Election (2005)

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Movie
German title Election
Original title 黑社會 Hak se wui
Country of production Hong Kong
original language Cantonese
Publishing year 2005
length approx. 96 minutes
Age rating FSK 18
Rod
Director Johnnie To
script Yau Nai Hoi , Yip Tin Shing
production Johnnie To , Dennis Law
music Lo Tayu
camera Cheng Siu Keung
cut Patrick Tam
occupation

Election is a 2005 gangster film directed by Johnnie To . With Election 2 came in 2006 a sequel in theaters.

content

The Hong Kong triad Wong Shing is about to elect a new head, who is to officiate for two years. Candidates are the sober Lok, who tries to compensate, as well as the hot-headed Big D. After lengthy discussions, the voting “uncles” of the triad decide for Lok, but he cannot take up his post without holding the traditional dragon's head scepter . Big D does not want to acknowledge his defeat and threatens to form his own triad, which leads the police to temporarily detain the heads of the Wong Shing. Big D pressures the scepter's custodian to refuse Lok, whereupon Lok can hide it. Big D, in turn, gives his henchman Dong Wanzi the job of locating the symbol of power.

Meanwhile, the rivals agree on a truce on condition that Lok support Big D in the next election in two years. Big Head, in whose hands the scepter is in, is beaten up by Dong Wanzi when they both receive a call that they should cooperate from now on.

From now on, Lok and Big D consider each other to be partners and, accompanied by Lok's son and Big D's wife, go on a fishing trip. Big D suggests that both should rule together, as is common in other triads. Lok seems to be playing the game at first, but his patience breaks and he smashes Big D's skull with a heavy stone. While his son runs to the car to wait for him, Lok hits Big D's wife with a shovel and strangles her with a block of wood.

criticism

"By the end, Mr. To has proven himself to be a genre hack of uncommon intelligence and soul: a first-rate entertainer who can thrill you into thinking."

“ Ultimately, Mr. To turns out to be a genre specialist of unusual intelligence and soul: a first-class entertainment director who is thought-provoking through thrills. "

- AO Scott in the New York Times

Quote

“Triad Society has always existed in Hong Kong. It forms a major part of the territory's history and culture. It exists within the psyche of every Hong Kong citizen. During the course of its history, Triad Society has always been associated with the society at large .... Compared to its original patriotic cause 300 years ago, the Society's reason for existence today is simply practical: money and power. In this day and age, business means everything; however, their means of achieving it are unlawful and often violent. "

“ The triads have always existed in Hong Kong. They are an integral part of the history and culture of this area. They exist in the psyche of every Hong Kong resident. Throughout history, triad society has always been linked to society as a whole. Compared to their original patriotic concern 300 years ago, the purpose of society today is very practical: money and power. In this day and age, business is everything, but the means are illegitimate and often violent. "

- Johnnie To

Trivia

The cover of both the Blu Ray and DVD releases advertises Quentin Tarantino's statement that Election is "the best movie of the year".

Awards

Web links

Election in the Internet Movie Database (English)

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Movie Review "Election" New York Times (English)
  2. ↑ "Vote or Die: Johnnie To's Gruesome Crime Elections Arrive" The Observer (English)