‘100 Meters’ (2025) Netflix Movie Review - A Thought-Provoking Film

Anime lovers, this movie will have your heart. Kenji Iwaisawa’s 100 Meters, adapted from Uoto’s acclaimed manga, is a thought-provoking plot filled with emotions. The plot follows the story of a race of 100 meters that Togashi has to run. Togashi always dreamt of becoming a sprinter since childhood. Fate favored him, and he was gifted in this talent of his. During his early years, he hardly required much effort and won races seamlessly. But slowly that changes and his career hits a dip which requires him additional training than what he already has.  He then meets Komiya, a transfer student who also has little technique in running but is very determined. In Komiya, Togashi sees a reflection of himself and decides to take him under his wing. The two share many relations, that of friendship, mentor, teacher, and guide. Fast forward a few years, and these two meet again, but this time as rivals. They know each other’s techniques, but something has now changed. Now we see the difference where an inborn talent is competing against a trained self-acquired trait. Is any of the ones any better? No. They both become equally important.

The plot very conveniently teaches us that we must overcome our own limitations in order to succeed in life. Another thing is how the first half and the second half are starkly different from each other. For example, in the first half, we are shown the various emotions Togashi and Komiya have towards each other and the impact of a race lost. In the second half, we see things becoming different. Now they are rivals again after an uneven childhood goodbye.  There is also a feeling of reunion that follows between them since they have met after a long time.

One of the main pros, apart from the plot, is the way the entire plot has been animated. Everything is very tender and looks soothing while watching. This makes the whole experience worth a watch. The colors chosen to fill the scenes also add to the overall aesthetics of the film, thereby making the watching feel great.

It is also the character development that leaves an impression on us. For example, both Komiya and Togashi’s development from childhood to adulthood is shown to us. That helps us to understand the range of emotions that the characters are experiencing. Slowly and steadily, that build-up takes place, and you can spot a big difference in the characters from the way they appear at the start of the first half to what we see towards the second half.

However, with all that, there are some cons that I faced. For some viewers, the plot can be a bit difficult to comprehend. It requires a deeper understanding of what has happened. And if one doesn’t watch it with a lot of concentration, it can get a bit tricky to understand the sequence and happenings of the plot. This might become a bit frustrating for the audience because it is not always that one wishes to watch something so serious. But for those of you who are into such sensitive, provoking films, this is a great watch.

Final Score- [6/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Ch
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times