The film No Other Choice, an official selection in the competition institutional sector at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival and the opening film of the 30th Busan International Film Festival, has released character posters and character videos.
No Other Choice tells the story of office worker Mansu (Lee Byung-hun), who felt his life was as good as it could be — "I had it all" — but is suddenly laid off, and who, to protect his wife and two children, to keep the home he worked so hard to buy, prepares his own war toward reemployment and what unfolds. The released posters capture each character's backstory and varied charms, drawing the eye. The Mansu poster, with the copy "Honey… I'm at war right now," evokes the feeling of autumn and piques curiosity with a look as if he has just discovered something.
The poster of Miri (Son Ye-jin), who remains unshaken in the face of crisis, shows her deep in thought, with the copy "If you do something bad, I'll do it with you, okay?" raising questions about what decision the couple will make to protect their family. Next, the poster of Sunchul (Park Hee-soon), a successful paper company department head, with the copy "A sip of whiskey after work! I live for that pleasure" suggests his hearty, extroverted nature. Then there is the screaming Beom-mo (Lee Sung-min) with the copy "Why can't the unemployed even love?", Ara (Yum Hye-ran) with a romantic expression and the copy "It's not unemployment itself that's the problem, it's how you deal with being unemployed that's the problem!", and Sijo (Cha Seung-won), whose copy "You have to buy through me for me to get the allowance" sparks imagination about the plot. The posters, showcasing the distinct personalities of various characters, raise expectations for the dramatic developments unique to No Other Choice.
The released character videos focus attention on people who each have a reason they can't help themselves. The development that begins with a peaceful moment for Mansu, who thought he had "it all," and his family and leads to his dismissal heightens immersion. Miri's efforts to comfort her husband Mansu despite their precarious livelihood provoke curiosity about what the couple will face.
Meanwhile, amid an industry downturn, department head Sunchul of the thriving paper company and Mansu, who envies him, have a chance encounter, while Beom-mo's desperate drive toward reemployment intensifies engagement. Also, Ara, who misses the husband she once loved, and Sijo, who, after losing his job, works as a shoe store manager and keeps his kindness, add seamless synergy among the characters that brings fresh energy to the film. With the release of character posters and character videos like this, No Other Choice will captivate theaters this fall with an all-star cast and solid narrative.
Director Park Chan-wook's new film No Other Choice, featuring a trusted cast, dramatic developments, beautiful mise-en-scène, sturdy direction and even black comedy, is scheduled to open on the 24th.
[Photo] Provided by CJ ENM