About the Director
Park Chan-wook is one of the most original and internationally acclaimed filmmakers in Korean cinema. He has won the Best Director Award at the Cannes Film Festival, among many other international honors. His notable works include Joint Security Area (JSA), Oldboy, The Handmaiden, and Decision to Leave. Known for his striking mise-en-scène, darkly humorous tone, and penetrating exploration of human psychology, Park has built a reputation as a true auteur.
About the Film
“No Other Choice” is based on Donald Westlake’s novel The Ax, a project that Park Chan-wook has dreamed of adapting for nearly 20 years. The director himself has described it as the film he wanted to make the most in his career. Marking his first release since Decision to Leave in 2022, the film has already been selected for the competition section of the 81st Venice International Film Festival, heightening anticipation both at home and abroad.
Cast
- Lee Byung-hun as Yoo Man-soo (the protagonist, a laid-off father)
- Son Ye-jin as Lee Mi-ri (Man-soo’s wife)
- Park Hae-soon as Choi Sun-chul
- Lee Sung-min as Koo Beom-mo
- Yeom Hye-ran as Lee Ah-ra
- Cha Seung-won as Go Si-jo
- Supporting roles include Yoo Yeon-seok and Kim Hae-sook, further strengthening the ensemble.
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Screening Review
At the premiere screening, “No Other Choice” exceeded expectations. Park Chan-wook’s meticulous attention to detail was evident in every frame, with even the smallest props and glances carrying significance. The seamless blend of black comedy and thriller elements offered both uneasy laughter and palpable tension, leaving a strong impression.
Lee Byung-hun delivered a tour-de-force performance, embodying the desperation of a laid-off man struggling to protect his family, while also capturing the ironic humor of the story. Son Ye-jin, Park Hae-soon, Lee Sung-min, and other cast members added depth and nuance, creating a powerful synergy on screen.
Ultimately, the film makes clear why Park devoted so much time to this project. Beyond being a gripping thriller, it serves as a sharp satire on the precariousness of modern life and the relentless struggle for survival. The title “No Other Choice” resonates perfectly, encapsulating both the film’s narrative and its broader message. This is without doubt one of the most highly recommended Korean films of the year.
Poster: Official image
