Hak se wui: Yi wo wai kwai (2006) watch online HD

Election 2, like its predecessor and the acclaimed "Infernal Affairs", seems to usher a new wave Hong Kong crime cinema. Highly stylized and almost completely devoid of the typical "action" sequences that HK gangster pictures have become associated with, Election 2 is also one of the coldest films in recent memory.

The plot is somewhat unremarkable and predictable, but in this case its how the film is told that makes it stand apart. The underworld depicted by director Johnny To is populated by sullen, disaffected thugs in expensive suits, with no loyalties held sacred but to their insatiable greed. The isolation of these men, (and Louis Koo as Jimmy in particular), as they trade away the remaining scraps of their humanity is a chilling thing to behold. The lighting, music, and sparse sets all echo the overwhelming emptiness and dread radiated by these characters, excellently performed by an ensemble of talented actors. Characters carried over from the first film seem to have developed in the two year interim to Election 2, and have become much more realized than the rather thin caricatures of the original.

Johnny To also seems to have a better grasp of the subject; wisely opting for a more serious approach, he injects a political theme that elevates the material out of the typical power fantasy of gangster films. Although the film certainly has its share of violent scenes, they are a good deal less gory than the majority of "shock cinema" today, and somehow even more harrowing. One particularly chilling scene is almost completely silent, save the blood-freezing soundtrack's eerie drone. Presented in such icy fashion that it becomes savagely artistic, Election 2's violence will stay with you long after the credits run. Despite the fetishistic renditions of violence and Triad traditions, these power obsessed sociopaths are hardly glamorous; their quiet panic becoming palpable as the realization sets in that greed has condemned them all. It is a testament to the director's talent that even without a single likable character for the audience to root for; the film remains compelling right to the bitter end.

Election 2 is an uncompromising film; violent, serious, politically controversial, and spectacularly unsympathetic. It also depends in large part on the viewer having seen its prequel, a similar if inferior examination of the same subject and themes. It is also one of the most interesting crime dramas in some time. Special note must be given once again to the score, which raises the tension significantly, and gives it a unique flavor more akin to a horror movie than a gangster film. Johnny To has shaped a bleak monster out of the typical conventions of crime noir; it leaves the viewer with much food for thought on subjects many would find distasteful, but anyone with an interest in the shallow, ruthless underbelly of organized crime is recommended to give it a look.

Those who have not seen "Election" need not have any concern. The scene is very clearly set right at the beginning. When perennial election for the underworld super boss is around the corner again, each of the 5 "God sons" who helped Lok win the last one is at a across-road – to go for the top spot, to support another or to support him in a tradition-breaking bid for a second term.

For those who have seen "Election", the connecting scene cannot be more conspicuous – the same riverside fishing setting and the same suggestion of "joint leadership". But there's a big different. Last time, the idea brought instant, abrupt death to the initiator. This time around, the initiator is well prepared, and looks almost as though he is going to do some killing himself, had not been for some passers-by right at the critical juncture. We never find out, but can only guess.

And then, one can draw ready parallels with "The Godfather" trilogy, to a degree. Michael Corleone did not want to be a gangster, but was forced into it by circumstances. Jimmy Li did not want to be a gangster but joining the Triad was the only way he could survive as a paper boy. But here comes the big difference. Micheal Corleone wants to turn legitimate and has the power and means to do so because he is now at the very top. With Jimmy Li, it's a different story.

Jimmy Li wants out and has proved his ability to be a successful businessman. Unfortunately, as he finds out, the duo goes hand and hand. If he wants to expand his business in the Mainland, where all the opportunities are, he has to control the underworld, not the way he wants, but as proxy for the people "up north", in other words, play the puppet - a blatant political message that no one before director Johnny To had the guts to deliver.

Simple, chilling, brutal reality – that's what this movie is about. The story is told with an almost claustrophobic (both figuratively and literally, as you'll find out) feeling and what many consider to be excessive, gruesome violence. General consensus however is that it is capably directed, effectively shot and ably acted.

It's always nice to fallow the evolution of some characters through the years from films to films. You have the impression to see old friends again after a long separation. But in the triad world of "Election 2", this friends are rather bad and dangerous, and the two years that separate this second opus from the first haven't really improve, nor their friendship, nor the situation. If the first "Election" already was a death fight in order to elect the boss of a important HK triad, this one, setting two years after, is more a complete blood bath, where the most barbarian acts are tolerated. The old triad traditions, that manage to contain the savagery of the characters in the first movie, don't belong to the modern world anymore, for the opening of the Chinese market to the Triads in 1997 completely changes its face.

The characters who manage to survive to the first movie are now about to face a new election, which opposes this time Lok, who wants to be reelected and the young Jimmy, who's quite reluctant to become the new boos, but has to win the election, in order to become a traditional business man in two years. In this second movie, the characters have much more elaborated than in the first one, for they're acting in a tragedy play, with much more powerful actors than them.

Lok isn't the calm and self-control man he once was, he's now obsessed with power and greed. And Jimmy is the classical tragic Corleone character of a gangster movie, who wants to go straight, but only goes deeper and deeper in the evil world of the Triad.

As well as the characters, the political aspect of the movie is also well develops. If the first film mostly deals with ancestral Trial rituals, the second one brings a contemporary point of view on this, and lights the links between HK Triads and Chinese government, which really control them since 1997.

This movie is also more violent than the first, guns appear (whereas they were inexistent in "Election 1"), and a magisterially gore torture scene (with dog and human food...) greatly increase the emotional impact of the movie and underlines the abominations man is able to do in order to archive his need of power.

All this elements makes "Election 2" a entertaining and interesting movie, and elects Jhonny To as one of the most interesting filmmaker of Hong-Kong. But his very classical direction (the movie always looks like a classical 90's HK polar), and storyline (the story of Jimmy is very similar to the Michael Corleone one, with some Melvillle elements, and a soundtrack very similar to the one you can find in Corean Thrillers) makes him a lot less original, than directors like Wong Kar-Wai or Hark Tsui, who is always the godfather of HK cinema.

This film doesn't take half measures that's for sure. It's time to elect a new chairman again amongst the triad world, and the baton by tradition has to pass on. Our lead from the original is reluctant to hand it over, and is playing off people to secure a second term. On the other hand is the initially reluctant Jimmy who claims to want to distance himself from his gangster linked past but to secure business access into the mainland, he becomes brutal and merciless to become the newly elected leader for his own "business" purposes.

I enjoyed this more than the first. It's quite a difficult film to follow at times with some references to the original plus a large multitude of characters. There are various threads through the movie and if you give it time you will find it engrossing. Tense at times with violence always not far off, it doesn't let up. There are too many nods to "Infernal Affairs" with many of the same actors and some parts which seem to pay homage to it. In fairness, can't always be 100% original, and this film is not a rip at all.

Acting is fine but camera work doesn't have anything special. There was scope to have some incredible filming here with some of the locations and actors, but it doesn't seem to have been a priority, which is a shame.

A good film with some intriguing plot lines, and if you're into gangster films then you'll find this a good addition to the HK genre.

Given local election fever, it's somewhat apt that this movie gets its release during this period. Sort of a tongue-in-cheek tie in with the local political environment. I was filled with a whole lot of skepticism when other local reviewers from the mainstream media started to laud this movie with fantastic ratings. While the original movie had won plenty of awards, the bastardized politically correct version that was shown here, did not do it any honours.

However, I was still game to see how this movie panned out, and to my surprise, it met my expectation of a good triad movie. You can actually forget that you've watched the politically correct version, and enjoy this movie as it's meant to be. But for those who have not watched the first movie, fret not, you'll be up to speed within 10 minutes, though you might grapple with certain scenes and characters.

Suffice to know that the Wo Shing Society undergoes leadership changes every 2 years in a democratic manner, and current leader Lok (Simon Yam) will have its term completed soon. However, he becomes, as we learn towards the end of the first movie, power hungry, and demonstrates the character change which was missed in the original bastardized version.

Lok has to select a potential candidate amongst his 5 godsons, and Jimmy (Louis Koo) presented the best option as the one who has the smarts for raking in new business for the Society. However, his interest is only in making money, initially that is, until he's seduced by the fact that with power, the mainland Chinese will give him more respect, and with that, the potential for more business.

The movie becomes similar to the original's scheming and plotting to gain the upper hand, in the run up to the election for the next leader. The focus here is on Jimmy, and his grand scheme to push himself to the forefront of the elections. It's classic "black eats black" plotting for power, title and money.

The much touted violence, can rival some of those that Hollywood churns out. Rarely panning away, the camera captures and at times teases with the blood splatters, spurts and stains, what with equipment like sledge hammers, hammers (somehow the weapon of choice), and, get this, a meat grinder. Many in the audience squirmed, and it's a tad uncomfortable watching the dismemberment of a full human body.

It may seem a little ordinary given the recycled storyline of triad power struggles, but what lifts this movie is the last 15 minutes, where the revelation sets in. You'll see who's actually playing who, and rings home the thought of being careful what you wish for. Squabbling over scraps and neglecting the bigger picture and threat, will always prove to be fatal, as there are always vultures waiting in the wings. It's ironic that for all the election is worth, it degenerates, not within choice, to the installation of a puppet like figure. To the authorities, corrupt or sly, whichever way you look at it, it's always advantageous to have a known evil, rather than an unknown one.

I really recommend this movie, at long last, a decent triad movie with a finale that will really distinguish this amongst others in the genre. One more thing too, I also dig the very powerful theme song with the guitars and drum beats. Really brings out the tension and the mood.

Spooky? Funny? Yeah!

In 2006 HK Cinema, few movies warrant a second viewing, but clearly Election 2 is one that improves in its 2nd running. Johnny To is a versatile director and needless to say, whatever tension that is lacking in its sequel, Johnny makes up for it with twice the brutality and further destruction of those in power. While the first film emphasis on one struggle for power and its ability to corrupt even the most ingenious of humanity, the second one further this notion, that the only way to secure power is through eliminating all its challengers. Perhaps Bush is right - "you are either with us or against us" as this notion is never proved so strongly correct. Needless to say, Election 2 is already fast becoming of the finest work from the little territory this year.

One of the most memorable yet shocking scenes is without doubt the chopping sequence of arms, legs and body parts of a living person and then churning it out into dog food. Fear is a factor that allows those in power to control the masses. It is at that moment that Louis Koo becomes a greater evil than Simon Yam. His goal is money, not triad power and glory. The saying goes: "money is the root of all evil" and at that moment, Koo have metamorphoses into a wild animal – crazy and no longer human. It is crazy to imagine what one can do for money as Koo's silent assassin screams out: "Add money" repetitively even the moment before he die, is both humorous yet bitterly ironic. In dicing a human into dog food, Johnny alludes to 90s' human pork chop movies and most notably – The Untold Story starring Anthony Wong. Luckily, Election 2 does not exactly show the vivid scene in full detail, or else it will probably break even the most carefree of censorship boards.

Like in the first film, the only way to survive in the dark underworld is to remain in power, as the Chinese saying goes: "one mountain can not shelter two tigers." Unlike the 1st film, Simon Yam takes a back seat, despite showing some quite credible acting chops. His expression upon kicking the old man down the stairs is calculatingly evil and so is the memorable expression as he holds on to the leader baton, with the type of grin hiding behind an ambitious smile. He is ultimately ambitious, yet an extremely flawed character. Louis Koo takes on the leading role, this time around in full force and perhaps one of his finest performances in years since Bullet Over Summer. His aim for business and money is noteworthy and the ambition hidden within the scene where he chops up arms and legs is equally startling to watch. A much underrated actor deserves to appear in more material like this. Other appears here and there and Lam Suet is once again funny in a cameo role. As usual Nick Cheung is fast becoming one of the coolest actors in HK cinema.

Following Neo's statements above of this being 2006's finest work isn't really an understatement, despite the poor quality of productions in most HK films. To have been able to embark a sequel that matches the original is alone a heck of an achievement. It is a beautiful piece of work and along with the ironic trademark finale, Johnny is back on the circuit. With many more productions ahead, one can only expect heaps better stuff to be made. Yes, to be perfectly honest, it is disgusting, but at the same time, it is really good to endure. (Neo 2006)

I rate it 9/10.

• www.thehkneo.com

"Triad Election" takes viewers deep into a ritualized world of the Triad Society crime organization which is full of betrayal, backstabbing, and power-grabbing moves for power. The movie contains complex characters, scheming political machinations, and explosive action sequences that creates balance against Jonnie To's unique directorial style and subversive plot twists. "Triad" is the sequel to the wildly successful "Election" (2005), which earned a number of awards and nominations including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay at the Hong Kong Film Awards in 2006. The "Triad" storyline expounds from its predecessor with a political subtext: the candidates here, elegantly played by Koo and Yam, are not only trapped by their own lust of power or wealth, but also by the mainland Chinese government's omniscient influence. To merges an intelligent screenplay with the hardball tactics of the Hong Kong underworld which contains political undertones and transcends an otherwise conventional crime drama storyline.

The slow burn caper maintains a business-like atmosphere, while its general sense of tranquility is interrupted with sudden bursts of intense violence. Noticeably absent is the trademark two-fisted gun play, sunglasses, and highly stylized action sequences so prevalent in Woo's films. To underplays the spectacle of violence -- he's more interested in the how the escalation reveals the character of the candidates. The majority of "Triad Election" is about the political maneuvering of organized crime, but when the conversations end, make no mistake, the blood flows mightily. "Triad Election" strongly resembles "The Godfather Part II" (1974), but it's resolutely a Chinese story, reaching back to the origins of Hong Kong crime syndicates, and showing how they struggle to keep a foothold in a modernized world. There are great modern crime movies out there -- Michael Mann's "Heat" (1995), Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas" (1990), and Andrew Lau and Alan Mak's "Infernal Affairs" trilogy. "Triad Election" unquestionably belongs with such illustrious company.

In the Chinese crime drama, "Triad Election," Louis Koo stars as Jimmy Lee, a Hong Kong "businessman" who's made a small fortune selling pornographic DVDs on the black market. Now Jimmy wants to come in from the cold and become "legit" in the eyes of the law, but he discovers that - irony of ironies - the only way that that can happen is if he gets himself elected "Chairman" of a crime syndicate of which he is already a member - a position of such power and prestige that even the long arm of the law will be unable to touch him. This sets up a bloody battle royale between Jimmy and the other gangsters vying for the title.

"Triad Election" has a few flashes of grit and style, but it's a fairly lackluster affair overall, undramatic, talky and with an undertone of sadism and nastiness that spoils much of the fun of the film. There's a certain poignancy to the final scenes, as Jimmy realizes that he can never leave the gangster lifestyle now that he is so deeply embedded in it, but it is a revelation that comes too late in the movie to register much of an impact. Thus, despite its various virtues - and a nicely melancholic score played mainly on strings - the movie is a pretty so-what affair in toto.

In some ways this is an amazing sequel. It builds on top of the original movie, playing with its themes, but not feeling repetitive or unoriginal. It has its own unique thing going on, yet it couldn't exist without the first one to provide background and the setting. So it's at the same time an enjoyable experience on its own, but the fans of the original get exactly what they were hoping for. Kind of.

Because I still don't like this one as much as the original. The main reasons for this are the technical details. The film just isn't as well-made as the original. In the first movie one really understood both of the competitors, their motives and feelings, their overall goals and the reason why they acted as they did. In this movie you really understood Jimmy's (Lois Koo Tin-Lok) character. He's just an ordinary businessman with triad ties, who tries to set his family free. But he cannot, not without going through the ultimate ordeal. But it's the character of Lok (Simon Yam Tat-Wah) that I don't get. In the first movie he was a calm, collected leader, able to make tough choices, but preferring to avoid rattling the cages. He was a traditionalist. Not so much in this film. I guess that in some ways this sudden change serves to portray the themes of power corrupting without a doubt, but it still felt somewhat wrong to me. It didn't feel like Lok at all, not the Lok I had gotten to know in the first movie.

Plus the action scenes, while good by the most standards, didn't hold that awe-factor from the first film, there was still way too many characters, who were rarely referred to, the plot had some bizarre twists and while the ending solution was a good one, I was somewhat disappointed by it.

Still, this is a good movie, no doubt about that. If action movies are your thing, this is definitely worth checking out. I personally liked the first one better, but there are a lot of people, who disagree with me on this, so you might be pleasantly surprised.

I recently saw this at the 2007 Palm Springs International Film Festival and I had never seen the first film of this series but this still stands on it's own without the benefit of seeing the first film Election. This being distributed as Triad Election although in the opening credits is called Election 2. This is the story of a large Hong Kong crime syndicate that has it's hand in several business dealings from bootleg compact discs to government contracts in Hong Kong and on mainland China. Ten of the actors reprise their roles here from the first film. Lok is the head of the crime family of which was elected to serve a two year term and now his term is up. He wants to hang on to his power and not go into semi-retirement as an elder or uncle within the Triad. Jimmy is the odd-on favorite to win the election this time around but he is a reluctant candidate. He only wants to be a underworld businessman which he never will be unless he accepts the position as the elected one term leader of the crime family. Veterna director Johnny To is back as the director as well as the screenplay team of Nal Hei Yau and Tin-Shing yip, cinematographer Siu-keung Chang and production director Tony Yu. This is a violent film and many comparisons have been made with the Godfather and other American gangster films. Not knowing anything about this or it's predecessor film I didn't really know what to expect here but this is a well-polished film with a good story and plenty of interesting characters. I would give this an 8.0 out of 10.

Time for another election. Again, the idea of two chairmen comes up, only this time it doesn't end in the death of the initiator. Lam Lok (Simon Yam) looks to run for an unprecedented second term, others are deciding whether to run, and Jimmy Lee (Louis Koo), who only wants to be a businessman, finds that is not possible unless he becomes Chairman.

This Chinese version of the Godfather continues with its intrigue and violence as everyone plots to take out the competition.

It goes from broken fingers to body parts being ground up as hamburger.

But, the ending was a real eye-opener. Jimmy was set up and now he is forced to do the bidding of the power in China. Just like Michael Corleone, he is in it for life.

If director Johnnie To wants to make Election 2 : Harmony Is A Virtue aka Hak se wui yi wo wai kwai in Cantonese a instant trial classic, he has achieved his goal.

Compared to the prequel, Election 2 gives the audience more punch, more kicks, and more violence. The greed of human being was once again, displayed on the election of the Chairman for the Ho Sing Trial, a secret society with a long history. Two years have passed since Lok (Simon Yam in another unforgettable role of a trial leader) becomes the chairman, and the election for the new chairman (which is a tradition among the Ho Sing, where a new chairman will be elected once every two years.)arrives again. Lok wished to be the chairman again, and he looked at his fellow assistants on their loyalty and threat to him.

Jimmy (Louis Koo), an undercover cop, is working on pirated VCD business with the trial, and his connection with the officials in China and success in business makes him favorable to be the next chairman; Kun (Lam Kar Tung) is doing fine, but he is ambitious to become the leader; Jet (Nick Cheung) remains loyal to Lok since day 1 when he joins Lok.

Sensing there are threats around him (especially Jimmy and Kun), Lok decided to get rid of them, and will do anything to be the next chairman. Jimmy, who is not interested to be the chairman, has the full support of his seniors. He was forced to become the chairman, as he sensed that Lok will come after him. Thus, both began to play the game of bribing and killing.

Johnnie To displayed the dirty tricks used in the trial and the business world to achieved everyone's objective. This not only display the dark side of the human nature, but also it gives us a view of the dark side of the Chinese government during the post 1997 HK handover, where bribery and connections are common practices among the officials. It also relates to one point, where money means power. With money, one can achieved its objective. Bribery, murder, power...all gained from tonnes of notes.

In terms of violence, Singapore audience were given the opportunity to enjoy Election 2 in the most original unedited version. Compared to the prequel, Election 2 is filled with tonnes of violence, where some sequence will make the audience leaving the theatre with unforgettable scenes. Johnnie To is playing Quentin Tarantino this time round, where he scripts Louis Koo's Jimmy to kill Lok's assistant and make mince meat out of the victim. Freshly made mince meat becomes the feed for the dogs, where it is one of the tactic used to get Jimmy's way through.

Once again, this is a movie where masculinity rules. Same as the prequel, this movie has only one supporting actress, with only less than 5 lines of dialogue. For guys who loves movie on the conflicts and tactics in the trials, Election 2 is made for you.

Aka Election 2 -- continuation of crime drama

It's Election time again , and this time the lead candidates are Kun - the Baton retriever who served jail time for running over cop , and Jimmy - the leading money-maker in the Wo-Sing and Society Favorite ..

Jimmy doesn't want to run for prez , he wants to go clean as a businessman . But after getting busted in undercover sting, he's coerced by the head Inspector to become the new Chairman if he has any dreams of running business on his grounds .

Lok on the other hand , doesn't want to give up power either ,, and is plotting a second term which is against Society rules ... As the time ticks closer things get more and more antsy

9/10

Triad chairman Simon Yam's term is coming to an end and he doesn't want to vacate the job. His main contender is Louis Koo, who is only seeking the job to further his business interests in mainland China. This one is a slow burn. Most of the running time is gangsters manoeuvring politically until the film erupts in a series of horrendously violent sequences. A grim gem among To's incredibly consistent output.

The first "Election" film seems to be Johnnie To's most highly praised movie, which is strange, because I think this less-seen sequel is superior in every way. It has a plot you can actually understand, and a persistent style and tone.

"Election" had key moments apparently happening off camera so you could only deduce what was going on in the plot with super-human concentration. Not so in the sequel. You get the gist pretty easily, and pretty early on: Lok, the elected chairman from the first movie, is approaching the end of his tenure, but is considering breaking Triad tradition and extending his term. Meanwhile Jimmy is trying to set himself up as a legitimate businessman in China and move away from the Triad. He finds that government officials will only work with him if he takes the chair in his Triad.

So the stage is set for crosses, double-crosses and dealings with Triad "uncles" and cold-blooded subordinates.

"Triad Election", also known as "Election 2", is never less than engrossing and captivating. It's one of the best Triad films I've seen.

Even if I was given a week to consider my verdict, I'm certain that I'd come up with the same answer: 'Infernal Affairs' is the best crime movie of the past 40 years; the best gangster movie since the first Godfather movie. 'Election: Volume 2' deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as 'Infernal Affairs'; it really is that good. It's never going to displace 'IA' in my affections, but in the way that you come to recognise great movies on a first viewing, I know its appeal will endure and not diminish. And, in contrast to the Godfather series with which it might be compared, this 'sequel' is far superior to the first movie.

I wasn't a huge fan of the first movie: it was just too much about style and ritual, and bore too much of a Kitano influence in its alternation of serenity and violence; but I did see enough in it to want to investigate Johnnie To further, even if - after the massive disappointment of the 'Infernal Affairs' sequels - I was reluctant to risk viewing another failed Hong Kong crime movie sequel. But this one was a joy, right from the get-go. Given its pace, I decided not to overly concern myself with plot complexities and especially who's doing what to whom: the introductory scene - despite the number of 'interests' present - was set up in such a way that I knew there was really only one character I needed to focus on: a young, charming, and ambitious businessman whose rise had been facilitated by Triad gang membership, but who was now looking to expand his horizons. It's called 'setting your stall out' - both character and film-maker.

The settings are mostly recognizable and familiar to fans of such as 'The Godfather' and 'Goodfellas', not to mention its predecessor, and - to a certain extent - the great Melville: the quiet, lyrical scenes and locations, the domestic scenes, the triad summit meetings, the nightclubs; and then there's the dialogue: threats - implied and expressed; or ambitions and concerns expressed; plus the occasional burst of savage violence, just in case the messages hadn't 'gotten through'. And the importance of loyalty. All of which might suggest an excess of reverence and homage, or even the dreaded pastiche - but not a bit of it. Maybe it was more a case of To setting his sights high - and in a Daedalus, and in no way an Icarus way - and wanting to be judged alongside those more epic films, because he knew how good the story he had to tell was.

Because its shorter than either of the aforementioned Masterpieces - and less ambitious - it might be considered a lesser film, but I'm having none of it, because there's not one milligram of flab here, and it tells all the story it needs to tell, and tells it well. And its the pacing, the editing,the choreography, the moulding of a succession of scenes into a satisfying whole. It's not even so much the ending, because I could see that coming from a mile away; it's just that everything fits in the way you wanted it to fit, and not in a seen-it-all-before kind of way. It's just perfect, and I can't wait to watch it again.

In 'Election', Simon Yam's Lok was the Nick Clegg-like nice guy in the election race for the position of Wo Shing Society Chairman. By the films' conclusion, however, he makes a Clegg-like U-turn, showing his ruthless streak in order to gain power. With his term coming to an end, Lok once again starts to show his David Cameron side, seeking to go against Society tradition and serve a second term as Chairman, running against his five god-sons.

Another Hong Kong DVD gone missing, 'Election 2' is Johnnie To's sequel to his multi-award winning, let's-show-a-lack-of-originality-in-film- reviewing-and-compare-it-to 'The Godfather' 'Election', with the same power struggle scenario rearing its ugly head once more. This time, it's the turn of Jimmy (Louis Koo) to play the nice guy forced to show a ruthless side, as he seeks to gain the Chairmanship in order to aid his business plans in mainland China. Up against his four brothers, he is the clear favourite, having both the best hair and tailored suits. But at this, Lok seeks to alter the Society tradition and serve a second term.

The original was a sleek film, showing the race for the baton between two lead candidates, but 'Election 2' suffers a little from sequel syndrome, lacking the originality, obviously, of its predecessor and resorting to scenes that feature more shock and gore than true quality. But, that said, 'Election 2' is a worthy sequel with some good cinematography and atmosphere. Many of the cast from the original – those whose characters are still alive – are reunited, though many are more as cameos than lead roles. The focus here is much more on Jimmy, with even Johnnie To favourite Simon Lam pushed a little further down the bill in place of his successor. The suspense as to the outcome is, therefore, less apparent than in 'Election' and has a sense of inevitability about it.

This won't win any votes as the best of Johnnie To's work, but certainly helps his position as one of Hong Kong's top directors.

www.politic1983.blogspot.com

It may seem odd for the selective New York Film Festival to include what in many ways is a fairly standard Hong Kong crime movie, working in the familiar genre of Triad gang stories. What is new here, perhaps, if it is really new, is that not only does the main character make his choices in order to create new relationships with the Chinese mainland, but he also dreams of becoming a pure businessman, and wants his son not to be a successful gang leader like him but an attorney. If we didn't see the original film of which this is the follow-up, we soon learn that the Wo Shing Society undergoes leadership changes every two years by a vote of its key members, and current leader Lok (Simon Yam) is about to finish his term. As the time comes though, Lok wants to hold onto his power, which leads to a personality change. He turns very nasty. But Jimmy turns even nastier.

Lok has to select a potential candidate amongst his 5 godsons, and Jimmy (Louis Koo) already rich from pirated porn sales, seems the best qualified to bring in new business for the Society. However, his interest is only in making money, initially that is, until he's seduced by the fact that with power, the mainland Chinese will give him more respect, and with that, the potential for more business. In fact a key mainland player tells him he cannot come back to deal with them unless he is president of the society. It is only in the hopes of becoming more a businessman that Jimmy accepts the idea of a two-year term as Wo Shing leader. But he must fight for that, because of Lok's change of heart.

The irony is that after Jimmy succeeds, he finds he has fallen into a trap.

To what extent this has anything to do with actual events, or is a reference to the new relationships since 1997's changeover to mainland control of Hong Kong, is uncertain. But the kernel idea of the film according to To was a police commissioner's remark to him that the criminal class would be important to the stability of the new Hong Kong. To feels that the Triad system is dying, perhaps also as some Italians feel the Mafia's glory days are over. But as an old Arab proverb says, "Evil is ancient." And in keeping with this notion is director To's notion of the role played by destiny in life, which relates to Jimmy. Jimmy's destiny comes from his birth. His father was a criminal, and he is a criminal. His plan of eventually becoming merely a successful businessman is therefore doomed, because it is not his destiny, nor will it, most likely, be his son's.

This film was entitled Triad Election as presented, but the international title Election II is more accurate, given that this is a sequel, with the same main characters, to Election. Apparently this newer film was issued in a "sanitized version" which dwelt more on the political machinations than on the usual violence. In the version shown at the NYFF the violence was restored, and it is some of the most horrific imaginable, including as it does men chained to mad dogs (was Abu Ghraib an inspiration?) and a man who is beaten to a pulp with mallets and then dismembered with knives, his severed limbs run through a meat grinder and fed to the dogs. There is a scene in the new Scorsese The Departed where Jack Nicholson smashes Leonardo DiCapro's already broken hand, and another when he appears with his shirt disheveled and covered with splattered blood. But that's nothing compared to these Hong Kong Triad tortures, which are shown in vivid detail. Unlike the showy acting in The Departed the characters in Triad Election tend to speak in quick monosyllables. Then of course, Chinese is a monosyllabic language. But there are no caressing poetic effusions, no love scenes, only politics, a few hugs, and the nihilistic isolation of ultra-cruelty. Even the gang lords' wealth is shown only by their riding in big dark expensive cars.

The film begins boringly, as such films often do, with a meeting outdoors between syndicate members and officials. It is only as time goes on that the violence begins and we get the juice and momentum of a real crime movie. That also includes throwing an old man down many flights of stairs to kill him. All this is elegantly filmed; the often chiaroscuro wide-screen cinematography is impeccable, and Louis Ko as Jimmy is as handsome as the young Alain Delon. The acting is of uniformly high quality, as are the other aspects. But despite that the experience the film provides is rather routine. Godfather-esquire moments notwithstanding, there is here none of the powerful characterization, the moral content, and the fierce forward momentum of John Woo. What we have here is an homage to the peak performance of a genre artist – except that by reports Election, the first film, is superior. It's not likely that this film will make many new converts to the genre or the director.

Johnnie To's "Election 2" (AKA "Triad Election") not only continues the story of the characters set in the first "Election," but it is such a superlative film compared to its predecessor that it can rightfully stand on its own as a masterpiece of the genre. It's time for the underground Wo Sing Society to pick a new chairman, and the top contender to the throne is the successful businessman Jimmy. We follow him battle for position and leverage, like a high stakes game of chess, against the reigning chairman Lok. Spanning a mere 90 minutes, To directs with great attention to detail and characters, and with not a single frame wasted or in excess. We come to root for Jimmy (if not completely approving of his heinous actions) as he navigates, with both mental and physical prowess, the treacherous underworld of Hong Kong, filled with snitches, hit men, and the most formidable of all, the Machiavellian Lok himself.

One of the busiest and most versatile directors, Johnnie To has made some good, and even great films in the past, but here he has outdone himself in what is probably his masterpiece ("Drug War" is a strong contender for that title as well). The storytelling, cinematography, and the beautiful score by Lo Tayu all add up to a memorable cinematic effect. "Election 2" sets a gold standard for sequels, as it does not require the viewer (though it would be helpful) to view the first "Election" to follow, rather crafting its own story, not derivative but superior to the first. Its conclusion is masterful as well, leaving us with desire to see a continuation of this series. It also lends insight into the operation of mafias in Hong Kong (the beginning sequence plays out like a quick history lesson on the formation, and rules, of underground societies). Finally, it serves as a brilliant political allegory for the dueling that cunning politicians must engage in to win at any and all costs; and how the line between a politician and a gangster is a very thin one. If you're a fan of gangster/organized crime films, "Election 2" is a must have in your collection, to date the greatest film on organized crime in Hong Kong I've seen. And if anyone has any doubts about the legitimacy of this film, I was introduced to this film from someone who was involved with underground activities in Asia…which is all I will mention about that!

As I never saw the first chapter of 'Hak se wui yi wo wai kwai', I had no idea what to expect from this tale of Chinese crime gangs in Hong Kong. As I have, however seen a number of Hong Kong action/adventure epic (and ones even without Jackie Chan), it came as no surprise to me, what so ever. This film seems to channel a good block of Francis Ford Coppola's 'The Godfather (1972)' & several other films from that era (with a splash of 1940's film noir tossed in for good measure). The film is a bit slow in getting started, but when it does...WATCH OUT! The story is about a "family" (gang)looking for a new Chairman to take over from the old one who wants to step down & take life a bit easier. The most obvious choice is Jimmy, a (so called)businessman who only wants to run a business selling pirated DVD's in mainland China. Without revealing anything,things get nasty between other gang members, who seem to want another Chairman,instead of Jimmy. Although the film is distributed by a fairly well known U.S. distributor of Asian cinema (Tartan Films,inc.), I'm guessing that it probably won't play much outside of cinemas that cater to a (mostly)Asian audience (as will the eventual DVD release,which will be mostly made available in all of those little Mom & Pop Asian grocery stores that rent out Cantonese or Mandarin language videos---and without the English subtitles). This film is worth seeking out for crime drama fanatics (advance warning:there is some really nasty violence that occurs in this film, involving dog food, so be prepared)

The Triads have once more reached the election year, were a new person would take up the role of leader, however the current boss has no intention of giving up his position, while his protégé is being forced to become a candidate by the government.

I am a genuine HK cinema fan and love the 'Triad Genre', so I was naturally attracted to a film that delved into the politics of criminality, however I was disappointed. The plot was slow and dull, the characters did not seem to add anything to the story and the end was a let down.

The concept of Gangster and Politics did not seem to gel together very well, which ruined a perfectly good idea.

On the surface the two Election movies are simple stories about the election of the Chairman of an organized crime syndicate in Hong Kong. The concerns of the lead characters are simple/primal - greed, power, money - all the expected elements and the predictable Hong Kong gangster cinema trademark - people sitting at a table drinking, eating and very casually suggesting that a lot of people are going to be dead by the time this flick gets over.

Johnnie To's trick is to play with the dichotomy of the characters, to flush them out in such a way that you find yourself projected in them. You'll find Jimmy (the lead who's contesting the election) trying hard to read the names of Mandarin dishes in a restaurant much to the amusement of his wife and the waiter, and the current Chairman Lok's concern about the bad company his school going son keeps. Normal. Thenn the very same characters would do anything to get what they want. You will see Jimmy hacking a Lok loyalist limb by limb while Lok simply pushes Uncle Teng down the stairs and smiles. Threatening and foreboding permeates the movie mainly because ordinary people you can identify with are capable of extremities which even they weren't aware of.

This is not a Tarantino flick - no one comes up with smart slang-ed retorts and refers to the Bible, you won't see blood and gore splattered on the screen and yet its more menacing, hideous and violent.

"Be careful what you wish for... it may come true."

As overused and clichéd as this saying is, it really does match up nicely with the main theme from Johnnie To's Triad Election, the second in the Master Director's Election series. After chronicling Lok's rise to power in the first Election, To and the gang team up for part two. This time Lok (Simon Yam) is the godfather who is seeking an unheard of second term. Jimmy (Louis Koo) is the newcomer who needs the chairman position to secure a building project in mainland China that will make him rich.

Election 2 tells a story which is based on an actual event which occurs in China. Every two years, the Chinese mafia has a democratically held election to decide who will become the chairman. As in any election, a fair amount of foul play is involved, all the more so in Election 2 because the candidates are gangsters who are jockeying for control of the Hong Kong underworld.

The performances are the film's greatest attribute, Election 2 features a great ensemble cast as well as one of Simon Yam's greatest performances (and he's had a lot of roles) as the understated evil chairman. Yam is so charismatic the viewer begins to forget how conniving and deceitful his character is. Louis Koo is also fairly sympathetic in his business man turned gangster character, who as the film progresses, starts to resemble Lok more than himself.

Magnificently scored, Triad Election's music would seem to be more fit for a horror film than a gangster flick. That being said, it works. Melodic guitar riffs and a mournful Cello help highlight the truly horrifying depths a man can reach in pursuit of his goal. And there are some disturbingly brutal scenes in this film, culminating in an ending that is both brilliant and haunting.

But the true allure of Election 2 (Triad Election) is following Jimmy's (Louis Koo)transformation from a somewhat reputable business man into an all out ruthless gangster. This is the center-point of the film, and it's what makes Triad Election great. The focus is on character development, not on action (although, Election 2 has it's share of it). In style and form, the film more closely resembles Coppola's Godfather films than an HK action flick. So don't be expecting non-stop action scenes from Election 2, the real fireworks come from the two leads interactions and the treachery that ensues.

Bottom Line- A must have for Asian Cinema Fans as well as anyone who digs gangster flicks.