This Certified Fresh Martial Arts Movie Is A Must-See For Genre Fans

A solid martial arts drama with spectacular action and a plot that’s good enough to care about doesn’t come around that often, but there’s a recent arrival that deserves more attention. This Chinese action film, set in the 1920s in Tianjin, is a must-watch for fans of the martial arts movie genre.

The film in question is 100 Yards, directed by brothers Xu Haofeng and Xu Junfeng. It originally came out in 2023, and it was only after Well Go USA Entertainment acquired the North American distribution rights to the film that it had its USA release on November 8, 2024. 100 Yards is now available for streaming and rent, and here’s why it should be next on the watchlist for any bona fide martial arts movie fan.

Related

This Certified Fresh Martial Arts Movie Stars A Hong Kong Action Legend

Check out this essential martial arts epic, featuring breathtaking action, some legendary names, and a homage to 1980s Hong Kong cinema’s golden era.

What is 100 Yards About?

Story & Plot Details

The story of 100 Yards revolves around the power struggle to take over a martial arts academy in Tianjin. Master Shen is faced with the task of choosing his successor due to a grave 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 over the academy. But this is just the beginning of a long battle of ego and scheming that puts the entire city at risk.

The time period plays an important role in the simple storyline of 100 Yards. It was only after 1912 that martial arts schools were established in Tianjin, following the collapse of the Qing Dynasty’s rule. In the movie, Chinese traditions and Western influence become key factors in the constantly escalating power struggle between An and Quan. The title, in particular, comes from the strict code that bans any fighting more than 100 yards beyond the academy gates, which leads to further chaos.

Why Martial Arts Fans Should Watch 100 Yards

Action Sequences & Technical Excellence

100 Yards marks Xu Junfeng’s feature debut as a director, but his brother, Xu Haofeng, has previously worked on films like The Final Master, Hidden Sword, and even co-wrote Wong Kar-wai’s The Grandmaster. Despite a plot that might feel repetitive, the directors have done a splendid job showcasing some excellent combat sequences in the film. 100 Yards offers a superb mix of both hand-to-hand and weapon fighting.

The film is a non-stop martial arts action experience with no shortage of variety. Whether it’s a one-on-one or one-on-twenty fight, the weapons range from various lengths and types, including ropes and chains. This is truly an indulgent 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 tight rhythm where the audience can easily follow the action.

Sound Design & Editing

Recently, some martial arts movies have used jumpy editing to hide the fact that the actors aren’t skilled fighters, but that’s not the case here. 100 Yards doesn’t shy away from showing how everyone involved in the film is a proper martial arts expert, and that elevates the fight scenes to a whole new level.

Another impressive aspect of the film is its impeccable sound design. To feel each hit, block, and kick, the sound needs to enhance every blow and maintain energy while also being believable. The level of detail in the foley sounds deserves commendation. And that’s where 100 Yards truly delivers, despite a plot that often gets lost in the action.

A Few Flaws That Can Be Ignored

Action aficionados won’t have much to complain about with 100 Yards. However, audiences who might be nitpicky about the plot and characters could find issues with its execution. The power struggle between the two overpowered main characters can get frustrating, as it turns into an almost repetitive cycle of rematches and scheming.

Despite the idea of a martial arts circle that maintains order and honor in a community, neither Quan nor An seem to have any honor, as they have no problem turning the city into their little battleground. So, the stakes and goals are best ignored, and the action should be the primary expectation of the film.

What Critics Said About 100 Yards

A Must-Watch For Action Fans

Despite some issues with its 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 an 83% rating from 18 critic reviews, which is rare for a film in this genre. As expected, much of its praise comes from its top-tier martial arts choreography. Film critic David Ehrlich called 100 Yards a blazingly elegant martial arts epic comparable to 1980s martial arts films, and shared his thoughts in his review for IndieWire:

100 Yards is nothing if not a classic martial arts movie, and yet this bruising story about turn-of-the-century Tianjin has been shot and staged with such radical elegance that it seems less like a throwback than it does the pursuit of a new form.

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

It’s a period drama whose dense plotting, florid dialogue, and thrilling action scenes often either overload our expectations or glide by them without calling attention to itself. […] It’s a stylish and modern action movie that also features some of the year’s most satisfying fight choreography and action filmmaking. Light on its feet and eager to show off, 100 Yards confirms Xu’s status as one of the best working action directors.

Where To Watch 100 Yards

100 Yards is now available for streaming on Apple TV+. The Chinese action movie is also available for rent on platforms like Google Play, YouTube, Vudu, and Prime Video.

More

Wo Long Fans Will Love This Underrated Wuxia Film

Zhang Yimou’s 2018 film Shadow borrows from the same narrative history as Team Ninja’s recent game.