Triad Election

Entertainment Weekly Lisa Schwarzbaum

A muscular sequel to To's riveting 2005 gangster picture "Election."

The Onion (A.V. Club) Noel Murray

Like the best crime stories, this one isn't about how the bad guys live, it's about how WE live.

Seattle Post-Intelligencer Sean Axmaker

Cements director's place as mob-movie master.

LA Weekly Scott Foundas

Outside of "Grindhouse," it may be the most bang for your buck to be had in a Los Angeles movie theater this season.

The New York Times Manohla Dargis

More elegantly plotted and streamlined than the first film.

Boston Globe Ty Burr

Set two years later, the sequel's the better film.

Los Angeles Times Robert Abele

Like any good sequel, this film takes what is familiar with the original's concept -- in this case, an internecine struggle for supremacy -- and deepens it.

Salon.com Andrew O'Hehir

In To's movies no one is innocent, and the social corruption has reached down to the soul. He orchestrates action scenes with an elegance that suggests Scorsese.

The Hollywood Reporter Elizabeth Kerr

It's not all violence and brutality. To allows his morbid sense of humor to shine through. There are moments of absurd hilarity that don't necessarily lighten the mood so much as bring it down to earth. The performances are strong all around.

Variety Russell Edwards

Distinguished by intelligence, wit and violence but is lightly wounded by some ill-fitting moments.

Village Voice Michelle Orange

To's take on the plight of the modern gangste is inspired.

New York Post V.A. Musetto

Nobody familiar with To will be surprised by the way he presents stylish violence in innovative and humorous ways.

New York Daily News Elizabeth Weitzman

Plenty of films owe a debt to "The Godfather," but it's rare to see inspiration used as successfully as it is here.

San Francisco Chronicle Peter Hartlaub

This is an extremely violent movie, with one long gory scene that's particularly hard to stomach. The great majority of Triad Election is about political maneuvering, but when the conversations end, the blood flows mightily.

Portland Oregonian M. E. Russell

If you're willing to do the work, Triad Election pays you in tragedy.

Chicago Reader Joshua Katzman

As in the first movie, To deftly references the "Godfather" trilogy, examining the moral equivocation and shifting alliances among various syndicate members.