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Plenty has been written about the act of running, a therapeutic exercise with potential for therapeutic unburdening. Within the context of professional sports, however, the pressure of rivalry can cause individuals to overlook of this ultimate goal. Reimagined from the original graphic novel, Kenji Iwaisawa’s mesmerising anime goes past trophies and medals to investigate the existential drive that fuels an sports star’s dream.

Plot Overview

The Sprint Story traces Togashi and Komiya, early-life buddies whose career trajectories diverge when they turn professional. Previously the quickest elementary student in Japan, Togashi guides the less confident Komiya with the essentials. As the twosome progress into their youth and early maturity, Komiya steadily accelerates up the ranking of top athletes, while Togashi is stuck in a slump; both confront worries and uncertainties. Encompassing more than 15 years, the tale follows their psychological barriers, exposing the difficulties of an athlete’s life, caught in a cycle of societal observation, result pressures and commercial obligations.

Creative Merits

Possibly it’s down to the base story, but the film’s response to these complex dilemmas is rather superficial; frequently, a lead’s mental struggles just vanish after a extended discussion with a fellow athlete or mentor. But what the anime is deficient in plot refinement and pacing, it makes up for in dazzling visuals. Using live-action tracing, in which cartooning is traced over filmed sequences, the feature produces stunningly detailed sprinting scenes. The physical exertion of a sprint is clearly shown, and the struggle and triumph of rivalry are etched on the characters’ bodies.

Memorable Moments

One notably pivotal race finishes in the rain, with torrents of charcoal lines that engulf the scene. Apart from conversation, these bursts of stylistic brilliance capture the almost spiritual high the animation aims to provoke.

The Sprint Film is in UK cinemas from 16 November.