The 82nd Venice International Film Festival competition entry and the opening film of the 30th Busan International Film Festival, "No Other Choice" (director Park Chan-wook, distributed by CJ ENM, produced by Moho Film and CJ ENM Studios), unveiled three key phrases that heighten the anticipation of prospective viewers.
#1. A desperate survival drama
This is the story that director Park Chan-wook has wanted to create the most!
The first key phrase is a desperate survival drama. The story "No Other Choice," which director Park Chan-wook has wanted to create the most, densely captures the process of 'Mansu,' who is pushed to the brink due to unemployment, as he transforms to maintain his life. The awkwardness and inner conflict revealed during his planning for reemployment and executing those plans will leave a bittersweet smile and a deep aftertaste. In addition, 'Miri' (Son Ye-jin), who calmly copes with 'Mansu's' unemployment, 'Seon-chul' (Park Hee-soon), whom 'Mansu' admires, potential rival 'Beom-mo' (Lee Sung-min), 'Si-jo' (Cha Seung-won), and 'Ara' (Yeom Hye-ran), who reminisces about her husband 'Beom-mo's' past, all complicate their relationships, leading the plot in unpredictable directions and providing special entertainment.
#2. A representative cast lineup
A synergy of appealing actors that adds depth to the characters!
The second key phrase is a cast lineup that combines popularity and acting skill. Lee Byung-hun has collaborated with director Park Chan-wook for the third time since "Joint Security Area" and "Three, Monster," predicting an even deeper synergy. Lee Byung-hun infuses character depth with his unique subtle expressiveness, oscillating between the humane and chilling aspects of 'Mansu.' Moreover, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min, Yeom Hye-ran, and Cha Seung-won, who are collaborating with director Park Chan-wook for the first time, leave a strong impression with their wide-ranging character adaptability, enhancing the film's immersion. Especially, the couples Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin and Lee Sung-min, Yeom Hye-ran, bring distinct chemistry to the film, adding vitality.
#3. Elite production team
A high-quality production that enhances the viewing experience!
The final key phrase is a high-quality production designed with the participation of an elite production team. For "No Other Choice," experts from various fields, including those who have long collaborated with director Park Chan-wook and those specializing in details like landscaping and bonsai, joined forces. With efforts invested across all aspects, the unique production of "No Other Choice" significantly enhances the viewing pleasure. The emotions and situations of the characters are fully captured, while the innovative cinematography, reflecting the individuality of each character in space and costume, along with the sound recorded at Abbey Road Studios by the London Contemporary Orchestra, will provide audiences with a unique cinematic experience.
In addition, the performance of world-renowned cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras playing "Le Badinage" will leave a lasting impression on audiences. The combination of director Park Chan-wook, appealing actors, and an elite production team makes "No Other Choice" a film expected to offer unprecedented entertainment in theaters this September.
Featuring dependable actors, dramatic plot developments, beautiful mise-en-scène, robust direction, and even black comedy, director Park Chan-wook's new film "No Other Choice" depicts the story of 'Mansu' (Lee Byung-hun), a company employee who felt satisfied with life to the point of saying, "I have achieved everything," only to be suddenly fired. To protect his wife and two children and maintain the hard-earned home, he prepares for his own war toward reemployment. It is set to be released on Sept. 24.
[Photo] CJ ENM
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