Park Chan-wook's new film 'No Other Choice,' which has entered the institutional sector of the Venice Film Festival, is receiving rave reviews from foreign media.
On the 29th (local time), the premiere screening of 'No Other Choice' (Directed by Park Chan-wook, provided/distributed by CJ ENM, produced by Moho Film and CJ ENM Studios) was held at the 82nd Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy. Attending the event were director Park Chan-wook and lead actors Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min, and Yeom Hye-ran.
For the first screening of 'No Other Choice,' film fans and industry professionals from around the world gathered at the Sala Grande theater in Venice. According to foreign media, despite the screening finishing nearly 30 minutes past midnight after starting with the red carpet at around 9:45 p.m., the audience filled the Sala Grande theater.
In particular, after the film ended and the closing credits rolled, a standing ovation began. It reportedly lasted for about 8 minutes and 30 seconds. In response, director Park Chan-wook and lead actors Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min, and Yeom Hye-ran waved their hands, acknowledging the audience's cheers. Videos of Son Ye-jin appearing emotional and in tears during the standing ovation spread among local fans on social media.
Regarding 'No Other Choice,' U.S. entertainment media Variety noted, "The audience's enthusiasm was palpable throughout the 2 hours and 19 minutes of the screening. The protagonist Minsu (Lee Byung-hun)'s manic attempts made the audience laugh out loud while also shocking them. The scenes filled with blood and at times chilling were intense."
Another U.S. entertainment outlet, Deadline, remarked, "The audience's reaction to Park Chan-wook's latest film was extremely enthusiastic. Park Chan-wook was also pleased with the standing ovation, and the fans' reaction to 'Squid Game' star Lee Byung-hun was fervent," adding that "'No Other Choice' is fantastically entertaining and constantly showcases impressive ensembles. Particularly, Lee Byung-hun is shockingly a master of slapstick, reminiscent of a blend of Mads Mikkelsen and Buster Keaton."
The British media the Guardian emphasized, "It cannot be called a masterpiece by Park Chan-wook, but it is the best work showcased in the Venice institutional sector so far."
The American film media IndieWire characterized it as "a rare movie that evokes sympathy for the protagonist without cheering for him," particularly praising Lee Byung-hun's performance as "playing a crucial role in balancing the characteristic tragicomic atmosphere unique to Park Chan-wook with his smooth acting." Additionally, it noted that "Park Chan-wook won the Jury Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival for 'Oldboy,' gaining significant love from American cinephiles, but has had no ties to the Oscars. This work may have the chance to be nominated for an Academy Award."
'No Other Choice' tells the story of Minsu (Lee Byung-hun), who is suddenly fired from a paper company where he has worked for 25 years and begins killing competitors to secure reemployment. Based on the 1997 novel of the same name by novelist Donald E. Westlake, it has been reimagined in Park Chan-wook's style. It has entered the Venice Film Festival's institutional sector and is considered a strong candidate for the prestigious Golden Lion Award. The film is set to premiere in Korea on Sept. 24, and prior to that, it will meet local fans as the opening film of the 30th Busan International Film Festival, which begins on Sept. 17.
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