The characters in "Election" 1 and 2 want absolute power. And we learn that it comes with an extraordinarily high price. We also learn that regardless of how noble one's intentions may be, there are serious consequences to chasing such a lofty goal.

"Election 2" is a direct sequel following the same group of characters from the first film and taking place a little less than two years later. Those that have seen the first film will understand the significance of that.

If you loved the first film, there's little doubt you'll enjoy this one as well. What really draws me in to these movies is the way that the characters are expanded upon, especially in the second movie. Triads are usually so generic and cliched that tend to be the same in movie after movie. But in these movies, we see characters that could almost exist in the same reality as ours. They get sick and injured, they make mistakes, they don't always have a plan or a way out. Instead of the caricatures we're used to, here we get real characters with families, flaws, weaknesses, and mortality.

What makes "Election" 1 and 2 so strong is that they are smart films. Instead of seeing who can get a higher body count and strike the meanest pose, both films play out like chess games. You can see the players making move after move, sometimes anticipating several moves in advance. Only here, the wrong move can cost lives. These aren't the types of films that reveal themselves early. They play their cards close to the chest so you're always riding along with the characters instead of being a passive observer just waiting at the finish line for the inevitable end.

There's not much left to say. This film is an excellent finale to the two-part saga. Performances, style, story, emotion--it has it all. Anyone who loves a good gangster drama will love these movies. This film holds up its end of the deal by offering a strong conclusion. And while the end is anything but closed or final, it will have you playing out many different scenarios in your mind as to what will happen after the credits roll--a power to live beyond the screen, one of the hallmarks of a great film and a great filmmaker.