By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
For fans of classic martial arts films,
"100 Yards" is a real treat.
Directed and written by
Xu Haofeng ("The Final Master," and "The Hidden Sword") with co-writer
Xu Junfeng, this action-packed drama delivers a thrilling story set against the backdrop of 1920s Tianjin, a decade after the fall of China's last imperial dynasty.
At its core, "100 Yards” introduces a clandestine martial arts ring tasked with restoring order and resolving the longstanding rivalry between two powerful martial arts schools. The movie’s title “100 Yards” refers to a zone, the actual distance surrounding the academy where fighting isn’t permitted.
This fragile peace is shattered when the respected Master Shen (Guo Long) unexpectedly names Qi Quan (Andi On, “Hunt the Wicked” and “Blackhat”) as his successor instead of his own son, Shen An (Jacky Heung, “The Warlords”). This innocent decision ignites a brutal, bloody conflict that threatens to tear the city apart.
The tension reaches a boiling point when Shen An, humiliated by his father's decision, challenges Qi to a fight. Despite Shen's overwhelming sense of entitlement and his bitterness of being passed over, Qi decisively defeats him.
But this loss only deepens Shen's resentment, leading him to plot a path to reclaim his honor and the leadership of the school. Shen’s father had long hoped he would abandon the martial arts world and follow a more conventional path as a banker, but martial arts is a calling he cannot escape.
Qi agrees to a rematch, but it leaves little time for both guys to hone their skills. Both are desperate to outsmart and outfight each other.
While "100 Yards" follows the familiar tropes of revenge-driven martial arts dramas, it distinguishes itself with the complexity of its characters and its nuanced relationships.
At the heart of the movie is Qi's and Shen's blossoming romance with compelling women, (Beahayden Kuo, "The Starry Night, the Starry Sea") and Li Yuan ("Go Away Mr. Tumor"), as well as the fraught, sometimes tender, relationship between Shen and his father.
But what truly elevates "100 Yards" is its masterful choreography. For a low-budget film, the action sequences are executed with impressive precision and artistry, thanks to fight coordinator
Duncan Leung, a respected disciple of the legendary Ip Man. The martial arts scenes are both exhilarating and beautifully staged, blending traditional techniques with cinematic flair.
This isn't a movie merely about punches and kicks. "100 Yards" delivers on both heart and action. It's also about loyalty, family, and the quest for personal redemption.
The execution feels weightier than one might expect from a film of its scale. The characters' internal battles mirror the external conflicts, making every fight more than just a spectacle, but a meaningful step toward their ultimate destinies.
Whether you are a martial arts enthusiast or just a fan of sharp, character-driven drama, "100 Yards" measures up.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Look At This Trailer For
"100 YARDS"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
