82nd Venice International Film Festival competition institutional sector selection and the 30th Busan International Film Festival opening film "No Other Choice" held an open talk and a GV at the Busan International Film Festival to a passionate response.
"No Other Choice" (director Park Chan-wook, distributor CJ ENM, production Moho Film·CJ ENM Studios) depicts the story of office worker Mansu (Lee Byung-hun), who felt his life was so satisfied that he could say "I have achieved everything," but is abruptly fired and, to protect his wife and two children, to keep the home he struggled to acquire, prepares his own war toward reemployment. After being screened as the opening film of the 50th Busan International Film Festival, the film No Other Choice, which has been drawing overwhelming interest, successfully concluded the open talk and GV held on Sept. 18. The event was attended by Park Chan-wook, Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min and Yeom Hye-ran, the main cast of No Other Choice, who brightened the festival.
The open talk held on the 18th at the outdoor theater of the Busan Cinema Center drew explosive anticipation from the audience even before it began and was a great success. Questions from film fans and the candid answers from the main cast continued, filling the event with enthusiastic responses. To the audience at the festival, director Park Chan-wook expressed his affection, saying, "It is an honor to have my film screened as the opening film at the Busan International Film Festival for the first time," and "Every time I watch the film, I marvel at the actors who worked with me. Each one is so precious and special. I feel the reward of having prepared the film for a long time."
Lee Byung-hun added, "This is not a film that is simply gloomy and sad or only funny. Because various emotions are mixed, if you follow those emotional lines while watching, you will be able to feel what the film intends." Son Ye-jin said, "I acted as a spouse with Lee Byung-hun, and I worked together with a very comfortable feeling. I felt our rhythm matched really well," raising curiosity about the actors' synergy. In addition, Park Hee-soon said, "The first time I saw it, it was a comedy; the second time I saw it, it was a tragedy; yesterday it was a tragicomedy. The more you watch, the richer the charm becomes, so it would be good to see it multiple times," Yeom Hye-ran said, "It is a film that gives the pleasure of watching a movie," Lee Sung-min said, "During filming, I trusted the director and just threw myself into it," sharing candid stories that added intense energy to the scene.
Earlier the same day, the GV held at CGV Centum City also took place amid enthusiastic cheers. Director Park Chan-wook shared the behind-the-scenes of No Other Choice, saying, "What I focused on most was maintaining an appropriate distance of both empathy and critical perspective toward Mansu's actions. I even wanted to make a film that makes the audience wonder, 'Why am I rooting for him?'"
Lee Byung-hun said, "It is a story we often see around us, so it contains a painful and sorrowful reality. But because it includes elements of black comedy, it has the charm of being sad while bursts of laughter appear," amplifying the film's lingering impression. Son Ye-jin said, "While filming, I really felt for the first time in a long time, 'This is what a movie is.'" Park Hee-soon said, "I am very glad to be able to show a beautiful film in a beautiful city," Lee Sung-min said, "Thank you for enjoying it. Please continue to support us," and Yeom Hye-ran said, "I think it is a good film that can be viewed from various perspectives," expressing gratitude for the audience's support.
Having successfully completed the open talk and GV at the 50th Busan International Film Festival, No Other Choice will resonate with audiences through its realistic story.
With a meeting of trusted actors, dramatic developments, beautiful mise-en-scène, solid direction, and added black comedy, director Park Chan-wook's new film "No Other Choice" is scheduled to open on Sept. 24.
[Photo] CJ ENM
[OSEN]