Kōki Uchiyama and Kenjirō Tsuda join the movie Hyakuemu

The Premise: Familiar Territory

Right then. Let’s have a proper look at this, shall we? Everyone’s cooing about *Hyakuemu* (100 meters), aren’t they? This new anime film. Apparently, it’s the ‘most intense cinematographic proposal of the year’ in the sports genre. Honestly, you’ve got to be having a laugh.

The film premiered at Annecy, France, on May 30, 2024. It’s about two runners, Togashi and Komiya, a classic underdog story, innit? Natural talent versus working-class grit.

Unpacking the “Detailed Animation”

But let’s unpack this, yeah? Everyone’s so quick to praise “detailed animation.” But how much of that detail is actually serving the story, or is it just a lot of flashy bells and whistles? It’s like a builder who puts gold leaf on a wobbly shed. Looks pretty, doesn’t make it stable.

The Talent Behind the Screen

Voice Acting: Does It Matter?

The voice cast is supposed to be “first level,” is it? Kōki Uchiyama and Kenjirō Tsuda. Right. Because a good voice actor can magically turn a derivative script into Shakespeare. It doesn’s. They’re lending their talent to *Hyakuemu*.

Director & Script: Past Form

The director, Kenji Iwaisawa, has form, they say. Known for *ON-GAKU: Our Sound*. A bit niche, if you ask me. And the script? Yasuyuki Mutō. *Tokyo Revengers*. Don’t get me started. Full of teen angst and dodgy decisions. So, you’ll be watching a film about running, but with the emotional depth of a TikTok video.

Why This Matters: Predictability & Hype

Here’s why this matters. We’re all being sold this narrative of intense rivalry and human spirit. It’s supposed to resonate, to inspire. But it’s all a bit… predictable, isn’t it?

The Core Trope

Let’s be brutally honest. It’s *another* sports story, isn’t it?

• Togashi: Natural talent. Arrogant. Needs to learn humility.
• Komiya: Works hard. Overcomes adversity. The ‘relatable’ one.
• The plot: A race. A training montage. Maybe a bit of family drama thrown in for good measure.

The Marketing Machine

And the marketing machine is working overtime. “Emerging as one of the most intense cinematographic proposals…” Blimey! They’re laying it on thick, aren’t they?

Key Players: A Breakdown

• Uoto: The mangaka. Known for *ORB: ON THE MOVEMENTS OF THE EARTH.*
• Pony Canyon, TBS TV, ASMIK ACE: The production companies. Funding the whole shebang.
• GKIDS: Distribution in North America. Making sure it gets in front of as many eyeballs as possible.
• Rock ‘N’ Roll Mountain: The producers. Likely getting a tidy sum from all this fuss.

The Manga: Hardly a Masterpiece

The manga, released in 2018 and concluded in 2019, had three volumes. Hardly a literary masterpiece, is it?

The Verdict: Cynical, Perhaps, But Honest

They’ll tell me I’m being cynical. But here’s the thing: I’m just pointing out the obvious. It’s a well-packaged product, aimed squarely at an audience eager to be moved by a sports story. And while there’s nothing inherently wrong with that, let’s not pretend it’s breaking new ground.

Release Dates and Music

The release dates? Japan on September 19. North America, sometime in October. So, by the time it hits our screens, the hype will have died down, and people will move onto the next shiny object.

Right. The music is by Hiroaki Tsutsumi. Lovely for him, but does anyone actually care?

A Final Thought

They’ve got it all: the big names, the flashy animation, the sentimental storyline. All meticulously crafted to appeal to our desire for inspiration and upliftment.

You know, I’m half expecting a tie-in range of miniature running shoes.

It’s like those fancy-pants gastropubs that charge fifteen quid for a pie and mash. Looks the ticket, tastes like… well, you know.

Recommendation: Go See It, But Manage Expectations

So, go and see *Hyakuemu* if you want. But don’t expect it to change your life.

It’s just a race, innit? And everyone’s already won.