Election (2005)
Johnnie To's razor-sharp Hong Kong crime thriller dissects triad politics with cold precision and a superb ensemble cast.
Election - Movie Information
- Original Title: 黑社會
- Release Year: 2005
- Directed by: Johnnie To
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Runtime: 1h 41m
- Original Language: CN
- Spoken Languages: Cantonese, Mandarin, English
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 20, 2005 (Hong Kong - III), October 20, 2005 (United States), January 3, 2007 (France - 12), December 30, 2005 (Spain), January 27, 2011 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: Eleição (BR), Longcheng suiyue (CN), I triada (GR), 흑사회 (KR), Election 1 (DE), Election (US), Hak se wui (HK), Election: Vol 1 (UK)
- Production Companies: China Star Entertainment, One Hundred Years of Film Company, Milkyway Image
- Production Countries: Hong Kong
Election - Plot
After losing an election to become chairman of the Wo Lin Shing triad, a gang leader lashes out and tries to seize the dragon-head baton, the official symbol of a chairman's authority.
Election - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the power struggle unfold:
POWER, HE WANTS IT AND HE WILL GET IT.
Where to Watch Election
Looking for where to watch Election?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Election - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Johnnie To
Main Cast
- Simon Yam
- Tony Leung Ka-fai
- Louis Koo
- Nick Cheung Ka-Fai
- Gordon Lam Ka-Tung
- Eddie Cheung Siu-Fai
- Lam Suet
- Wong Tin-Lam
- Tam Bing-Man
- Maggie Shiu
Writers
- Yau Nai-Hoi
- Yip Tin-Shing
Producers
- Johnnie To
- Dennis Law Sau-Yiu
- Charles Heung
Election - FAQs
Where can you stream Election (2005)?
Election (2005) is available to stream for free on Tubi TV (with ads) and Kanopy (free with a library card). You can compare all current viewing options available in your region by visiting the JustWatch page for the film.
What is the dragon-head baton's significance in Election?
The dragon-head baton is the ceremonial symbol of authority within the Wo Lin Shing triad. Whoever holds it is recognized as the rightful chairman. Its possession becomes the central obsession of the film, driving the brutal conflict between rival factions competing for control.
Who are the main actors in Election (2005)?
Election (2005) stars Simon Yam as Lok, Tony Leung Ka-fai as Big D, and Louis Koo as Jimmy. The supporting cast includes Nick Cheung Ka-Fai, Gordon Lam Ka-Tung, Eddie Cheung Siu-Fai, Lam Suet, Wong Tin-Lam, Tam Bing-Man, and Maggie Shiu.
Is Election (2005) based on a true story?
Election is not based on a specific true story, but it draws heavily from the real-world structure and rituals of Hong Kong triads, particularly the Sun Yee On. Director Johnnie To and writers Yau Nai-Hoi and Yip Tin-Shing researched triad customs to lend the film its authentic procedural atmosphere.
What is Election (2005) about?
Election follows a power struggle inside the Wo Lin Shing triad as two candidates vie for the chairman's seat. When the hot-headed Big D loses the vote to the composed Lok, he refuses to accept the result and launches a violent campaign to seize the dragon-head baton and claim leadership by force.
Who directed Election and what is his style?
Election was directed by Johnnie To, one of Hong Kong cinema's most celebrated filmmakers. Known for precise visual compositions and morally complex crime narratives, To brings a cold, procedural tension to the film, emphasizing ritual and institutional power over conventional action-movie spectacle.
How long is Election (2005)?
Election (2005) has a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes (101 minutes). The film moves at a deliberate pace, prioritizing atmosphere and political maneuvering within the triad hierarchy over conventional action sequences.
Did Election (2005) receive positive critical reception?
Yes. Election earned widespread critical acclaim upon release, praised for its restrained direction, strong ensemble performances, and sharp political allegory. It was selected as Hong Kong's submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival.
More About Election
Explore further details about Election on these authoritative film databases.