100 METERS

100 METERS Going into this story with the expectations that it was 'just another sports anime', really set me up for a great hour and forty seven minutes. I was blown away by how deep the message was. In those 10 seconds your entire life is shown, everything you have worked for, everything that you want to become is laid out for the world to see. No matter how you go to the race, those 10 seconds were the same for everyone.format(webp))

Togashi is obviously the main character of the story, and he's an amazing sprinter. He's a good person as well, which makes him very easy to root for. However everyone loves an underdog story, and Komiya is here to give that to you. Something this story leaned into more than most sports anime is that instead of having an obvious bad guy, or someone you should be cheering for, you have loads of good people who are just trying to run for whatever reason they have. The most non spoiler example we have is that Togashi runs because he feels the most free when he is in those 100M's. He is truly himself. Watching the story show everyone's determination really lets you into their world for a moment. In those 10 seconds you wish that each person could cross that finish line at the same time.

Something that was said during the movie that really stuck with me was a quote: "Then give up your body because it's just a collection of cells. Glory is forever.". That line really sets the tone for what I believe the story is all about. Those 100M's (or anything in your life) that feels hard, or really hurts, the aftermath of not having given your all is going to hurt more than missing a chance to be at the peak. That logic is displayed a few times throughout the movie.

Why should you watch this movie? Does it deserve your hour and forty seven minutes?

Absolutely, I do not believe if you go in with good intensions you will come out disappointed. There is a little something for everyone here, and you can expect to leave with more than just a winner and loser in a race. 10 seconds might change your perspective on things you might have saw one way before.

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Animation: I think where people are going to gripe most is the technical details that were brought into this movie. The way each character moves was very fluid, and maybe a few times it felt a little awkward if they were just talking, but personally I really enjoy when studios are willing to take a chance on a style that isn't the normal standard. There were moments in the story as well where the shots looked as if they came from a real camera with the way the screen would sort of shake as if the person was adjusting the camera on his shoulder, I think that those moments will be hit or miss for a lot of people when it comes to what their expectations of 'good' animation is.