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

Summary

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

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

• Despite a repetitive plot, the film impresses with top-notch martial arts choreography, earning praise from critics.

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

The movie in question is 100 metersdirected by brothers Xu Haofeng and Xu Junfeng. It originally came out in 2023, and only after Well Go USA Entertainment acquired the North American distribution rights to the film did it have a US release on November 8, 2024. 100 meters is now available to stream and rent, and here's why it should be next on the watch list for any true martial arts movie fan.

what is 100 meters About?

Story and plot details

His story 100 meters 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 serious illness. The contestants 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 only the beginning of a long battle of egos and intrigue that endangers the entire city.

The time period plays an important role in the simple story of 100 meters. It was not until after 1912 that martial arts schools were established in Tianjin following the collapse of the Qing dynasty. 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 100 meters

Action sequences and technical excellence

100 meters marks Xu Junfeng's feature film directorial debut, but his brother Xu Haofeng has previously worked on films such as The final master, Hidden Swordand even co-wrote Wong Kar-wai The Grand Master. Despite a plot that might feel repetitive, the filmmakers have done a splendid job of presenting some excellent fight sequences in the film. 100 meters offers a superb combination of melee and weapon combat.

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 different lengths and types, including ropes and chains. This is truly an indulgent experience for action fans. 100 meters it's technically strong, with stunt choreography, camerawork and editing all working in sync. This creates a tight pace where the audience can easily follow the action.

Sound design and editing

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

Another impressive aspect of the film is the impeccable sound design. To feel every hit, block and kick, the sound has to enhance every shot and maintain the energy while still being believable. The level of detail in the foley sounds is commendable. And there 100 meters really delivers, despite a plot that often gets lost in the action.

A few flaws that can be ignored

Action buffs won't have much to complain about 100 meters. However, audiences who might be hooked on the plot and characters might find issues with its execution. The power struggle between the two overmatched main characters can become frustrating as it devolves into an almost repetitive cycle of rematches and intrigue.

Despite the idea of ​​a martial arts circle to maintain 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 objectives are best ignored and the action should be the main expectation of the film.

What the critics said about 100 meters

A must watch for action fans

Despite some problems with the story and central characters, the action in 100 meters it was enough to earn him real critical acclaim. The film is certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with an 83% rating 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 meters a stunningly stylish martial arts epic comparable to the martial arts films of the 1980s and shared his thoughts in his review for IndieWire:

100 Yards is nothing more than a classic martial arts film, and yet this bruising tale of turn-of-the-century Tianjin is shot and staged with such radical elegance that it feels less like a throwback than looking for a new one. form.

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

It's a period drama whose dense plot, flowery dialogue and thrilling action scenes often either overload our expectations or pass them by without calling attention to themselves. […] It's a sleek and modern action flick that also features some of the year's most satisfying fight choreography and action flicks. Light on its feet and eager to show off, 100 Yards confirms Xu's status as one of the best action directors around.

Where to watch 100 meters

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