| TRIAD ELECTION (Hak se wui yi wo wai kwai) |
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| © 2006 by C. E. Murphy. All Rights Reserved. |
An image from Triad Election
(Hak se wui yi wo wai kwai)
Directed by Johnnie To,
Hong Kong
Photo Credit: Tartan USA
(Hak se wui yi wo wai kwai)
Directed by Johnnie To,
Hong Kong
Photo Credit: Tartan USA
Although it is a sequel to Johnnie
To's 2005 gangster melodrama ELECTION, TRIAD ELECTION can stand
on its own as a terrific film. Perhaps those lucky enough to have seen the
first film (and I am not in that august group) may have a better appreciation
for the back story, but this sequel (known elsewhere as ELECTION 2) has its
own merits. For some viewers, the film may hold echoes of THE GODFATHER
sequels, particularly as the hero, Jimmy Lee (nicely portrayed by Hong Kong
singer-actor Louis Koo) is trying to shed his past association with the mafia-like
triad while making his mark as a legitimate businessman. But not unlike Michael
Corleone, just when he thinks he has made it out, he gets pulled back into the
fray. Lee must decide whether or not to run for the coveted position of Chairman,
challenging Lok (Simon Yam), the incumbent who desires an unprecedented
second term.
Lee has sworn he has no interest in obtaining the post of chairman but
a run-in with the police in China alters that: a corrupt official makes it clear that
if Lee were the Chairman, his business dealings would be approved. Otherwise,
Lee would never be able to do business with the mainland ever again. Faced with
this dilemma, it becomes a no-brainer. Lee has to challenge Lok (whom he
supported in the first film) and emerge as the winner.
There are several themes at work in To's film, which was scripted by
Yau Nai-hoi and Yip Tin-shing. They are tackling big ideas like the preservation
of tradition and the overall reach of destiny, but they are also slyly suggesting
that Jimmy Lee is the perfect man to run the Triad of the 21st Century because
it has evolved into something not unlike a giant corporation. The filmmakers also
do not neatly resolve everything, perhaps leaving room for ELECTION 3.
Rating: B+
Running time: 92 mins.
