The San Diego Asian Film Festival curates an eclectic collection of movies from Asian creators. Not only are there selections from members of the diaspora such as Grounded, but also from filmmakers back on the continent. 100 Yards is one such inclusion that has been making the festival circuit rounds.
100 Yards refers to the distance from the city entrance to Tianjin that a martial arts cabal would keep clear of unsavory types. Before the master of the city’s oldest martial arts academy perishes, he has his only son and best student duel to determine who will inherit the school and its influence over the community. After the son, Shen (Jacky Heung), loses the first encounter, he pursues a rematch to redeem himself.
Directors Haofeng Xu and Junfeng Xu create a visually striking film. They use a muted palette throughout to match a city in turmoil not only with the transition of leadership, but also with the changing into the modern age in the 1920s. This allows when color is incorporated, for it to distinctly stand out creating artful scenes. Also, since the motion picture is a period piece, the backgrounds, scenery, and costumes are well done to match the times.
The action sequences are top notch featuring exciting fight choreography. There are intricately planned battles showcasing a variety of styles and weapons where the diversity keeps things fresh. The entire final act sees Shen as a one-man wrecking crew working his way through an army of thugs and underlings. 100 Yards proves you can have intense action without being too bloody or gory. It really makes you focus on the artistry in the fights from talented actors like Heung and Andy On, who plays the antagonist Qi.
The score gives 100 Yards a unique personality that complements the action. The incorporation of whistles and harmonicas harken back to classic Old Western films. It seems fitting considering the number of showdowns and duels that occur, but instead of pistols they use their fists. During the fights, the use of strumming guitar riffs and heavy percussion adds to the intensity immersing you in the scene.
With regards to the story, Haofeng Xu builds an intriguing underworld grasping onto old traditions in the face of a modern revolution. He has a quirky sense of humor that comes off on screen, which is a nice distraction to all the fighting. Most importantly, he develops a compelling rivalry between Shen and Qi that takes some unexpected turns. Although over the course of all the world building, there are still threads left dangling or unclear in the end resulting in some dissatisfaction.
Overall, 100 Yards delivers an enjoyable experience with entertaining action, an enthralling rivalry, and enough quirkiness to make it unique
The San Diego Asian Film Festival runs until November 11, 2023.
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