Triad Election (DVD)

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Johnnie To is one of the most prolific filmmakers currently working in Hong Kong and has been described as the heir apparent to stalwarts like John Woo and Tsui Hark. To directs an average of two to three movies a year and possesses an incredibly diverse filmography. He´s dabbled in a mix of genres that include melodrama ("All About Ah-Long"), comedy ("My Left Eye Sees Ghosts"), action ("The Heroic Trio"), and the crime film ("Running Out of Time"). I can´t say that I´ve been a big fan of To´s work. Many of my fellow HK cinephiles have raved about films like "Fulltime Killer", which I thought was rather middling. I did, however, enjoy "The Mission" and "Breaking News", along with the over-the-top "Heroic Trio" and its sequel, "Executioners," which To co-directed with noted choreographer, Ching Siu-tung.

"Triad Election" (originally known as "Election 2") is the sequel to the wildly successful, "Election" which netted a slew of awards and nominations including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay at the Hong Kong Film Awards. With "Election", To takes a vastly different approach to the gangster picture than what most moviegoers are used to. Gone are the tailored suits, trenchcoats, and sunglasses so prevalent in Woo´s films. Gone as well is the two-fisted gunplay that made Hong Kong Action famous. In fact, not a single gun is even seen in the first film. We get glimpses of guns in the sequel, but none are fired. Yes, there is a lack of bullets ripping into bodies, but that doesn´t make it any less violent. "Triad Election" has some pretty nasty scenes such as men being stabbed or beaten to a pulp with sledgehammers.

Every two years, the Wo Shing Triad Society holds an election to determine who will be their chairman. The first film followed the rise to power of Lok (Simon Yam) who´s calm and cool demeanor was the antithesis of his rival, the hot-headed, violent Big D. Much of the film dealt with the clash between centuries old traditions in the face of those who feel rituals and oaths don´t hold much water. It shined a light on the hypocrisy of brotherhood and loyalty when betrayal and murder are inherently necessary. While the first film isn´t required viewing to watch the sequel, it certainly does help with fleshing out the characters and backstory.

"Triad Election" picks up at the end of Lok´s two year reign as Godfather to the Triads. His successor is likely to be one of his five lieutenants, referred to by Lok as his "godsons." The most popular of which is Jimmy (Louis Koo) who refuses to run so that he can concentrate on his legitimate business dealings in China. He finds his plans of going straight are stymied by the Chinese government who want Jimmy as their liaison to open up a lucrative relationship with the Triads. Faster than you can say, "Michael Corleone," Jimmy finds himself pulled back into the underworld. Meanwhile, Lok has his own plans to buck tradition by seeking re-election for a second term. He enacts his own plans by meeting with each of his godsons and pitting them against each other. Lok is the most interesting of characters. As the Triad leader, Yam deftly portrays the two sides of the character. Lok displays a laidback, calculating demeanor that remains constant even while committing brutal acts of violence.