Customer Reviews

Triad Election

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The ever-reliable Johnnie To's Election 2: Harmony is a Virtue aka Triad Election is in many ways more impressive and definitely more ambitious than its predecessor even though it lacks its relentless forward momentum. Where the first film was a literal relay race, this is more of a distance event, but it's a much more engrossing look at the nature and politics of corruption. It does amp up the violence from the first film, particularly in one literally grinding sequence, but it never deteriorates into a gore show, focusing less on Simon Yam's Triad chairman after a second term than reluctant contender Louis Koo, contrasting the one's troubled relationship with his son (who qualified for a lifetime in therapy at the end of the first film) with the other's hopes for his future offspring. It ends with the possibility of hope for one son but the certainty of damnation for another that hasn't even been born, the film bookended by scenes at the same location, the first full of sunlight and promise and confidence, the second dark and cloudy as one character finds that the price of respectability is the very violent life he wants to turn his back on. It's also surprisingly critical of the corruption in the Chinese government, implying that its collusion with Triad gangsters goes way beyond mere backhanders but is actually a deliberate part of government policy as a means of exerting social control in Hong Kong through close ties with organised crime - a particularly perverse irony considering the Triads' origins as political rebels exiled from the mainland who became corrupted by crime. Unsurprisingly, it seems to have been banned in Mainland China.

Incidentally, although there is talk of a longer version existing because of three striking scenes in the film's trailers (including a Chinese execution, the open grave of the first film's last victim and a funeral), an interview on the 2-disc Hong Kong Panorama DVD reveals that these scenes were cut by To prior to release.

Having recently become acquainted with Hong Kong filmmaker Johnnie To with the his latest effort "Vengeance" (an unusual and intriguing genre picture), I've been seeking out his earlier pieces. After being delighted by the thoroughly unique "Mad Detective," I stumbled across a pair of movies that, to me, epitomize grand and sophisticated storytelling. I consider myself, at least, conversant in Asian cinema and its masters--but To seems to have flown completely under my radar. But no more! With 2005's "Election" and its sequel 2006's "Triad Election," To has captivated me with two terrifically complex thrillers that stand in worthy comparison to "The Godfather" and "The Godfather, Part 2." Okay, I know that comparing the "Election" films to two cinema masterpieces may seem like unnecessary hyperbole--but, in truth, I was so impressed that I have share that passion. And the character arcs are quite similar. Much as I consider the two "Godfather" films as one experience (I'll leave Part 3 out of the discussion), I have to lump "Election" and "Triad Election" together for the purposes of this review. Either film can be appreciated on its own merits--but together, they are a truly special experience (I literally watched them back to back).

"Election" revolves around the passing of the power baton within one of Hong Kong's largest crime syndicates. With two principle candidates in the running for the looming election, there seems a clear division about the future of the Triad. There's the old-school man of action, Big D (Tony Leung Ka Fei), and the more contemplative choice, Lam Lok (Simon Yam). Each has his supporters and each has a different vision for the future of the organization. When one wins the election, the other refuses to relinquish his claim and this political battle takes to the street. But this isn't a mindless shoot-em-up, this is a grim dance for power. The action sequences are well done, but "Election" is a mental challenge as well as a visceral one. I loved the final conflict resolution and the last minute betrayal is pure magic. The two leads, mentioned above, are extraordinary--but Yam's evolution into a power player is surely one of the most chilling things I've seen in a while.

"Triad Election" takes place a couple of years later when guess what? That's right, it's election time again! But the victor of "Election," (and I won't name him) despite custom, might not want to be unseated. Louis Koo as Jimmy Lee takes center stage in what is also referred to as "Election 2." Jimmy Lee was a supporting player in the first film, a reluctant henchman who wanted to legitimize his life. Set up in a successful business venture, Jimmy Lee (much like Michael Corleone) can't extricate himself from the Triad life. Put forth as a candidate for the new boss, he has no interest. But it's not easy to defy expectations and the future he wants seems dependent on him ascending to the throne. With a detached intelligence, he's able to see where the true danger lurks. And as the current boss manipulates others to take Jimmy down, it's not going to be an easy task. Koo is absolutely fantastic here and the power of the "Election" films is to see men who are trapped, despite all instincts, into an inescapable violence.

There is brutality, even graphic bloodshed, within these two films. But it serves a greater purpose and fits, however surprisingly, into the machinations of the principle characters. More politically and strategically savvy than comparable genre pictures, the "Election" films are largely distinguished by smart and believable scripts. Yam in "Election" and Koo in "Triad Election" give startling performances. They evolve and transform before your eyes and if you don't think Koo is the Hong Kong equivalent of Pacino in "The Godfather," I don't know what to say. Each film certainly stands alone (and individually I might rate them at 4 and 4 1/2 stars respectively), but together they are epic. Watching them together helped to showcase the undeniable brilliance of Johnnie To, my new favorite. KGHarris, 1/11.

the film was so good. i was surprised that it was not highly stylized like some films in the same genre. it played more like an independent film with true grit. main character's quiet power and vulnerability was what drew me in. i liked this film a lot and bought it as a gift to a family friend who is the "ultra male" type and loves movies; he likes it too.

Wonderful movie. Highly recommend if you like gangster style movies. Not that much blood, very entertaining plot. Liked it better than Election.

"Triad Election" is a sequel to director Johnnie To's 2005 Hong Kong gangster film "Election". At this point in the saga, criminal societies must adapt to Chinese rule, which serve as a sort of metaphor for Hong Kong's adjustment to its new place in China since 1999. Jimmy Lee (Louis Koo) has been very successful in his business of pirated DVDs thanks to the support of the Wu Sing Triad and its Chairman Lok (Simon Yam). Now Jimmy plans to leave the criminal world behind for a major legitimate business venture in China. But the Chinese Security Bureau sees the upcoming election for Chairman of Wu Sing as an opportunity to guarantee cooperation from the Hong Kong gangs. They refuse Jimmy permission to do business in China unless he can win the Chairman election himself and advance their agenda of stability and prosperity.

"Triad Election" is stylish and atmospheric. Jimmy Lee is a charismatic and suitably sociopathic protagonist. The story has a vague logic. The tone is somber. There are flashes of humor and flirtations with irony. But the great majority of time is spent on the gruesome fight for Chairman between Lok and his reluctant challenger Jimmy. It's monotonous and predictable. I was bored. There is next to no character development, so the film doesn't engage the audience on that level. The comment on adapting to Chinese authority and the film's picture of the younger generation of more independent gangsters may have more meaning for a Hong Kong audience than for me. But "Triad Election" simply presents these ideas; it doesn't explore them. This is a moderately entertaining exercise in style. In Cantonese with optional subtitles.

The DVD (Tartan Video 2007): "The Making of Triad Election" (6 min) interviews director Johnnie To and actor Louis Koo about how the effects of Chinese rule in Hong Kong are expressed in the gangs in the movie. "Interview with Lam Suet" (17 min) is a question-and-answer interview with the actor, who plays the gangster Big Head, about his work on both of the "Election" films, working with director To, and how he started in acting. "Interview with Lam Ka Tung" (14 min) follows the same format in interviewing the actor who plays Lok's ally Kun. He also talks about his character in both films and his on-set injury. Bonus features are in Cantonese with subtitles. There is also a theatrical trailer. Subtitles are available for the film in English and Spanish.