Election 2 (Hong Kong; Johnnie To, 2006)

  One variation for the dvd cover of Election 2 quotes a critic calling it an Asian Godfather. Having referenced Gordon Willis while covering the first one, I can't help but to agree with this sentiment; but to a certain extent. Beyond that they are obviously smaller in scope and ambition, the Election films are more graphically straightforward in their depiction of organized crime's inner workings, letting actions speak for often silent characters without excessively focusing on the inner turmoil that makes The Godfather so morally ambiguous. Also, while business is integral to both group of films, To's have less emphasis on how it affects family, concentrating instead on the consequences it brings to tradition. This is even more true of the sequel. When the time for electing a new chairman for the Hong Kong Triad is near, Jimmy (Louis Koo) is widely considered the natural choice to succeed Lok (Simon Yam) as the ultimate boss. Ironically, the reason that makes him a favorite, his wealth and successful businesses, is the same one that explains his refusal to take charge. He doesn't want his legitimate ventures jeopardized as he aspires to quit gangster life altogether and become a real businessman. However, when it turns out that being chairman is necessary to close his next deal, his mind is made up and he decides to run, only to be faced with a renegade Lok who seeks to counter customs and continue his reign for a second term. Naturally, like in its predecessor, war is imminent. Aesthetically similar to the first one, Election 2 is much more focused on the violent and intimidating nature of Triad mores, Lok's homicidal insolence matched by Jimmy`s meat-grinding methods of persuasion for defection. Because of this, there is less time spent on protocol, lacking scenes like the prison sequence of the initial picture. This is evened out by more screen-time for Nick Cheung, brilliantly reprising his role of ceramic-eating, face-painting assassin Jet, now right-hand man to Lok, still waiting to make a name for himself. While perhaps not being subject to being hailed as superior to its predecessor, as is sometimes the case with The Godfather, Part II, this sequel can stand proudly beside it to form an entirely satisfying double-bill.