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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 elite athletics, however, the stress of competition can cause individuals to overlook of this primary objective. Adapted from the eponymous manga, Kenji Iwaisawa’s mesmerising anime goes past prizes and accolades to explore the existential drive that spurs an competitor’s aspiration.

Story Synopsis

The Sprint Story chronicles Togashi and Komiya, youth companions whose career trajectories separate when they turn professional. Previously the speediest young pupil in Japan, Togashi guides the more uncertain Komiya with the essentials. As the twosome progress into their youth and early maturity, Komiya steadily accelerates up the leaderboard of top athletes, while Togashi is mired in a rut; both battle fears and doubts. Covering more than 15 years, the narrative follows their mental obstacles, revealing the challenges of an sports professional’s journey, locked in a cycle of societal observation, achievement demands and sponsorship demands.

Artistic Strengths

Possibly it’s down to the base story, but the film’s response to these complex dilemmas is rather superficial; repeatedly, a lead’s mental struggles just vanish after a lengthy conversation with a colleague or elder. But what the anime falls short in plot refinement and tempo, it compensates for in stunning imagery. Utilizing trace-over animation, in which animation is superimposed on real-life video, the movie creates stunningly detailed dash moments. The bodily strain of a race is on full display, and the suffering and elation of contests are imprinted on the athletes’ physiques.

Memorable Moments

One particularly momentous race concludes in the rain, with torrents of charcoal lines that engulf the frame. Apart from conversation, these flourishes of creative mastery encapsulate the near-transcendent euphoria the animation aims to inspire.

The Sprint Film is showing in the United Kingdom from November 16.