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Why martial arts fans should watch 100 Yards
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What the critics said about 100 Yards
summary
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Martial arts fans should watch the Chinese action film “100 Yards” for its spectacular action sequences.
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“100 Yards” focuses on a power struggle and chaos at a martial arts academy in Tianjin in the 1920s.
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Despite the repetitive plot, the film impresses with top-notch martial arts choreography, earning critical acclaim.
It's not often that a solid martial arts drama comes along with great action and a plot good enough to care about, but there's a recent arrival that deserves more attention. This Chinese action film, set in 1920s Tianjin, is a must-see for fans of the martial arts movie genre.
is the movie in question 100 yardsDirected by brothers Xu Haofeng and Xu Junfeng. It was originally due out in 2023, and it was only after Well Go USA Entertainment acquired the North American distribution rights that the film was released in the USA on November 8, 2024. 100 yards Now available to stream and rent, and here's why it should be on the watchlist for any true martial arts movie fan.

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what is 100 yards about?
Narrative and plot details
the story of 100 yards A power struggle revolves around taking over a martial arts academy in Tianjin. Master Shen is faced with the task of choosing his successor due to a serious illness. Contenders are his son, Shane Ann; And his best student, Qi Quan. The conflict between Quan and En ends with the apprentice becoming the heir and taking over the academy. But this is only the beginning of a long war of arrogance and intrigue that puts the entire city at risk.
Time period plays an important role in the simple story line 100 yards. It was only after 1912 that martial arts schools were established in Tianjin, following the fall of the Qing dynasty. In the film, Chinese tradition and Western influence become major factors in the ever-escalating power struggle between An and Quan. The title, in particular, comes from a strict code banning any fighting more than 100 yards outside the academy gates, leading to further chaos.
Why martial arts fans should watch 100 yards
Work sequence and technical excellence
100 yards Marks Xu Junfeng's feature debut as a director, but his brother, Xu Haofeng, has worked on similar films before. The Last Master, The hidden swordand also co-written by Wong Kar-wai Grandmaster. Despite the repetitive plot, the directors have done a great job showcasing some of the best fight scenes in the film. 100 yards Offers a great mix of hand-to-hand and weapon combat.
The film is a non-stop martial arts action experience with no shortage of variety. Whether it's one-on-one or one-on-twenty combat, weapons come in various lengths and types, including ropes and chains. It is truly an enjoyable experience for action fans. 100 yards The technical level is strong, 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 and editing
Lately, 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 The film isn't afraid to show how everyone involved is a proper martial arts expert, and it elevates the fight scenes to a whole new level.
Another impressive aspect of the film is its flawless sound design. To feel every hit, block, and kick, the sound needs to enhance each blow and maintain energy while being believable. The level of detail in Foley voices is commendable. And there it is 100 yards Really delivers, despite a plot that often gets lost in the action.
Some errors that can be avoided
Action lovers won't have much to complain about 100 yards. However, viewers who may be nitpicky about the plot and characters may find issues with its execution. A power struggle between two superpowered main characters can be frustrating, as it devolves into an almost repetitive cycle of replays and schemes.
Despite the idea of a martial arts circle that maintains order and respect in the community, neither Kwan has any respect, as they have no problem turning the city into their own little battlefield. Therefore, stakes and goals are ignored, and action should be the primary expectation of the film.
What the critics said 100 yards
A must watch for action fans
Although there are some problems with its story and central characters, in the action 100 yards was enough to earn genuine critical acclaim. The film has been certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with an 83% rating from 18 critic reviews, which is rare for a film of this genre. As expected, much of its praise comes from its top-notch martial arts choreography. Film critic David Ehrlich called 100 yards A stunningly beautiful 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 if not a classic martial arts movie, and yet this bruising tale about turn-of-the-century Tianjin is shot and staged with such radical grandeur that it seems less a throwback than an exploration of the new. form.
Beyond its entertainment value, some critics have praised the directors for their belief in their approach, creating a neat martial arts experience with a mix of politics and ego drama. Simon Abrams highlights in his review how the film's flaws are worth ignoring RogerEbert.com:
It is a period drama whose dense plotting, florid dialogue and thrilling action sequences often overload our expectations or slip away from them without even noticing. […] 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 as one of the best working directors.
where to look 100 yards
100 yards Now available for streaming on Apple TV+. Chinese action movies are also available for rent on platforms like Google Play, YouTube, Vudu and Prime Video.
title |
100 yards |
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directors |
Xu Haofeng, Xu Junfeng |
Cast |
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language |
Mandarin |
runtime |
108 minutes |
assessment |
PG-13 |

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