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!
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!