re:mote voices

Title: Election [Hak se wui]
Cast: Simon Yam, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Louis Koo, Nick Cheung, Siu-Fai Cheung, Suet Lam, Ka Tung Lam, Tian-lin Wang, Maggie Siu
Director: Johnny To

The Triad are a secret order, descended from monks, who went underground after persecution, in a way similar to the Knights Templar. Though over the last century the Triads have flourished - in one area of Hong Kong alone there are 22 separate chapters. One of which retains the tradition of having seven brothers, who elect a leader from among their number.

Two brothers are running for election this year, though one of them is being more aggressive than the other - bribery and threats should ensure his victory. However the oldest of the brother, a previous leader, still has a particularly strong influence and his vote is for the other guy.

That swings things. The quiet business like man is elected instead of the violent and flamboyant brother. Fine. Except that the flamboyant brother has invested a lot of money in this election and isn't going to give up that easily - so he exerts his strength, and the dragon staff of office goes missing. A race is on, a leader will not be recognised till he has that staff, and whoever gets it first will change things around.

Election is another in a long line of Hong Kong films about Triad gangsters. Though the references to the origins of the Triads, and the rituals involved was something I hadn't particularly seen before. Of course the police get involved, concerned about Triads getting out of hand. And there is also the familiar threat of a Triad war, though in this case it is a civil one. There is a certain contemporary feel to the film, the recognition of changing with the times, and that perhaps a good businessman is a better option than a cold killer.