“Witty, convoluted and impersonal, propelled by Lo Ta-yu’s improbably jaunty score and by a detached, anthropological curiosity about the Wo Shing Society’s outlaw ways. But as the psychological elements of the story push their way into the foreground, ELECTION takes on a darker, more Shakespearean hue, and a rich political and moral subtext (which will be extended in TRIAD ELECTION) begins to take shape. By the end, Mr. To has proven himself to be genre hack of uncommon intelligence and soul: a first-rate entertainer who can thrill you into thinking.”
– A.O. Scott, The New York Times

“Riveting!”
– Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly

“By the time the film is over, you feel like an entire season of ‘The Sopranos’ has been distilled to its purest essence and injected directly into your brain!”
– Grady Hendrix, The New York Sun

“A Hong Kong analogue to the first two chapters in Francis Ford Coppola’s GODFATHER cycle.”
– Manohla Dargis, The New York Times

ELECTION, Johnnie To’s prequel – a serpentine story of bitter rivalry and ruthless struggle – will also premiere with 3:30 pm screenings daily. After sedate, confident gangster Lok (Simon Yam) goes up against hot-tempered, industrious Big D (Tony Leung Ka-fai) for triad Chairman, the winner does not allow the ceremonial baton to be passed — in fact, that baton is MIA and the object of a fearsome chase that could result in an all-out triad war. To pays particular attention to triad society’s customs (each gangster has his own hand sign representing his status), as these power players attempt to mediate before inevitably unleashing their soldiers — and their lawyers.

2005 • 100 minutes • Hong Kong/China
In Cantonese with English subtitles • Tartan Films

“Johnnie To’s exemplary gangster thriller… One of the greatest action directors working in the world and one of the most excitingly prolific… . To has built a dazzling brilliant career out of cinematic mayhem: here he rises to the challenge of that legacy with a metaphor about capitalism, men and meat that is perfect in its simplicity and barbarism.”
– Manohla Dargis, The New York Times

“Not surprisingly, TRIAD ELECTION has not only been banned in China but its publicity materials, which were printed there, were seized and burned… In TRIAD ELECTION China is the gangster running the game from the shadows… When I saw the film premiere in a hall packed with a couple of thousand Hong Kong Chinese, they went bananas, cheering, laughing, practically ripping their seats out of the floor. Mr. To is saying, with his stripped down crime films, what no one else will dare. And, no matter what country you’re from, the effect is thrilling.”
– Grady Hendrix, The New York Sun

“Johnnie To’s take on the plight of the modern gangster –
is inspired!”
– Michelle Orange, Village Voice

One of the biggest names in Chinese-language cinema – that’s what critics call Johnnie To, the Hong Kong director who has reinvented the gangster genre for the 21st century. In TRIAD ELECTION, overeducated racketeer Jimmy (pop star Louis Koo) only wants to go legit, but in Michael Corleone fashion, his past haunts his future. He’s running for Chairman of HK’s oldest, most fearsome triad (criminal organization) and is the favored candidate of the mainland Chinese who align themselves with stability and affluence for Hong Kong, whatever the cost. The filmmaker brings a subtle, classical sheen to even the movie’s most outrageous scenes – as when Jimmy’s opponents find themselves, literally, going to the dogs.

2006 • 93 minutes • Hong Kong/China
In Cantonese with English subtitles • Tartan Films

“While the two films stand alone perfectly well, they also enrich each other.” – A.O. Scott, The New York Times

“Nothing short of a landmark! Rejuvenates the genre by connecting the dots between a criminal subculture and a much bigger sociological picture.”
– David Fear, Time Out NY

“Surprisingly subversive.” – Andrew Sarris, The New York Observer

“Danger, vitality, moral complexity, and amazing camera angles!” – Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly

“These flicks are political atom bombs…nightmarish and surreal.“ – Grady Hendrix, The New York Sun

“THE GODFATHER with a distinctly Hong Kong flavor! Presents stylish violence in innovative and humorous ways.” – V.A. Musetto, New York Post

Please note that while many of the same characters appear in both films, TRIAD ELECTION is comprehensible and enjoyable entirely on its own.

Links:

• A.O. Scott's New York Times review of ELECTION
• Manohla Dargis' New York Times review of TRIAD ELECTION
• A.O. Scott's New York Times Movie Minutes review of both films