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Much has been documented about the practice of running, a healing activity with potential for emotional liberation. In the realm of professional sports, yet, the pressure of rivalry can lead athletes to forget of this primary objective. Adapted from the same-named comic, Kenji Iwaisawa’s spellbinding anime goes past prizes and accolades to investigate the inner motivation that spurs an sports star’s dream.

Narrative Summary

The Sprint Story chronicles Togashi and Komiya, early-life buddies whose life paths split when they go pro. Formerly the quickest elementary student in Japan, Togashi helps the less confident Komiya with the essentials. As the twosome move through their youth and early maturity, Komiya steadily accelerates up the leaderboard of premier sportspeople, while Togashi is stuck in a slump; both confront worries and uncertainties. Covering more than 15 years, the tale follows their mental obstacles, revealing the struggles of an competitor’s existence, locked in a pattern of public scrutiny, achievement demands and endorsement requirements.

Visual Highlights

Perhaps it’s because of the source material, but the film’s response to these complex dilemmas is a bit simplistic; time and time again, a protagonist’s uncertainties quickly dissolve after a lengthy conversation with a fellow athlete or mentor. But what the film falls short in narrative subtlety and rhythm, it makes up for in stunning imagery. Utilizing rotoscoping, in which cartooning is traced over live-action footage, the feature produces remarkably precise sprinting scenes. The athletic effort of a race is on full display, and the pain and the joy of contests are imprinted on the athletes’ physiques.

Memorable Moments

One notably pivotal race finishes in the rain, with cascades of grey strokes that immerse the scene. More than any dialogue, these flourishes of artistic excellence capture the quasi-enlightened elation the movie aims to evoke.

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