Election

Director: Johnnie To

Starring: Simon Yam, Tony Leung, Tin Lam Wong, Louis Koo, Nick Cheung

Election depicts a story of struggle for power and control in Hong Kong's oldest triad community, the Wo Shing, in the run up and aftermath of the election of a new chairman. Leadership candidates Lok (Yam) and Big D (Leung) are very different characters; Lok is calmness personified, whilst Big D is erratic, frantically handing out bribes to sway his criminal constituents. Big D's temper is tested when the vote goes to Lok, largely thanks to the influence of a respected elder, Uncle Teng (Wong), and the fact Lok is a business and family man, more amenable to the those who believe that the triad should be working more smoothly and discreetly with legitimate commerce and the law. Unsurprisingly, Big D disputes the result and after seeing to a couple of bribed seniors who voted against him, he attempts to seize the symbolic ceremonial leadership baton which is to be presented to Lok to confirm the result and his power. A chase ensues across the border into China to find the wooden emblem, as open war threatens to break out within the society.

Both Yam and Leung are cast perfectly in their roles and are supported by many renowned Hong Kong cinema stars, several of whom are Johnnie To regulars. Although the large cast of characters can be quite difficult to follow at times, a story about a society of 50,000 members would look very suspect without the manpower to support the claim. The wonderful location work and gritty cinematography portrays Hong Kong at it's seediest, with ne'er-do-wells fighting, drinking and gambling, and is contrasted with a beautiful and haunting Chinese string soundtrack. Hong Kong action supremo Johnnie To makes a stunning return to form, mixing some slick and tense action sequences with striking pieces of triad tradition and discussion between the elders. There is relatively little violence, and some viewers may feel let down by the lack of bloodshed, but if you're willing to let that go, you get a beautifully crafted piece of Hong Kong cinema. After all, a plethora of awards and a nomination for the Palm d'Or at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival can't be wrong - don't miss this great opportunity to see a great film!

Alex Coe