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South Korean cinematic visionary Park Chan-wook is once again in the international spotlight with his latest film, “No Other Choice.” This standout black comedy is rapidly charming film festival audiences and critics alike, earning significant accolades and positioning itself as a strong contender for the upcoming awards season.
The film has already garnered an eight-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival and secured the first-ever International People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. Starring two of South Korea’s biggest stars, Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin, “No Other Choice” is now being tipped for Oscar contention.
Following its premiere as the opening film for the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), director Park Chan-wook expressed his hope that the movie’s Korean setting would deeply resonate with local audiences. He also voiced his ambition for the film to help revitalize the Korean film industry, which has seen a decline in audience numbers.
The project’s anticipation is amplified by its star power. Lee Byung-hun, known globally for his role as the Front Man in Netflix’s “Squid Game,” and Son Ye-jin, who captured international hearts in the hit K-drama “Crash Landing on You,” bring their immense talent to this thrilling satire, making it one of the year’s most awaited releases.
The Story’s Violent Inspiration
“No Other Choice” is based on Donald E. Westlake’s 1997 horror-fiction novel, “The Ax.” The book tells the story of Burke Devore, a man who resorts to violence in his desperate search for a new job. This is the second cinematic adaptation of the novel, following Greek-French director Costa-Gavras’s 2005 film, “The Ax (Le Couperet).” Park Chan-wook, who has dedicated his version to Costa-Gavras, brings his unique touch to the story by transposing it to a Korean setting.
Westlake’s novel serves as a powerful commentary on corporate downsizing and the desperation of the job market. Park Chan-wook masterfully adapts these themes, drawing parallels to Korean culture by exploring the pressures of perceived masculinity and the crisis of the family breadwinner within a dysfunctional family dynamic. The film’s themes are also expected to resonate globally, echoing contemporary anxieties about job security in the age of AI.
Plot: A Descent into Desperation
The film centers on Man-soo (played by Lee Byung-hun), a dedicated office worker whose life is thrown into chaos when he is abruptly laid off. Facing mounting mortgage payments and the threat of losing the home he worked so hard to acquire, Man-soo’s desperation drives him to devise a diabolical plan: to eliminate his competition for a coveted position at another company by any means necessary.
A Cast of Titans
- Lee Byung-hun takes on the complex lead role of Man-soo, a character who transforms from a seemingly happy family man into a sinister fanatic obsessed with reclaiming his manhood. This challenging role is a perfect fit for Lee, who has a celebrated career playing intense characters in films like “I Saw the Devil” and “A Bittersweet Life.” This film marks his second collaboration with Park Chan-wook, their first being the 2000 classic, “Joint Security Area.”
- Son Ye-jin, in her first project with Park Chan-wook, plays Miri, Man-soo’s supportive wife. Critics are already praising her performance, noting her masterful ability to balance comedy and drama amidst the film’s dark themes. Many believe this could be a career-defining role for the acclaimed actress, known for her work in “A Moment to Remember” and popular K-dramas like “Thirty-Nine.”
The film also features a strong supporting cast, including Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min, Yeom Hye-ran, Cha Seung-won, and Yoo Yeon-seok.
Crafting the Atmosphere: The Soundtrack
The film’s score, crafted by music director Cho Young-wuk, was meticulously recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in the UK. The soundtrack features the talents of renowned cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras and the London Contemporary Orchestra, with pieces including Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 and popular Korean trot music.
The Park Chan-wook Effect: Awards and Acclaim
Fans of Park Chan-wook are familiar with his genre-bending style and visually distinctive storytelling. The acclaimed director of “Oldboy” and “The Handmaiden” is expected to overcome the awards snub his previous film “Decision to Leave” faced, as “No Other Choice” is already one of the best-reviewed films of the festival season.
It became the second Korean film in 13 years to compete for the top prize at the Venice Film Festival. Now, with a 100 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the Korean Film Council has officially selected “No Other Choice” as its submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2026 Oscars.
Release Dates
“No Other Choice” was released in Korea on September 24, with celebrities like BTS members RM and V attending the premiere. The film is also slated for a screening at the New York Film Festival on October 9, 2025. A wider international release and streaming details are yet to be announced.
