You can never predict what happens next in the world of competition. Whether it’s in the arena or in the comfort of your own house, things change. Maybe it’s your mentality on how to approach the game or sport. Complications like an injury or the death of someone close are another factor. Meeting new people in new environments add to the pile. In the case of the 100 meter dash, all of those factors come together in an event that lasts less than 20 seconds. In the titular movie 100 Meters, two boys grow and learn to understand each other and themselves as they compete in the simplest, rawest sport in the world.
A Little Bit of Backstory
The story focuses on two kids named Togashi and Komiya. Togashi is the fastest kid in his school without putting in much effort. He teaches transfer student Komiya how to run on a whim, whose poor form keeps him from getting any better. The two spend all their time training together. This training culminates in a one on one race between the two that is more passionate then either of them expected, complete with blood and hearts beating out of their chests. After the race, Komiya moves away unexpectedly. But even though they might never see each other again, Togashi and Kamiya continue to train. It’s all in the chance they can have another race and experience that heart pounding sensation again.
Things Change The Older You Get
As the two boys grow up, they struggle with understanding what running means to them. Togashi loses the spark that made him enjoy running in the first place, while Komiya learns how to break through the mental barriers holding him back from greatness. Togashi opens up and gains genuine friends. Making connections rekindles his love for the 100 meter dash, but his self improvement falls to the wayside. Komiya takes the opposite path and relies only on himself, spending every waking moment working on his speed and stamina.
This has consequences for the rest of their racing careers. It shapes the way they approach the 100 meter dash. They learn difficult lessons about what they should prioritize in their lives. Seeing their breakdowns and triumphs made me cry and cheer along with them as their lives intersect with each race.
The Peak of Rotoscoping With A Side of Excellent Cinematography
Rotoscoping is an animation technique where animators draw over real life footage. When rotoscoping is done poorly, the animation falls into uncanny valley territory. On the flipside, good rotoscoping creates realistic movement that is difficult, if not impossible, to achieve otherwise. And in a movie where the core concept revolves around a realistic depiction of running, almost the entire film’s runtime uses this technique.
You can see the subtle differences between each character’s arms and legs as they run and when they come to a stop. It’s obvious when a character finishes their first sprint in months, or when this is just another race in a career that spans decades. The standout example is a five minute long, uninterrupted race in the rain where Togashi and Komiya meet years later. It’s complete with sweeping camera angles and subtle ticks and jerks unique to each competitor. Togashi’s jittery nerves contrast Komiya’s calm, unflinching form.
That’s not even mentioning the cinematography. For Togashi, the environments are bright and sunny, filled with lush grass and yellow practice fields to reflect his newfound connections. When the movie switches to Komiya, the world turns darker and more subdued to reflect his solitary nature. And when the two meet in their rain race, the two styles clash in a battle of weather. Creative decisions like this are in every corner of the film, and it enhances the already impressive story. The movie excels both as a thought provoking story and a visual delight, and I’d recommend it to anyone who loves character dramas and intense sports matches.
