100 Yards (2023)

[Drunk Monk]

100 Yards



The latest from Xu Haofeng.

I got a screener for this because I was planning a review on KFM but that didn’t work out. Not sure how I’ll uphold that obligation but I’ll figure something. 

Xu Haofeng does classy Kung Fu films. He’s fascinated with the ROC period and all his films are gorgeous in sets, costumes and atmosphere. The last one reviewed here was The Final Master http://www.brotherhoodofdoom.com/doomFor...p?tid=4253

Like the rest of his work, this film engages the code of ethics of the Wuhuan (the martial circle) and it’s all about dueling. Layers of complexity bind the characters to their fates, and ultimately it’s another tragedy, a bitter nostalgia of the loss of the way in the light of guns, foreigners and the modern world. 

The fight choreo is excellent - some of the best I’ve seen recently - sharp, tight, crisp, strong and if you’re quick enough to follow the action, simply brilliant work in the dialog of steel, wood, flesh and bones. I’m going to have to watch this again just for those fight scenes. Just beautiful to behold. I’ll also have to watch it again to get the plot straight because I got lost in some of the story arcs. Xu doesnt make his storytelling so obvious - seemingly minor points are revealed and then culminate into something significant. 

Totally D00Mworthy, especially if you haven’t tuned into Xu’s work yet. This is the best one since The Grandmaster, and arguably has the best fight scenes. Great stuff.