The world of animation is constantly pushing boundaries, and the latest example is the breathtaking 220-second long take from the film adaptation of Uoto’s manga, 100 Meters, also known as Hyakuemu. This cinematic marvel is a testament to the dedication and skill of the animators involved.
ASMIK Ace recently released a 60-second clip from the film, showcasing the intricate details of the animation. The clip features Togashi, Komiya, and other runners as they approach the starting blocks. The animation is meticulously crafted, with detailed rotoscoped character movements and a dynamic camera that sweeps across an animated background. This one-minute snippet is just the beginning of a much longer sequence, comprising approximately 9,800 frames of animation.
The film premiered in Japan on September 19 and made a significant impact, ranking #8 in its opening weekend. It earned 102,666,040 yen (about US$694,700) in its first three days, demonstrating the audience’s enthusiasm for this unique project.
GKIDS will bring the film to North American theaters on October 12-14, with screenings in Japanese featuring English subtitles and an English dub. An opening screening is scheduled for Los Angeles on October 10, offering fans an early chance to experience the film.
The movie had its world premiere at the Annecy International Film Festival on June 12. The East Coast premiere will take place in New York on October 8 at 7:00 p.m., with director Kenji Iwaisawa in attendance, providing a special opportunity for viewers to engage with the creative mind behind the film.
The cast includes Tori Matsuzaka as the gifted runner Togashi and Shota Sometani as Komiya, whose obsession with the 100-meter dash began when he met Togashi. The film is directed by Kenji Iwaisawa, known for his work on ON-GAKU: Our Sound, and produced by Rock ‘n’ Roll Mountain, Pony Canyon, TBS TV, and ASMIK Ace. The script is written by Yasuyuki Mut, with character design and chief animation direction by Keisuke Kojima. The art direction is handled by Keikankun Yamaguchi, and the music is composed by Hiroaki Tsutsumi. The producers include Yusuke Terada, Yuki Katayama, and Akane Taketsugu. The theme song “Rashisa” is performed by Official HiGE DANdism.
A preview of the film was screened at last year’s Annecy International Film Festival, where the story was described as follows:
Togashi is born to run. As a kid, he is naturally gifted and wins every 100-meter race without effort. But in sixth grade, he meets Komiya, a transfer student who is full of determination but lacks technique. In teaching him, Togashi gives Komiya a new purpose: to win no matter what. Years pass by, Togashi and Komiya meet again as rivals on the track and reveal their true selves.
Uoto, the creator of the Hyakuemu manga, launched the series in Kodansha’s Magazine Pocket app in November 2018. The manga’s third compiled book volume was published in August 2019.
News Source: Animenewsnetwork.com
