Yau doh lung fu bong (Throw Down) (2004)

100% of critics liked it
(5 reviews)
65% of users liked it
(876 ratings)

A man who gave up on himself is redeemed by new and unexpected challenges in this drama from Hong Kong filmmaker Johnny To. Sze-To (Louis Koo) was once a respected judo champion, but he became jaded and lost interest in the sport. Now, Sze-To is an alcoholic who runs a night club and wastes his… More A man who gave up on himself is redeemed by new and unexpected challenges in this drama from Hong Kong filmmaker Johnny To. Sze-To (Louis Koo) was once a respected judo champion, but he became jaded and lost interest in the sport. Now, Sze-To is an alcoholic who runs a night club and wastes his spare time by spending a massive bankroll he stole from a rival in fight promotion on gambling and liquor. When Sze-To learns that the judo master who was his mentor and teacher has died, it knocks a hole in the wall of booze and despair he's built around himself, and soon two new challenges present themselves. Mona (Cherrie Ying) is an aspiring singer trying to break away from her overly controlling father who arrives at Sze-To's club looking for a gig -- and won't go away until she gets one. And Tony (Aaron Kwok) is a young martial arts prodigy who has heard of Sze-To's former skills in the judo ring; eager to test his skills against a true master, Tony challenges Sze-To to a match, encouraging Sze-To to begin familiarizing himself again with the art of the gentle way. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 35 min.
Directed By: Johnnie To
Genres: Art House & International, Drama

In Theaters: Jul 1, 2004 Wide
On DVD: Jul 26, 2005

Critic Reviews

Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times
Bursting with gangsters, gambling and human weakness in general, Johnnie To's Throwdown is so strange and idiosyncratic that it's almost surreal.
Michael Atkinson, Village Voice
The absolute best neo-samurai judo farce in town.
Daniel Eagan, Film Journal International
Throwdown may not be top-drawer To, but it's still a good introduction to a director who deserves attention.
Ken Fox, TV Guide's Movie Guide
The film is as beautiful as it is unpredictable.
Ed Gonzalez, Slant Magazine
A compelling remix of aesthetic showmanship and human movement.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Arash X

A pleasant surprise, Adoring & filled with memorable sequences, Feels a bit rushed near the end but overall this is truly what a feel-good movie should be like
Tsubaki S

One of my favorite movies of all time, and i'm dead serious. Loved every minute of it, only someone bitter with life could dismiss this movie so easily.
alan j

simple plot...deep undertones..inspirational and uplifting message..another fine off-beat Johnny To offering...the scene running in the streets with the money flying about...one of the most memorable cinematic experiences ever..it all comes together for the viewer at the film's… More
simple plot...deep undertones..inspirational and uplifting message..another fine off-beat Johnny To offering...the scene running in the streets with the money flying about...one of the most memorable cinematic experiences ever..it all comes together for the viewer at the film's conclusion.
Kevin "

Not Johnnie To's most famous movie, but still a decent movie. People that know him for his action/gun ballets; Exiled, The Mission or Fulltime Killer might not enjoy this much. With a title like Throw Down and it being Judo based, one might think To is replacing his bullets with… More
Not Johnnie To's most famous movie, but still a decent movie. People that know him for his action/gun ballets; Exiled, The Mission or Fulltime Killer might not enjoy this much. With a title like Throw Down and it being Judo based, one might think To is replacing his bullets with fists. But the fights are not exciting and just people flipping one another over their shoulders. But that is not what this movie is about. This is just another movie from To that is story driven. Except this time it isn't disguised with action. If you take the time to actually take in the story and the characters, To fans should enjoy this movie.