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)

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.

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.