Ultimately, Election and Triad Election -- which benefit from being seen back to back -- play like a mature reevaluation of [Johnnie] To's long-standing talent for splashy, eye-popping violence.
– Robert Abele,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Jun 2007
fresh:
Dense, demanding concentration, lacking any romantic (but plenty of sordid) violence, extremely involving and rewarding of careful attention.
– Stephen Hunter,
Washington Post,
21 Jun 2007
fresh:
[Director To's] talent for documentary-style realism and navigating complex political systems sets him apart, though his nationalism puts him squarely in the mainstream.
– Robert K. Elder,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Jul 2007
fresh:
Election feels routine at times, though less formulaic than other genre exercises from Hong Kong. The depiction of crime customs is sociologically detailed.
– Bill Stamets,
Chicago Sun-Times,
13 Jul 2007
fresh:
The film's violence erupts in rare, staccato bursts, all the more horrifying for coming out of nowhere.