Election2(2006)

Hong Kong director Johnnie To scores an out-of-competition berth this year for gangster drama "Election 2", the much anticipated sequel to the first "Election" which was in competition last year.

For anyone who saw "Election," Johnnie To's masterful, modern reworking of the Hong Kong Triad drama and its mythology, "Election 2" isn't so much a sequel as a logical extension of the story.

It's hard to say why To hasn't transcended cult/art house status outside of Asia and specialty festivals, but in the wake of the moderate success of "Infernal Affairs," the present mood might be right for To.

Less cryptic than "The Longest Nite," which he produced, and less minimalist than "The Mission" -- two of To's best -- "Election 2" is a more traditional narrative that audiences can easily follow. It focuses on fewer characters, giving audiences a chance to keep track of the major players. It's a natural for Asian and genre festivals following its international debut Out of Competition at this month's Festival de Cannes, where To has a stellar reputation.

When the first film stopped -- because it didn't end by a long shot -- Lok (Simon Yam) had won the chairmanship election and feloniously consolidated his power. The saga picks up with Lok angling to extend his term for another two years, which goes against all tradition, and lining up his allies and targeting his foes.

The less aggressive, more entrepreneurial Jimmy (Louis Koo) is his biggest rival: He's popular with the uncles because he is a good businessman, and he knows the future is in mainland China. Bloody circumstances unfold that force Jimmy to make a string of violent decisions that do, in fact, lead to the chairman's throne as well as a suitably ambiguous ending.