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Summary
A solid martial arts drama with spectacular action and a plot that’s good enough to care about doesn’t come around that often, but there’s a recent arrival that deserves more attention. This Chineseactionfilm, set in the 1920s in Tianjin, is a must-watch for fans of the martial arts movie genre.
The film in question is100 Yards, directed by brothers Xu Haofeng and Xu Junfeng. It originally came out in 2023, and it was only after Well Go USA Entertainment acquired the North American distribution rights to the film that it had its USA release on Jul 24, 2025.100 Yardsis now available for streaming and rent, and here’s why it should be next on the watchlist for any bona fidemartial arts movie fan.
What is100 YardsAbout?
Story & Plot Details
The story of100 Yardsrevolves 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 grave illness. The contenders 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 ego and scheming that puts the entire city at risk.
The time period plays an important role in thesimple storylineof100 Yards. It was only after 1912 that martial arts schools were established in Tianjin, following the collapse of the Qing Dynasty’s rule. In the movie, Chinese traditions and Western influence become key factors in the constantly escalating power struggle between An and Quan. The title, in particular, comes from the strict code that bans any fighting more than 100 yards beyond the academy gates, which leads to further chaos.
Why Martial Arts Fans Should Watch100 Yards
Action Sequences & Technical Excellence
100 Yardsmarks Xu Junfeng’s feature debut as a director, but his brother, Xu Haofeng, has previously worked on films likeThe Final Master,Hidden Sword, and even co-wrote Wong Kar-wai’sThe Grandmaster. Despite a plot that might feel repetitive, the directors have done a splendid job showcasing someexcellent combat sequencesin the film.100 Yardsoffers a superb mix of both hand-to-hand and weapon fighting.
The film is a non-stopmartial arts action experiencewith no shortage of variety. Whether it’s a one-on-one or one-on-twenty fight, the weapons range from various lengths and types, including ropes and chains. This is truly an indulgent experience for action fans.100 Yardsis 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 movies have used jumpy editing to hide the fact that the actors aren’t skilled fighters, but that’s not the case here.100 Yardsdoesn’t shy away from showing how everyone involved in the film is a proper martial arts expert, and that elevatesthe fight scenesto a whole new level.
Another impressive aspect of the film is itsimpeccable sound design. To feel each hit, block, and kick, the sound needs to enhance every blow and maintain energy while also being believable. The level of detail in the foley sounds deserves commendation. And that’s where100 Yardstruly delivers, despite a plot that often gets lost in the action.
A Few Flaws That Can Be Ignored
Action aficionados won’t have much to complain about with100 Yards. However, audiences who might be nitpicky about the plot and characters could find issues with its execution. The power struggle between thetwo overpowered main characterscan get frustrating, as it turns into an almost repetitive cycle of rematches and scheming.
Despite the idea of a martial arts circle that maintains 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 goals are best ignored, and the action should be the primary expectation of the film.
What Critics Said About100 Yards
A Must-Watch For Action Fans
Despite some issues with its story and central characters, the action in100 Yardswas enough to earn genuine critical appreciation. The film is certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with an 83% rating from 18 critic reviews, which is rare for a film in this genre. As expected, much of its praise comes from its top-tier martial arts choreography. Film critic David Ehrlich called100 Yardsa blazingly elegant martial arts epic comparable to1980s martial arts films, and shared his thoughts inhis review for IndieWire:
100 Yards is nothing if not a classic martial arts movie, and yet this bruising story about turn-of-the-century Tianjin has been 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 clean martial arts experience with a blend of politics and ego drama. Simon Abrams highlights how the film’s flaws are worth overlooking inhis review forRogerEbert.com:
It’s a period drama whose dense plotting, florid dialogue, and thrilling action scenes often either overload our expectations or glide by them without calling attention to itself. […] 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’s status as one of the best working action directors.
Where To Watch100 Yards
100 Yardsis now available for streaming on Apple TV+. The Chinese action movie is also available for rent on platforms like Google Play, YouTube, Vudu, and Prime Video.
108 minutes
