Andy On, left, and Jacky Heung in 100 Yards (Well Go USA Entertainment)

100 Yards is a visually striking, though somewhat diffuse and slow-moving saga centering on a martial arts school in 1920s Tianjin, China. As the old master lies dying, tension arises between the master’s son, Shen An (Jacky Heung), and his top student, Qi Quan (Andy On). When Shen An is chosen to lead the school, Qi Quan leaves and eventually trains street urchins and foreign martial artists to challenge Shen An, with the aim of taking over the school. What follows is a series of intrigues and plot twists, but not much martial arts action until the very end. The climactic battle almost makes it worthwhile to wade through a phalanx of beautifully shot, yet dramatically inert, moments.

Essentially, we are in a world governed by rules about how or when to fight, and whom to marry or not. For example, no violence is allowed within 100 yards of the academy, and unsanctioned fights between students are forbidden. The school is cloistered from the rest of the town, which seems to consist of a single long street with a post office, a marketplace, and what resembles an open-air fortress.

There is a pleasant western/noir vibe to the movie. Men, and occasionally women, are dressed in snazzy three-piece suits with matching fedoras, and a twanging harmonica on the soundtrack could easily have been lifted from a Clint Eastwood film. That, along with the gorgeous set design and fluid camerawork, makes this film a delight to watch. It helps that the cast is gorgeous. This is an elevated martial arts film.

The fight scenes are smooth and precise, with very few quick cuts. The camera generally circles the fighters, allowing for a clear view of the action. As I mentioned, the final showdown is a treat. Shen An is forced to adapt to a new fighting style to confront Qi Quan, dispatching opponent after opponent, with some being carted off on stretchers as new fights begin. In fact, the last half hour is pure martial arts—something we’ve been craving throughout the film.

Any martial arts fan should not miss 100 Yards. Others might appreciate the gorgeous production design and sleek costumes. In that sense, there’s something for everyone. I just wish the plot had been more concise and less convoluted.