This fresh and certified martial arts film is a treat for fans. Must-see movie genres

summarize

• Martial arts fans must watch the Chinese action movie “100 Yards” to see some amazing action scenes.

• “100 Yards” centers on the power struggles and chaos at a martial arts academy in Tianjin during the 1920s.

• Even though the plot is repetitive But the film also impresses with its top-notch martial arts choreography. and received overwhelming praise

Strong martial arts dramas with spectacular action scenes and a plot that's good enough to care about don't happen very often. But there's a more recent arrival that deserves more attention. This Chinese action film, set in the city of Tianjin in the 1920s, is a favorite among fans. The martial arts style is a must see.

The movie in question is 100 yardsDirected by brothers Xu Haofeng and Xu Junfeng, it was originally released in 2023 and after Well Go USA Entertainment. Only North American distribution rights have been obtained for the film for release in the United States on November 8, 2024. 100 yards Now available for streaming and rental. And this is exactly why it should be on the watch list for any honest martial arts movie fan.

What is 100 yards about?

Story details and plot

The story of 100 yards The story revolves around the power struggle to take over a martial arts academy in Tianjin. Master Shen was faced with the task of choosing a successor due to his serious illness. The contestant is 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 between egos and plans that puts the entire city at risk.

Time period plays an important role in the simple plot of 100 yards– After 1912, a martial arts school was founded in Tianjin. After the fall of Qing Dynasty rule In this movie Chinese traditions and Western influence became key factors in the ever-increasing power struggle between An and Quan. Notably, the title comes from the strict rules that forbid any fighting more than 100 yards from the academy gates, leading to further chaos.

Why should martial arts fans watch it? 100 yards

Order of execution and technical excellence

100 yards It marks Xu Junfeng's film debut as a director, but his younger brother Xu Haofeng has worked on films such as The last teacher– hidden swordand also co-wrote the script of Wong Kar-wai. patriarch– Even though the plot may seem repetitive But the director did a great job by delivering great fight scenes in the film. 100 yards Features a great mix of hand-to-hand combat and weapons.

The film is a non-stop martial arts action experience with no shortage of variety. Whether it's a one-on-one battle or a twenty-something. Weapons range from various lengths and types, including ropes and chains. This is a truly relaxing experience for action fans. 100 yards Strong on a technical level It has acrobatic dance moves, camera work, and editing all working in harmony. This creates a tight rhythm where the audience can easily follow the action.

Sound design and editing

Recently, some martial arts films have used abrupt editing to hide the fact that the actors are not skilled fighters. But that's not the case. 100 yards It doesn't shy away from showing how everyone involved in the film is a martial arts expert. And that elevates the battle scenes to a whole new level.

Another impressive aspect of the film is its impeccable sound design. Want to feel every hit, block, and kick? The sound has to improve with every hit and maintain energy while also being convincing. The level of detail in Foley sounds worthy of praise. And that's where 100 yards It's truly presented despite a plot that tends to get lost in the action.

There are some shortcomings that can be ignored.

Action aficionados won't have much to complain about. 100 yards– However, viewers who may be picky about the plot and characters may have trouble processing it. The overpowering power struggle between the two main characters can be frustrating. Because it has become an almost repetitive cycle of rematches and plotting.

Despite the idea of ​​martial arts circles maintaining order and honor in a community, neither Quan nor An seem to have any honor whatsoever. Because they have no problem turning cities into their own little battlegrounds, the stakes and goals should not be overlooked. And action should be the main expectation of the movie.

What critics say 100 yards

A must-see for action fans.

There are some problems with the story and main characters, though. But the action scenes happened. 100 yards It was enough to earn genuine praise from critics. The film is certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with a score of 83% based on 18 critics' reviews, which is rare for a film of this type. As expected, most of the praise came from the martial arts choreography. Top class Film critic David Ehrlich called. 100 yards The stunningly elegant martial arts epic is comparable to martial arts movies from the '80s, and shared his thoughts in his IndieWire review:

100 Yards is nothing if not a classic martial arts film. But this poignant tale of turn-of-the-century Tianjin has been filmed and staged with such stark grace that it seems less like a throwback to the past than a pursuit of a new shape.

In addition to the entertainment value Some critics also praise directors for being confident in their vision. By 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. RogerEbert.com–

It is a period drama with dense plotting. Fun conversation and exciting action scenes It often exceeds our expectations or slips by without calling attention to itself. […] It is a stylish and modern action film. ​​which also features some of the year's most satisfying fight choreography and action filmmaking. Energetic and eager to show off his work, 100 Yards confirms Xu's status as one of the best acting directors.

Where can I watch it? 100 yards

100 yards Now available for streaming on Apple TV+, the Chinese action film is also available for rent on platforms like Google Play, YouTube, Vudu, and Prime Video.