Election

Election 2007

Directed by

Johnnie To

Johnnie To

Made by

Tartan

Tartan

Test your knowledge of Election with our quiz!

Plot Summary


Lok, the recently elected chairman of the Hong Kong triad Wo Lin Shing, grapples with the possibility of breaking tradition by seeking re-election for a second term. During this tumultuous period, he meets his triad godsons—Big-Head, Jet, Jimmy, Kun, and Mr. So. Kun, fresh out of prison after the events of the previous film, boldly announces his candidacy for the chairman position. However, when he seeks Lok’s support, Lok declines and instead offers backing to Jet in exchange for a deadly favor, despite Jet’s contentious reputation among the triad elders due to his reckless nature.

The triad elders have their eyes set on Jimmy as a viable candidate, recognizing his success in business. Yet, Jimmy hesitates to run as he aims to transition his operations in Mainland China from illegitimate dealings to a legitimate enterprise, fearing that involvement in triad activities might jeopardize his progress. To strengthen his position, Jimmy decides to promote fellow triad member Lik to work closely with him. However, during a trip to Mainland China meant to bribe a local official, both Jimmy and Lik find themselves arrested. They are saved by high-ranking policeman Xi, who makes it clear that Jimmy’s business prospects in Mainland China hinge on him becoming the next chairman of Wo Lin Shing while cooperating with the Mainland police and demonstrating patriotic loyalty.

As the election heats up, Lok pleads with Kun during a fishing trip to withdraw from the race, asking for his alliance in support of Lok’s second term, while promising that Kun would have his turn in the following election. Kun proposes an intriguing counter-offer: co-chairmanship with Lok. However, neither is willing to step down, leading to a nearly violent confrontation. Interventions prevent the clash, and the two eventually agree to first eliminate Jimmy from contention. In a desperate bid to maintain his power, Jimmy hires hitman Bo and, after warning from the elders, has Lik murdered, suspecting him to be a police informant.

Tensions rise as Kun executes a daring operation, kidnapping Mr. Kwok, Jimmy’s financial backer, and locking him in a coffin alongside Big-Head. Lok threatens Mr. Kwok’s life unless Jimmy withdraws from the chairmanship race, but Jimmy stands firm. In a bold move, Lok conceals the Dragonhead Baton, the emblem of leadership authority, in Mainland China. However, under pressure from triad elder Uncle Teng, who predicts Jimmy’s looming ascendency, Lok takes drastic measures, committing murder to retain his grip on power, sending Jet to kill Jimmy next.

Jet’s unsettling confrontation with Jimmy and his wife leads to unexpected twists, revealing that Jet is being manipulated. Jimmy and Bo plot to turn Lok’s own men against him while Kun makes a faltering attempt to assassinate Jimmy. In retaliation, Bo rescues the coffin and delivers it to Jimmy, culminating in dramatic conflict. When Kun’s actions betray him, the fallout leads him to escape Hong Kong while another tragedy unfolds in Lok’s personal life with his son drifting away into dangerous territory.

Ultimately, the bitter rivalry costs Lok his life at the hands of those he once trusted, and as Jimmy ascends to chairmanship, a shadow looms over his aspirations. He vows to step aside in two years but soon finds himself tangled in complex relationships fraught with betrayal and loyalty. He strives to mend his business path in Mainland China with the approval of Xi, who ominously hands him the Dragonhead Baton seized from Lok’s ally. A desperate desire prompts Jimmy onto a path of violence against Xi, who remains unyielding, merely expressing gratitude for Jimmy’s anticipated cooperation.

As the story unfolds, the fate of Jimmy is intertwined with his family’s future, as unveiled with his wife’s unexpected pregnancy, compelling him to ponder the legacy he is about to create, perhaps outside the treacherous world of triads. The film presents a gripping narrative of ambition, loyalty, and the ever-there consequences of choice amid an unwavering quest for power.

Timeline


Lok's Election as Chairman

Lok is recently elected as the chairman of the Hong Kong triad Wo Lin Shing. As he settles into his new role, he faces the challenges of leadership and the expectations that come with it.

Hong Kong

Kun's Bold Announcement

Kun, having just been released from prison, announces his intention to run for chairman. His candidacy shocks Lok, who must now navigate this unexpected challenge from his former underling.

Lok's Strategic Alliance

Instead of backing Kun, Lok chooses to support Jet's candidacy, believing it will strengthen his own position. Jet’s reputation is contentious, creating tension with the triad elders who question Lok's judgment.

Jimmy's Dilemma

The triad elders consider Jimmy a strong candidate for chairman, but he is uncertain as he wants to pivot his business towards legitimacy. This internal conflict puts him at odds with the expectations of triad leadership.

The Arrest in Mainland China

During a business trip aimed at greasing the palms of a local official, Jimmy and Lik are arrested. Their release comes through intervention from high-ranking policeman Xi, who emphasizes the necessity of Jimmy becoming chairman.

Mainland China

Fishing Trip Confrontation

Lok invites Kun on a fishing trip to persuade him to withdraw his candidacy. Instead, they find common ground to eliminate Jimmy, highlighting the brewing rivalry and desperation for power.

Jimmy's Desperate Measures

To maintain his grip on power, Jimmy hires hitman Bo and orchestrates the murder of Lik. This shocking act demonstrates the lengths individuals in the triad world are willing to go to protect their interests.

Mr. Kwok's Kidnapping

Kun executes a daring kidnapping of Mr. Kwok, Jimmy’s financial backer. This bold strategy aims to pressure Jimmy into withdrawing from the election, showcasing the ruthless tactics employed in this power struggle.

Lok's Extreme Actions

Under pressure from Uncle Teng, Lok makes the brutal decision to commit murder to eliminate his rivals. This act of violence reveals the dark realities of maintaining power within the triad.

Jet's Manipulation

As tensions escalate, Jet confronts Jimmy which reveals that he has been manipulated. This exchange leads to unexpected alliances and foreshadows further conflict as loyalties shift.

Tragic Outcomes

The rivalry culminates in tragic outcomes, including Lok's betrayal and eventual death at the hands of those he once trusted. The fallout not only affects him but also sends shockwaves across the triad.

Jimmy's Ascendance

Following Lok's demise, Jimmy ascends to the chairmanship amidst the chaos. However, he quickly realizes that his position is precarious, filled with betrayals and looming threats.

Legacy and Future

As Jimmy contemplates his role within the triad, he learns of his wife's pregnancy. This revelation forces him to confront his legacy and the potential for change in his life beyond the triad's violent ways.

Confrontation with Xi

In a dramatic twist, Jimmy finds himself at odds with Xi, who has become a significant player in his ambitions. The precarious nature of their relationship sets the stage for future conflict as loyalties are tested.

Cycle of Violence

The film concludes with the overwhelming sense that the cycle of violence and betrayal within the triad will continue. Jimmy's decisions will ultimately shape the future for himself and his growing family within this dangerous world.

Characters


Lok

Lok is a complex character torn between tradition and ambition, recently elected chairman of the Wo Lin Shing triad. His desire to secure a second term leads him to make morally ambiguous choices, revealing the darker side of his character. Despite his authoritative demeanor, he finds himself grappling with betrayal by those closest to him.

💼 Leadership 🎭 Conflict 🥊 Ambition

Kun

Fresh out of prison, Kun bursts onto the scene with confidence and determination to claim the chairman position. His bold candidacy puts him at odds with Lok, showcasing his ambition and willingness to challenge the status quo. However, his journey is marked by internal conflict as he navigates alliances and rivalries.

⚔️ Ambition 🔗 Loyalty 💔 Betrayal

Jimmy

Jimmy is portrayed as a pragmatic character caught in a web of crime and personal integrity. He aspires to transition from illegal operations to a legitimate business but finds himself ensnared in triad politics. His character arc illustrates his struggle for acceptance and survival amidst looming threats.

🔄 Transformation 💼 Business 🎭 Conflict

Jet

Jet is characterized by his reckless nature, which complicates his standing within the triad. While Lok offers him support, his contentious reputation poses challenges as rivalries intensify. His interactions reveal themes of manipulation and power dynamics among the triad members.

⚖️ Recklessness 🎭 Manipulation 💥 Conflict

Setting


Time period

The film encapsulates a contemporary look at the triad culture, punctuated by themes of ambition and the shifting tides of power. This era portrays the constant tension between traditional values and the allure of modernization, particularly in organized crime's interaction with business and authority.

Location

Hong Kong, Mainland China

Hong Kong serves as the bustling heart of the triad's activities, known for its vibrant life and complex socio-political landscape. It is a city where tradition clashes with modernity, often depicted in stories of power struggles and loyalty. Meanwhile, Mainland China represents a significant space of transition for the characters, acting as both a business opportunity and a perilous environment for illegal dealings.

🌆 Urban 🌏 Asia

Themes


⚔️

Betrayal

Betrayal runs deep within the fabric of this film as characters navigate their relationships and ambitions. Trust is shattered in a world where loyalties are tested, leading to tragic outcomes. The struggle for power often results in backstabbing and violence, reflecting the harsh reality of triad life.

🌀

Power Struggles

The narrative showcases the intense competition among triad members as they vie for control and authority. Each character's ambition drives them to make questionable decisions, leading to complex rivalries. As the stakes rise, the film highlights the lengths individuals will go to secure their place at the top.

👪

Family and Legacy

Amidst the chaos, the film makes a poignant statement regarding family and legacy. Characters like Jimmy are forced to confront their past and future, particularly with impending family changes. Their choices resonate beyond personal ambition, shining a light on the implications for their loved ones.

© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.