Throw Down

Throw Down is a 2004 Hong Kong martial arts drama film directed by Johnnie To. The movie stars Louis Koo as Sze-To Bo, a former Judo champion who now runs a bar in Hong Kong. Aaron Kwok plays Tony, a young and cocky gambling addict who is also a Judo fighter. Cherrie Ying plays Mona, a lounge singer Sze-To Bo is in love with.

The movie begins with a Judo tournament taking place in Hong Kong. Tony is one of the contestants, and he is a talented fighter, but he is also a compulsive gambler who owes money to various loan sharks in the city. His debts are so high that he is planning to commit suicide by jumping off a building after the tournament.

Sze-To Bo happens to be in the same building, and he overhears Tony's conversation with a loan shark. He decides to intervene and pays off Tony's debts, saving him from a tragic end. Sze-To Bo also tries to teach Tony about the true spirit of Judo and urges him to stop gambling and take his fighting skills more seriously.

The rest of the movie explores the relationship between Sze-To Bo, Tony, and Mona. Sze-To Bo has a strong sense of honor and duty, and he is determined to instill those values in Tony. However, Tony is stubborn and not interested in following the path of discipline and hard work that Judo demands.

As the movie progresses, we see a series of beautifully filmed Judo fights between some of the best fighters in Hong Kong. Sze-To Bo and Tony both participate in these fights, and we see their different fighting styles and philosophies clash. The fights are intense and often brutal, but they are also a visual feast, with the camera capturing every move and gesture of the fighters.

The movie also has moments of humor and romance, especially in scenes involving Mona. She is a talented singer who performs at Sze-To Bo's bar, and both Tony and Sze-To Bo are attracted to her. However, Mona is not interested in either of them and is focused on her music career.

One of the most memorable scenes in the movie is a long take that lasts for over four minutes. The camera follows Sze-To Bo as he walks through his bar, pausing to greet customers and engage in a brief conversation. The scene is shot in one continuous take, and it showcases the director's excellent sense of timing and composition.

Overall, Throw Down is a beautiful and thought-provoking movie that explores themes of honor, hard work, and self-discovery. The characters are well-drawn and memorable, and the action scenes are jaw-dropping. The movie also has a fantastic soundtrack, with music that ranges from jazz to traditional Chinese instruments.

If you are a fan of martial arts movies, or if you are looking for a movie that will inspire you to be your best self, then Throw Down is definitely worth watching. It is a cinematic gem that showcases the best of Hong Kong cinema.