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Much has been documented about the act of running, a therapeutic exercise with ability for therapeutic unburdening. In the realm of professional sports, though, the strain of competition can make people lose sight of this fundamental aim. Adapted from the same-named comic, Kenji Iwaisawa’s spellbinding anime goes past prizes and accolades to examine the inner motivation that fuels an athlete’s ambition.

Plot Overview

The Sprint Story traces Togashi and Komiya, early-life buddies whose career trajectories diverge when they go pro. Previously the fastest grade-schooler in Japan, Togashi guides the less self-assured Komiya with the basics. As the twosome move through their teens and their 20s, Komiya progressively advances up the standings of top athletes, while Togashi is trapped in a decline; both confront anxieties and insecurities. Encompassing more than 15 years, the narrative follows their mental obstacles, exposing the struggles of an competitor’s existence, trapped in a cycle of public scrutiny, achievement demands and sponsorship demands.

Artistic Strengths

Maybe it’s due to the source material, but the movie’s approach to these intricate issues is somewhat facile; frequently, a character’s inner doubts just vanish after a prolonged talk with a fellow athlete or mentor. But what the film is deficient in narrative subtlety and tempo, it redeems itself with in stunning imagery. Employing rotoscoping, in which cartooning is superimposed on live-action footage, the feature generates remarkably precise dash moments. The athletic effort of a dash is visibly evident, and the pain and the joy of competition are imprinted on the protagonists’ forms.

Memorable Moments

One notably pivotal race ends in the downpour, with sheets of monochrome brushwork that overwhelm the scene. Beyond spoken words, these flourishes of creative mastery capture the near-transcendent euphoria the animation aims to evoke.

The Sprint Film is released in Britain from the 16th of November.