Getting a NYC release this weekend is Hong Kong director Johnnie To’s Triad Election. The Film Forum in NYC are doubling up, also showing the prequel Election.
Distributed by Tartan Films, this sees an 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. Here is a first look at the poster below and we’ve also included the synopsis and French poster to the prequel as well.
The first part tells the 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.
