Review of Election 2 (2006) by Erik R — 12 Jan 2014

Everything I said in my review of Election is basically true here, with the exception that the triads have finally learned of the existence of firearms! Only a couple centuries behind!

I jest. Violence happens in Triad Election but it is not the point. This is not Troy or Transformers or any of those action flicks. This is a drama.

And as a drama it is vastly superior to its predecessor, Election. In fact the 'bad guy' of this film is the 'good guy' of the previous film. Characters are far more nuanced. I believe that writers would do well to insert evil & flaws in their protagonists and good & morality in their antagonists. This wreaks havoc with the audience's expectations and causes them to actually engage, emotionally, in the film. It's not as simple as hating the villain and hoping he loses. Triad Election has plenty of that. The protagonist, a minor player from the first film, might betray his best friend or terrorize opposing gang members (in a rather gruesome scene) while the antagonist has a soft spot for his son.

So, although the plotting is not as precise as it could be, some violin background music is overused, and other technical elements are serviceable rather than inspired, I still wholeheartedly recommend this film. It has some powerful scenes and, in a sense, that's the best you can hope for. The emotions, the smoothness, the thrills... these all fade with time and age. But a powerful scene... it has a way of etching itself into your very perception of reality.

Final Say: If Election were as good as Triad Election, I would have no problem recommending this duo. Alas it is not. So what do I say? It is for those who love film.

How to Watch It: After the first movie.