Election is a unique triad movie about the Wong Shing Society, Hong Kong's oldest triad. The film was released in 2005, and directed by Johnnie To. It stars Tony Leung, Ka Fai, Nick Cheung, and Simon Yam. Tony Leung Kai Fai (hong kong movie star) plays a hot headed triad, money making machine. Simon Yam plays a mellow, well mannered, and well respected triad member. The two go head to head fighting for contender of the next chairman whom will obtain the power and dragon baton of the Society for two years.
This film has a very intriguing story. I have never seen a Triad movie before seeing this film. I have known about them, being chinese and all, but never really knew much about them besides the fact that they are the Chinese version of a mafia i would say. When i saw this movie on Netflix's Instant play list, i decided to watch it and give it a shot. Especially when i saw the quote from Quentin Tarantino saying, "The best film of the year." So when i saw this and saw that it was in Cantonese i decided it would be fun to watch a film with dialogue that i can understand besides english. The first half of the movie there isnt any action, it forms the plot. So i can understand if one can get bored with the circumstances. But if your patient i think that it will pay off. I like how the director shows the power of the Society by simple gestures. It consists of a few comedic scenes that show the power of the society and status of the characters.The second half of the film is when the action starts. This is when both sides of the leaders, are on their mission to find the dragon baton.
I think that this movie is really clever. The way that Johnnie To (director) directed this is great. How he incorporates the culture of the Chinese and their old traditions will really help the understanding of the movie. i would say that this is completely different from typical Mob movies such as Godfather and Goodfellas. If i had to compare it to a American Gangster film, i would say the closest is like a chinese Godfather, mixed with a little martial arts, and unique clever twists. Election isn't much like our typical American gangster movies. I think that Johnnie To shows more of a emotional side, from anger to patience that depict the character and culture. For example, the way that Big D (Tony) reacts when he doesnt get his way is priceless. He acts like a spoiled child with a major anger problem. His anger is pretty intense. His brutality is also another thing that the director did well in. They are creative and not typical nor predictable. The character development of the two contenders, i would say are two of the most original gangster personalities that i have ever seen in a film. Lok's (Simon) character is very fascinating to watch grow. Same with Big D. I think this whole movie is clever, and every little dialogue and scene has a reason behind it that you will later find out. I would have to say my favorite part of the movie is the unexpected twists that occur and the moments that build up to them. I honestly didnt care or pay attention to any lighting, music, or camera angles. This is because i was so caught up in the movie.
Overall, i think that is movie is awsome. I highly recommend this film to everyone. If you dont like regular American mobster/gangster movies, then maybe this is the film for you. The story line is very good, the characters are original, funny at some parts, brutal violence at other, and very clever. If you like unexpected twists that surprise the hell out of you and a great plot then this is the movie for you. You can find it on Netflix's instant play, and also the sequel Triad Election which is also good.I give this 5 stars.
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