Introduction

Growing up watching kung-fu and martial arts films, I quickly realized my love for the genre. It even led me to practice various forms of martial arts for quite a while. From classics like Game of Death to modern masterpieces like Ip Man (which remains one of my favorites), martial arts movies often embrace over-the-top action, yet watching skilled fighters duke it out never gets old.

I first heard about 100 YARDS years ago when it was released in Shanghai in 2023, but without an official Western release, I had no way to watch it. Honestly, I even forgot about it until recently. Thankfully, my prayers were answered, and thanks to Well Go USA, we at SunsetNerdVerse were granted an early review copy! Releasing on digital, Blu-ray, and DVD on February 18th, we’ll tell you if it was worth the wait or if it should have stayed unsubbed. Here’s our review of 100 YARDS.

Watch the Official Trailer

Story

The premise behind 100 YARDS is simple. Set in the 1920s, a martial arts group emerges to maintain peace between rival schools and protect people from criminals. Shen An (played by Jacky Heung) is the son of the school’s master and believes he will inherit his father’s legacy. However, An loses a duel to the school’s top student and is forced to work at a bank, as his father believes he isn’t meant to follow in his footsteps. But An refuses to accept this fate, raising his fists once again as tensions rise between schools and outside forces.

To be honest, I often don’t care too much about a martial arts film’s story as long as the fights are done well. A dull narrative can be forgiven when fists are flying and kicks are landing. Oddly enough, 100 YARDS has a decent story that’s easy to follow. It’s not the most original martial arts movie—not by a mile (pun intended)—but that doesn’t mean the story isn’t engaging. When the action slows, the narrative takes over, and the unique 1920s setting keeps things interesting. Some viewers will be surprised by certain plot developments, even if the overall story is predictable. That said, the ending left me slightly annoyed.

Acting & Cast

I wasn’t familiar with many of the actors and actresses in 100 YARDS, but after watching this movie, I want to change that. The cast does a great job of keeping you engaged. While the story isn’t the primary focus—most martial arts fans just want to see bloodied knuckles and broken limbs—the actors bring authenticity to the 1920s setting and the conflicts between rival factions.

Cinematography & Direction

This is where 100 YARDS needed to shine, and thankfully, it delivers. No one ever says, “I saw a great martial arts movie with an amazing story but horrible fight scenes,” unless it was meant to be intentionally ridiculous. 100 YARDS not only has a solid story but also some of the best fight sequences I’ve seen in a while.

The film doesn’t overload viewers with back-to-back fights, but every 10 minutes or so, another action-packed moment occurs, keeping things engaging. Even when there are no fights, the film’s atmosphere and setting hold your attention. The cinematography captures some stunning visuals, and the camera work ensures every punch and kick lands with impact.

Typically, martial arts movies have one or two standout fights—usually at the beginning and end—to grab your attention and leave a lasting impression. 100 YARDS follows that formula, starting with an intense duel between Shen An and Qi Quan (played by Andy On). The final 20 minutes take a surprisingly darker and more brutal turn, elevating the action. Between those sequences, the film is filled with well-choreographed weapon fights and smaller skirmishes that keep the pacing tight. The bank scene early on was particularly well-executed, even if it didn’t last long.

Conclusion

100 YARDS is a surprisingly solid martial arts film. While not perfect, it delivers more than expected, leaving a lasting impression. It doesn’t quite reach the heights of classics like Ip Man, but it impresses in various ways, making it a must-watch for genre fans. I’d say it’s worth buying—especially since Blu-rays may soon be discontinued—but at the very least, catch it when it releases digitally.

Thanks again to Well Go USA for providing us with a review copy!

—Aaron