ELECTION 2 (TRIAD ELECTION) — *** — Louis Koo, Simon Yam; with English subtitles (Chinese dialects); not rated, probable R (violence, gore, torture, profanity, vulgarity).

Filmmaker Martin Scorsese finally took home the much-coveted Oscar gold for "The Departed," which was a remake of the 2002 Hong Kong thriller "Infernal Affairs." In several respects, Scorsese and screenwriter William Monahan improved upon that film. So you might wonder what he could do with Chinese director Johnny To's "Election" movies, particularly "Election 2 (Triad Election)."

This film may be better than "Infernal Affairs," and this material might be even better suited to Scorsese's sensibilities. But that's not to say that Johnny To doesn't do a terrific job with it.

This second "Election" film again focuses on the leadership of Hong Kong's triad gangs. The most powerful of these is led by Lok (Simon Yam), who's hoping to gain the support he needs for re-election to his post.

Meanwhile, his protege Jimmy (Louis Koo) is more concerned with becoming a legitimate businessman than he is with triad politics. Unfortunately for Jimmy, however, Lok sees him as a threat. So he sics his crooked police contacts on Jimmy and his would-be business partner Mr. Soo (Siu-Fai Cheung). Thus begins an elaborate series of double-crosses and retaliations.

Two screenwriters were responsible for this fascinating look at organized crime in China, as well as the continuing governmental policies that make the triads thrive. And though the film is arguably less violent than those of To's Hong Kong forefathers John Woo and Tsui Hark, it definitely has its ultraviolent moments (particularly a lengthy torture scene and a bludgeoning death).

However, it doesn't revel in the violence, and the ensemble cast is solid from top to bottom (especially Hong Kong veteran Yam).

"Election 2 (Triad Election)" is not rated but would probably receive an R for scenes of strong violent action (shootings, beatings, vehicular mayhem and some animal violence), some gore, a torture sequence and some suggestive or strong language (profanity and crude slang). Running time: 90 minutes.

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E-mail: jeff@desnews.com