Summary
- Martial arts fans must watch the Chinese action film “100 Yards” for its spectacular action sequences.
- “100 Yards” centers on a power struggle and chaos in a martial arts academy in Tianjin in the 1920s.
- Despite a repetitive plot, the film impresses with top-tier martial arts choreography, earning critical praise.
A high-quality martial arts drama with thrilling action and a plot compelling enough to invest in is not common, but a new contender has emerged that warrants greater recognition. This Chinese action film, set against the backdrop of 1920s Tianjin, is a must-see for enthusiasts of martial arts cinema.
The movie under discussion is titled “100 Yards“. This film was directed by the siblings Xu Haofeng and Xu Junfeng and initially released in 2023. However, it wasn’t until Well Go USA Entertainment acquired the North American distribution rights that the film hit U.S. cinemas on November 8, 2024. Now, “100 Yards” is ready for streaming and rental, and here’s why every serious martial arts movie enthusiast should add it to their must-watch list.
What is 100 Yards About?
Story & Plot Details
100 Yards’ narrative centers on a power struggle to claim control over a martial arts school in Tianjin, as Master Shen, afflicted by a severe illness, must decide his successor between his son, Shen An, and his most talented pupil, Qi Quan. The confrontation between these two culminates with the student ascending to the role of successor and inheriting the academy. However, this is merely the start of a prolonged conflict involving pride and manipulation that jeopardizes the entire city.
100 Yards’ narrative significantly hinges on the timeframe, as martial arts schools in Tianjin first emerged post-1912, following the fall of the Qing Dynasty’s rule. In this film, Chinese customs and Western impact serve as significant elements in the ongoing power struggle between An and Quan. Notably, the title refers to a strict rule prohibiting fights beyond 100 yards from the academy gates, adding to the ensuing turmoil.
Why Martial Arts Fans Should Watch 100 Yards
Action Sequences & Technical Excellence
100 Yards signifies Xu Junfeng’s initial foray into feature directing, while his brother, Xu Haofeng, has previously contributed to movies such as The Final Master, Hidden Sword, and collaborated on Wong Kar-wai’s The Grandmaster. Although the narrative may seem somewhat familiar, the directors have skillfully crafted impressive combat scenes in this film. 100 Yards delivers an outstanding blend of both close-quarter and weapon-based fighting sequences.
100 Yards delivers an uninterrupted, thrilling martial arts spectacle packed with diverse combat sequences. From single combats to mass brawls, the fight scenes involve a wide array of weapons – from swords and nunchaku to more unconventional ones like ropes and chains. It’s a visual feast for action enthusiasts, as the film excels in technical aspects such as stunt coordination, cinematography, and editing, resulting in seamless action sequences that are easy to follow.
Sound Design & Editing
In contrast to some martial arts films that employ quick editing as a disguise for actors lacking fighting skills, “100 Yards” showcases its cast’s authentic martial arts abilities openly. This honest portrayal significantly enhances the intensity and realism of the fight sequences in the movie.
One noteworthy feature of this movie is its exceptional sound engineering. To fully experience each punch, parry, and kick, the audio should amplify every impact and sustain momentum while remaining realistic. The intricacy in the sound effects, particularly the foley sounds, deserves recognition. It’s in this area that 100 Yards excels, even when its narrative sometimes gets overshadowed by the action.
A Few Flaws That Can Be Ignored
Enthusiasts of action-packed stories will likely find little to fault in “100 Yards“. Yet, those who are particular about the storyline and character development might spot flaws in its presentation. The intense rivalry between the two dominant main characters can become tiresome, as it often devolves into a cyclical pattern of rematches and manipulations.
In contrast to the notion of a martial arts group that upholds order and respect within a community, neither Quan nor An appear to exhibit any such virtues, as they seem unfazed by transforming the city into their personal battlefield. Consequently, the plot’s complexity and objectives are secondary, with the action taking center stage in the film.
What Critics Said About 100 Yards
A Must-Watch For Action Fans
100 Yards, though having certain flaws with its narrative and main characters, received notable acclaim due to its gripping action sequences. This film has garnered a fresh status on Rotten Tomatoes with an 83% approval rating from 18 critical reviews, which is unusual for movies in this specific genre. As anticipated, many positive comments have been directed towards the movie’s exceptional martial arts staging. David Ehrlich, a film critic, even labeled 100 Yards as a stunningly elegant martial arts saga reminiscent of ’80s martial arts films, expressing his thoughts in his IndieWire review.
100 Yards is undeniably a timeless martial arts film, but its gritty narrative set in early 20th-century Tianjin has been so stylishly filmed and choreographed that it feels less like an homage to the past and more like a pioneering exploration of a fresh cinematic approach.
Going beyond just being enjoyable, critics have commended the directors for their boldness in executing their artistic vision. This results in a refined martial arts presentation that intertwines political intrigue and personal drama. In his critique for RogerEbert.com, Simon Abrams argues that the film’s shortcomings can be easily overlooked.
This period drama either exceeds or falls short of our expectations with its intricate storyline, elaborate dialogue, and exhilarating action sequences, doing so subtly without drawing extra attention to itself. On the other hand, 100 Yards is a sleek and contemporary action film that boasts some of the year’s top fight choreography and cinematic action sequences. Agile and boastful, 100 Yards solidifies Xu as one of the most talented action directors working today.
Where To Watch 100 Yards
100 Yards has made its way onto Apple TV+ for streaming. This high-octane Chinese action film can also be rented on services such as Google Play, YouTube, Vudu, and Amazon Prime Video.
| Title | 100 Yards |
|---|---|
| Directors | Xu Haofeng, Xu Junfeng |
| Cast |
|
| Language | Mandarin |
| Runtime | 108 minutes |
| Rating | PG-13 |
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2025-01-05 01:34