Review

It has been two years since the beginning of To’s earlier film and another election for Triad chairman is at hand. Levelheaded but powerful, the young Jimmy has been patiently awaiting his turn to run for the seat, but when the current chairman attempts to break tradition and run for an illegal second term, a rash of carnage breaks out all over Hong Kong that destroys the lives of anyone caught in its path. The conclusion to To’s epic saga of Hong Kong organized crime is more violent, more intelligent and less moral than its predecessor. To carefully constructs one perfect set piece after another involving everything from hide and seek to ravenous dogs, proving him once again to be a genius of cinematic choreography. To is at his very best with this extended material, delving deep into the traditions of the gangster drama, ripping the heart clean out and presenting it to the audience on a platter of raw energy in this every-man-for-himself battle for control that can only end in tragedy. (Mandarin, Cantonese with English subtitles)

 -- Michael Lerman