Wednesday, January 6, 2010

01-05-10: The Triad Saga Continues

TRIAD ELECTION (Hak se wui yi wo wai kwai) (2006) ****
D: Johnnie To.  S: Louis Koo, Simon Yam.

The one thing I love about these films is that the guy you find yourself rooting for is just as malicious and violent as the other guy. 

Triad Election picks up two years after the events of the first film.   Another election is at hand, the current Chairman refuses to give up his power while two others are are looking to be elected.   The road that all parties take to assure their victory is a violent path full of backstabbing, betrayal, corruption and some moments of humor.

This film is the purist example of the old adage about absolute power.   Consider this a spoiler, there's a character who wanted to uphold the traditions of the election that have been passed down from generation to generation.  When that's threatened he will do what's necessary to protect that tradition.  However, when tradition gets in the way of what he wants, tradition be damned. 

This is a worthy sequel to the original.  It's not better than but definitely an equal.  I for one am looking forward to the next election.

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