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Throw Down
Throw Down
7.2
/10
418 Ratings

THROW DOWN

Yau doh lung fu bong | 柔道龍虎榜

Directed by Johnnie To
Hong Kong, 2004
Drama, Action, Sport

Synopsis

After his unexpected retirement, legendary Judo fighter Szeto has become an alcoholic gambler who runs a pub. However, Judo newcomer Tony wants to challenge him, while his old foe Kong demands to finish the match that never took place. Turning his pub into an arena, Sveto decides to take them on.

Synopsis

After his unexpected retirement, legendary Judo fighter Szeto has become an alcoholic gambler who runs a pub. However, Judo newcomer Tony wants to challenge him, while his old foe Kong demands to finish the match that never took place. Turning his pub into an arena, Sveto decides to take them on.

Our take

Made in tribute to the judo films of Akira Kurosawa, this jazz-inflected mood piece from Hong Kong genre maestro Johnnie To is a work of exquisite grace and beauty. A poetic examination of discipline and restraint, Throw Down is a stripped-back masterpiece of narrative and action distillation.