"No Other Choice" excited the Venice International Film Festival.
On the 30th, the film "No Other Choice" (directed by Park Chan-wook, provided/distributed by CJ ENM, produced by Moho Film and CJ ENM Studios) announced that it successfully concluded an official press conference and photo call in Italy on the 29th (local time) as a contender for the institutional sector at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.
"No Other Choice" tells the story of an office worker named 'Mansu' (Lee Byung-hun) who felt satisfied enough to say, 'I have achieved everything,' only to be abruptly fired and prepare for his own war for reemployment to protect his wife and two children, and to keep the hard-earned home.
The official press conference in Venice included director Park Chan-wook, Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min, and Yeom Hye-ran, and was held from 2:10 p.m. to 2:40 p.m. at Palazzo del Casino. Various foreign media, eager to cover Park Chan-wook's third visit to Venice after "Thirst" (2009, Midnight Express section) and "Lady Vengeance" (2005, main competition), filled the press conference venue, resulting in a flurry of diverse questions from the global press directed at the film's key players.
Responding to a question about the preparation process for "No Other Choice," director Park Chan-wook said, "The reason I could not give up on this work for 20 years is that whenever I shared the story with people, they resonated with it, regardless of the time or country they came from, and reacted that it was truly relatable and timely. So, I believed it was a story that could be made someday."
When asked about his feelings about working with director Park Chan-wook, Lee Byung-hun replied, "I thought it would be very interesting when I first heard the story of the film. I joined with an excited heart." Regarding receiving the script for "No Other Choice," Son Ye-jin said, "The story was intense and beautiful yet tragic, and everything was encompassed. After reading the script, I thought an amazing film would come out."
Regarding their decision to participate in the work, Park Hee-soon noted, "The script was so enjoyable. It's a work that stands out as a black comedy. I approached it feeling like I returned to my roots." When asked about his feelings upon hearing the casting news, Lee Sung-min said, "I felt once again why we should watch movies in theaters. I realized that the essence of cinema is to experience a wonderful story, beautiful visuals, and amazing music all at once." Reflecting on her participation in the film, Yeom Hye-ran said, "If this movie had been completed 20 years ago, I wouldn't have been able to participate. In that sense, I consider myself lucky." Thus, the official press conference for "No Other Choice" was held successfully with attendance from prestigious overseas media.
Following the official press conference, director Park Chan-wook, Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min, and Yeom Hye-ran appeared in bright spirits at the photo call, responding to the heat of the coverage with their smiling faces and waves, feeling the excitement ahead of the official premiere screening. Director Park Chan-wook drew a passionate response from the gathered press corps with relaxed gestures amid a flurry of camera flashes. Meanwhile, Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min, and Yeom Hye-ran captivated attention with their strong aura, further heating the atmosphere with smiles and eye contact.
The meeting of trusted actors, dramatic developments, beautiful mise-en-scène, solid directing, and the addition of black comedy make director Park Chan-wook's new film "No Other Choice" set to be released domestically on Sept. 24.
[Photo] Provided by CJ ENM.
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