanish after a prolonged talk with a peer or a senior. But what 100 Meters lacks in narrative subtlety and tempo, it redeems itself with in breathtaking graphics. Utilizing trace-over animation, in which cartooning is drawn atop live-action footage, the movie generates stunningly detailed sprinting scenes. The physical exertion of a race is clearly shown, and the suffering and elation of contests are imprinted on the characters’ bodies.

Memorable Moments

One notably pivotal race concludes in the storm, with sheets of monochrome brushwork that immerse the screen. Apart from conversation, these displays of creative mastery embody the almost spiritual high the film aims to inspire.

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