Election review

Why you can trust GamesRadar+ Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.

Every two years, Hong Kong's Wo Shing triads elect a new leader. That time has come once more, but the greed of modern society has eroded centuries of traditions - so when the respected Lok (Simon Yam) goes up against the ruthless, mercenary Big D (Tony Leung), honour takes a back seat to bribery, blackmail and brutality.

Director Johnny To is one of Hong Kong's most respected filmmakers and this ensemble piece contains hints of Reservoir Dogs and The Usual Suspects, with colourfully named characters like Uncle Cocky and Big Head debating, accusing and beating seven shades of excrement out of each other.

Election's dialogue rather takes a back seat to the ruthless behaviour on show, but there is humour here, some decent plot twists and an ending that truly shocks. There's also a man eating a ceramic spoon. No, really.

More info

Available platformsMovie
Less

The Total Film team are made up of the finest minds in all of film journalism. They are: Editor Jane Crowther, Deputy Editor Matt Maytum, Reviews Ed Matthew Leyland, News Editor Jordan Farley, and Online Editor Emily Murray. Expect exclusive news, reviews, features, and more from the team behind the smarter movie magazine.