A Master’s Return and a Film Dedicated to Kurosawa

The 2004 Hong Kong martial arts film Throw Down (柔道龍虎榜), directed by the acclaimed Johnnie To, is garnering renewed attention. The film, starring Louis Koo, Aaron Kwok, Cherrie Ying, and Tony Leung Ka-fai, is a compelling blend of action, drama, and character study. To dedicated the film to the late Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, drawing inspiration from Kurosawa’s debut feature, Sanshiro Sugata.

The Story of Redemption and Rivalry

The narrative centers around Sze-to Bo, portrayed by Louis Koo, a former judo champion who has fallen from grace. Once known as the Little King of Judo, Bo has become disillusioned, battling depression, gambling debts, and alcoholism. His past is challenged when Tony, the current judo champion played by Aaron Kwok, seeks him out for a duel. Simultaneously, Bo’s longtime rival, Lee Ah-kong (Tony Leung Ka-fai), resurfaces, eager to settle an old score.

The film explores Bo’s journey as he navigates these challenges, forging an unexpected friendship with Tony and encountering Mona (Cherrie Ying), a Taiwanese woman with dreams of becoming a singer who finds herself in a dangerous situation. A pivotal moment arrives with the death of Bo’s old master, Lu Haipeng, which ignites a renewed sense of purpose within him.

Technical Specifications and Reception

Throw Down premiered at the 61st Venice International Film Festival. The film runs for 95 minutes and is presented in Cantonese and Mandarin with both Traditional Chinese and English subtitles available.

• Director: Johnnie To
• Starring: Louis Koo, Aaron Kwok, Cherrie Ying, Tony Leung Ka-fai
• Release Date: July 8, 2004 (Hong Kong, China)
• Box Office: HK$8,231,079
• IMDb Rating: 6.9/10 (based on 2803 reviews)
• Douban Score: 7.7/10 (based on 45971 ratings)

Availability and Format

The film is available in a BluRay 1080p x265.10bit format, featuring 2 audio tracks and a file size of 3.84GB. The MediaInfo details indicate the leverage of HEVC video coding and AC-3 audio.

FAQ

What is ‘Throw Down’ about?

It’s a martial arts film about a former judo champion seeking redemption and facing challenges from rivals and personal demons.

Who directed ‘Throw Down’?

Johnnie To directed the film.

What languages are available?

Cantonese and Mandarin, with subtitles in Traditional Chinese and English.