This certified fresh martial arts film is a must for fans of the genre

Summary

• Martial arts enthusiasts must watch the Chinese action film “100 Yards” for its spectacular action sequences.

• “100 Yards” centers on a power struggle and chaos at a martial arts academy in Tianjin in the 1920s.

• Despite a repetitive plot, the film impresses with top-notch martial arts choreography, earning critical acclaim.

A solid martial arts drama with spectacular action and a plot good enough to keep you interested doesn't come along that often, but there's a recent arrival that deserves more attention. This Chinese action film, set in Tianjin in the 1920s, is a must-see for fans of the martial arts film genre.

The film in question is 100 yardsdirected by brothers Xu Haofeng and Xu Junfeng. It was originally released in 2023 and only after Well Go USA Entertainment acquired the distribution rights to the film in North America, it was released in the United States on November 8, 2024. 100 yards is now available to stream and rent, and here's why it should be next on the watch list for any bona fide martial arts movie fan.

What is 100 yards From?

Story and plot details

The story of 100 yards revolves around the power struggle to take over a martial arts academy in Tianjin. Master Shen finds himself having to choose his successor due to a serious illness. The contenders are his son, Shen An; and his best student, Qi Quan. The duel between Quan and An ends with the apprentice becoming the successor and taking control of the academy. But this is just the beginning of a long battle between egos and intrigue that puts the entire city at risk.

The time period plays an important role in the simple plot of 100 yards. It was only after 1912 that martial arts schools were established in Tianjin, following the collapse of Qing dynasty rule. In the film, Chinese traditions and Western influence become key factors in the ever-escalating power struggle between An and Quan. The title, in particular, comes from the strict code that prohibits any fighting more than 100 meters beyond the academy gates, leading to further chaos.

Why martial arts fans should watch it 100 yards

Action sequences and technical excellence

100 yards marks Xu Junfeng's debut as a director, but his brother, Xu Haofeng, has already worked on films like The Final Master, Hidden swordand also co-wrote Wong Kar-wai's The Grand Master. Despite a plot that might seem repetitive, the directors did a splendid job showing some excellent fight sequences in the film. 100 yards offers a superb mix of hand-to-hand and weapon combat.

The film is a non-stop martial arts action experience that has no shortage of variety. Whether it's a one-on-one or one-on-twenty fight, weapons vary in various lengths and types, including ropes and chains. This is truly a rewarding experience for action fans. 100 yards is strong on a technical level, with stunt choreography, camera work and editing all working in sync. This creates a fast pace where the audience can easily follow the action.

Sound design and editing

Recently, some martial arts films have used choppy editing to hide the fact that the actors are not skilled fighters, but this is not the case. 100 yards he doesn't shy away from showing how everyone involved in the film is a true martial arts expert, and this elevates the fight scenes to a whole new level.

Another impressive aspect of the film is its impeccable sound design. To feel every strike, block and kick, the sound must enhance each strike and maintain energy while still being believable. The level of detail in the foley sounds deserves praise. And it's there 100 yards it really delivers, despite a plot that often gets lost in the action.

Some flaws that can be ignored

Action fans won't have much to complain about 100 yards. However, audiences who may be picky about the plot and characters may experience issues with its execution. The power struggle between the two overpowered main characters can become frustrating, as it turns into an almost repetitive cycle of revenge and intrigue.

Despite the idea of ​​a martial arts club maintaining order and honor in a community, neither Quan nor An appear to have any honor, as they have no problem turning the town into their own little battlefield. So it is best to ignore the stakes and objectives and action should be the main expectation of the film.

What the critics said 100 yards

A must-see film for action fans

Despite some problems with the story and central characters, the action in 100 yards was enough to earn genuine critical appreciation. The film is certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with a rating of 83% from 18 critical reviews, which is rare for a film of this genre. As expected, much of his praise comes from his top-notch martial arts choreography. Film critic David Ehrlich called 100 yards an incredibly stylish martial arts epic comparable to the martial arts films of the '80s, and he shared his thoughts in his review for IndieWire:

100 Yards is nothing if not a classic martial arts film, yet this violent tale of turn-of-the-century Tianjin was shot and staged with such radical elegance that it feels less like a return to the past than a search for new life. module.

Beyond its entertainment value, some critics praised the filmmakers for their confidence in their vision, creating a clean martial arts experience with a blend of politics and ego drama. Simon Abrams points out that the film's flaws are worth overlooking in his review RogerEbert.com:

It's a period drama whose dense plot, florid dialogue, and thrilling action scenes often overload our expectations or slip by without calling attention to themselves. […] It's a stylish, modern action film that also features some of the most satisfying fight choreography and action films of the year. Lighthearted and eager to show off, 100 Yards confirms Xu's status as one of the best working action directors.

Where to look 100 yards

100 yards is now available to stream on Apple TV+. The Chinese action film is also available for rental on platforms such as Google Play, YouTube, Vudu and Prime Video.