This certified Fresh Martial Arts film is a must for genre fans

Summary

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

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

• Despite a repetitive plot, the film impresses with top-level martial arts choreography and receives critical acclaim.

A solid martial arts drama with spectacular action and a plot good enough to care about doesn't come along very often, but there's a new arrival that deserves more attention. Set in 1920s Tianjin, this Chinese action film 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. Originally released in 2023, it was only after Well Go USA Entertainment acquired the North American distribution rights to the film that it was released in the US 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 bona fide martial arts movie fan.

What is 100 meters If?

Story & Plot Details

The story of 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 challengers 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 egos and intrigue that puts the entire city in danger.

The time period plays an important role in the simple plot 100 meters. 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. In particular, the title comes from the strict code that prohibits all fighting more than 100 yards beyond the academy gates, leading to further chaos.

Why martial arts fans should watch 100 meters

Action Sequences & 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 last champion, Hidden Swordand even wrote Wong Kar-wai's The Grandmaster. Despite a plot that can feel repetitive, the directors have done a fantastic job of showcasing some excellent fight sequences in the film. 100 meters offers a fantastic mix of both hand-to-hand 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 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 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 doesn't shy away from showing how everyone involved in the film is a true martial arts expert, and it elevates the fight scenes to a whole new level.

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

Some flaws that can be ignored

Action fans have little to complain about 100 meters. However, audiences who may be squeamish about the plot and characters may find issues with its execution. The power struggle between the two overpowered 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 maintaining order and honor in a society, neither Quan nor An seem to have any honor, as they have no problem turning the city into their little battlefield. So it's best to ignore the stakes and goals, and the action should be the primary expectation of the film.

What the critics said about 100 meters

A must for action fans

Despite some problems with its story and central characters, the plot of the 100 meters was enough to garner genuine critical appreciation. The film is certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with an 83% rating from 18 critic reviews, which is unusual for a film in this genre. As expected, much of its praise comes from its top-notch martial arts choreography. Film critic David Ehrlich called 100 meters a dazzlingly stylish martial arts epic comparable to 1980s martial arts movies and shared his thoughts in his review for IndieWire:

100 Yards is nothing if not 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 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 pure martial arts experience with a mix of politics and ego drama. Simon Abrams highlights how the film's flaws are worth overlooking in his review for RogerEbert.com:

It is a period drama whose dense plot, flourishing dialogue and exciting action scenes often either overload our expectations or slip past them without calling attention. […] It's a stylish and modern action flick 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 look 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.