sinethetamagazine:Election (黑社會). Dir. Johnnie To (杜琪峯). 2005.Out of the many triad (Chinese organiz
sinethetamagazine:Election (黑社會). Dir. Johnnie To (杜琪峯). 2005.Out of the many triad (Chinese organized crime) films that have come out of Hong Kong, Election is widely lauded as one of the most realistic and nuanced depictions of the inner goings-on of the lives of high-ranking triad members. The film is directed by Johnnie To, a prolific Hong Kong filmmaker and producer who is known for his action and crime films. Election features a large ensemble cast, and focuses on the power struggle between two prominent triad members, the pleasant and mild-mannered Lok (Simon Yam) and the explosive, impatient Big D (Tony Leung Ka-fai), as they fight for the elected seat of chairman for their triad. Unlike conventional thriller-type gangster films, Election moves along at a measured pace and is shot in a stylish, yet realist style, featuring little blood and violence and instead exploring the complex web of allegiances and betrayals that are woven among the characters. The film also depicts the triad’s rituals and ceremonies, which stem from the 18th-century Tiandihui secret society that sought to overthrow the Qing dynasty, and the traditional values and virtues of the brotherhood that are being washed away by the changing modern world and the ever-present desires of self-interest. Election was nominated for an unprecedented 14 Golden Horse Awards, and was named Best Film of 2005 by the Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards.Follow sinθ magazine for more daily posts about Sino arts and culture. -- source link