Election

You know that I'm a huge fan of director, Johnnie To. I've read a lot of raving reviews about this movie too. Does this movie live up to the expectations that I have and that I've read about it? It was a different type of movie compared to Johnnie To's recent efforts such as "Throw Down", "Breaking News", and "PTU". It had none of the sylish cinematography, the gritty gun fights, nor witty scenes found in those movies. It dealt primarily with the election of a new Triad leader of a society in Hong Kong. There was more scheming and plotting than action, or so it felt that way. There were some violent scenes when the members of the opposing gangs were trying to take the baton that is given to the Triad boss. I didn't feel any suspense in those scenes though. I didn't sense much urgency in retrieving the baton either. I think the movie would've been better if there was at least one great trademarked Johnnie To action sequence but alas it is what is. Nick Cheung's character was my favourite. He's like a younger Donnie Yen. It is still a movie that you should watch because the sequel is much better and if you don't watch this one, you'll be missing out. 7/10