Hak se wui 2005

Critics score:
86 / 100

Reviews provided by RottenTomatoes

Robert K. Elder, Chicago Tribune: [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. Read more

Ty Burr, Boston Globe: The film's violence erupts in rare, staccato bursts, all the more horrifying for coming out of nowhere. Read more

Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times: 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. Read more

Scott Foundas, L.A. Weekly: Reveals [director] To as a master of lean, close-quarters action. Read more

Stephen Whitty, Newark Star-Ledger: There is social commentary to be sure, but there are also some solid action thrills. Read more

V.A. Musetto, New York Post: Nobody familiar with [director] To will be surprised by the way he presents stylish violence in innovative and humorous ways. Read more

Bill Stamets, Chicago Sun-Times: Election feels routine at times, though less formulaic than other genre exercises from Hong Kong. The depiction of crime customs is sociologically detailed. Read more

Ben Kenigsberg, Time Out: Read more

Wally Hammond, Time Out: Even the violence is unexpectedly unexpected, eschewing the usual cathartic frenzy of bloody chopsocky and arcade-game gunplay in favour of calmly viewed and human-scaled acts of brutality. Read more

Derek Elley, Variety: Though some general viewers may feel let down by the relatively scant action, To aficionados should vote for this one. Read more

Stephen Hunter, Washington Post: Dense, demanding concentration, lacking any romantic (but plenty of sordid) violence, extremely involving and rewarding of careful attention. Read more