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A great deal has been recorded about the act of running, a therapeutic exercise with capacity for cathartic release. In the sphere of professional sports, however, the stress of competition can cause individuals to overlook of this ultimate goal. Transposed from the original graphic novel, Kenji Iwaisawa’s spellbinding anime goes past prizes and accolades to examine the existential drive that spurs an sports star’s dream.

Narrative Summary

The Sprint Story follows Togashi and Komiya, childhood friends whose life paths diverge when they go pro. Once the speediest young pupil in Japan, Togashi guides the less self-assured Komiya with the basics. As the twosome progress into their adolescence and adulthood, Komiya steadily accelerates up the ranking of premier sportspeople, while Togashi is mired in a rut; both struggle with worries and uncertainties. Spanning more than 15 years, the narrative documents their mental obstacles, revealing the challenges of an competitor’s existence, caught in a loop of societal observation, result pressures and commercial obligations.

Creative Merits

Possibly it’s down to the base story, but the movie’s approach to these complicated problems is rather superficial; repeatedly, a character’s inner doubts quickly dissolve after a prolonged talk with a fellow athlete or mentor. But what the anime lacks in narrative subtlety and pacing, it compensates for in stunning imagery. Utilizing live-action tracing, in which animation is drawn atop live-action footage, the film creates exquisitely intricate running sequences. The athletic effort of a race is clearly shown, and the suffering and elation of rivalry are etched on the athletes’ physiques.

Memorable Moments

One particularly momentous race concludes in the rain, with sheets of charcoal lines that overwhelm the screen. More than any dialogue, these bursts of artistic excellence capture the quasi-enlightened elation the film aims to evoke.

The Sprint Film is in UK cinemas from November 16.