The anticipated film is "No Other Choice".
On the 22nd at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall, a preview screening and press conference were held for the film "No Other Choice." Director Park Chan-wook, Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min and Yum Hye-ran attended the event.
"No Other Choice" (provided/distributed by: CJ ENM | director: Park Chan-wook | produced by: Moho Film/CJ ENM Studios) tells the story of Mansu (Lee Byung-hun), an office worker who felt his life was so fulfilled that he thought "I have achieved everything," who is suddenly fired, and prepares his own war toward reemployment to protect his wife and two children and to keep the home he struggled to acquire.
On the day, director Park Chan-wook explained, "The characters in this story are not separate individuals; they depend on one another and exist within their relationships. That is also a difference from the original work. The wife's role increased around Mansu. Mansu is so dependent on Miri that without her his motives or actions are hard to explain. In addition, the three men who become Mansu's targets share something with him. On the surface they work in the same profession; beyond that, there are similarities such as alcohol dependence and love for a daughter. The same goes for Beom-mo's wife. Ara makes Mansu recall Miri. Mansu's crime ultimately removes a part of himself; it is a self-destructive act. Like a bug chewing a leaf, it is an act of gnawing away at himself."
He continued, "It is also the story of characters caught in ethical dilemmas. They are people trapped in the question of which choice is the right one. If one option were perfectly good, there would be no difficulty in choosing, but instead neither is good. It's a choice where both are bad. When you portray someone in such a dilemma, you share moral questions and invite the audience to consider what they would do, so the entire viewing experience can provide an opportunity for deep ethical reflection, I believe."
On the subject of "dismissal," he said, "We too are actually always in a state of potential unemployment. We worry that next there might be a period when no projects come and investments dry up. Moreover, this can destroy a family. Old-fashioned men can feel their masculinity denied, as if they can't fulfill their role as a man. In many ways it's frightening."
Regarding expectations for box office success compared with his previous work, he said, "I always compare with my previous films. I always try to make a film that is different, almost the opposite, from the previous one. If 'Decision to Leave' was like poetry, I think this film is closer to prose. It's a dense film rather than one with empty space. It's an exploration of masculinity. In that sense it's quite a different film." He added, "I sprinkled humor throughout like sesame seeds, but I don't expect every joke to land. Humor depends a lot on taste. The most humorous part might be the 'dragonfly' sequence. It's a long scene where three people tangle into chaos and a mess breaks out, voices aren't heard and they shout. It's unique, sad and pitiable, and their collisions create funny situations," raising anticipation.
Lee Byung-hun said, "I'm finally able to show it, and it's a day I've waited for so long; I'm curious how people will receive it," commenting on his rapport with director Park Chan-wook. He said, "I filmed JSA 25 years ago, and I had experience on 'The Good, the Bad, the Weird' as well. Still, I think I know director Park better than most people here because I've maintained a relationship with him over the years. I didn't have many worries or questions. Even so, we talked a lot during filming, mostly about the project or new ideas. I'm a performer who asks a lot of questions, too. The process of filming amid those conversations was physically demanding but also pleasant and enjoyable for a few months. Even after those discussions, I had many moments seeing a scene and later realizing things. I watched the film several times and still have questions left."
Lee Byung-hun also spoke about character acting: "The main issue and theme that came up most at the set was that my job is to make the situations in the script my own and convincingly portray them in front of the camera. So my concern was, 'If I show this much and make an extreme choice, would people who have been fired understand and be convinced?' I thought it absurd that anyone would decide to kill simply because they were fired. To convincingly present the process and change leading to that decision, maybe it would have to be made into a series so audiences would think, 'Yes, he might kill.' Once I told myself this is a filmic setup, I felt more at ease. Another point is that Mansu, who appears middle class, feels the loss of not being able to do work he truly loves, but he also finally reclaimed the home his father had, and felt he had achieved everything. From his perspective I understood and immersed myself in the feeling that everything had been taken from him."
Son Ye-jin said, "I was nervous returning to film after seven years," adding, "While filming I felt the director's detailed direction and his view of the whole film were really sharp and broad. After seeing the film I realized even more how remarkable he is. Even while shooting, I had faith in his presence to the extent that if he said, 'This is red bean but act like it's a bean,' I would do it."
Park Hee-soon joked, "I've made quite a few films, but this is the first project where I've done so many press conferences. Of course it's natural because it's director Park Chan-wook's work, but I can't help being nervous each time," and added, "I've been such a long-time fan of the director that working with him made me very happy. My posture and mindset felt a little different. I felt ready to be stripped bare — though it was Sung-min hyung who ended up stripped. Luckily I wasn't. Just hearing the director's direction and words felt good. I kept thinking how we would pull this off. The director was more open than I expected and accepted many of the preparations. The working time was happy and enjoyable. If I have another chance, I'll get stripped bare," drawing laughter.
Lee Sung-min, describing his rapport with director Park Chan-wook, said, "To put it simply, it felt like I was a neighborhood tough guy who beat up kids, and then I met a real pro fighter. I felt overwhelmed, like anything I did would show. That's how I felt. I was very nervous during filming and I think I was the only one who felt that on set," prompting laughter. He added, "I knew Park is a world-class director and accepted that, but when I actually attended overseas film festivals with him I was surprised. I felt very proud. I personally felt Maestro Park is such an extraordinary figure. I'm grateful and honored to appear in his work."
Yum Hye-ran said, "The director's work seems to make actors nervous. He didn't intend to, but his previous works have been sharp and suggestive, and that process seemed to make actors tense. I've acted before, but his direction made performances sharper," and about her character she added, "When I read Ara's final scene in the script I was shocked. It felt like the case was being wrapped up. To Mansu she was the enemy's wife, but she becomes an unexpected ally and a surprising resolver. That structure was interesting. Ara is appealing because each character has a different attitude toward work and unemployment, and I thought many would sympathize with my story. Generally she worked for 25 years but was at a point of thinking she should seek other ways, so I acted hoping Ara's words would sound convincing."
Finally Son Ye-jin asked, "I'm back to film after seven years, so I hope many people write nice things so I can shoot my next film right away," and Park Hee-soon quipped, "Opinions about the film might be polarized. If so, please don't write immediately. I'd appreciate it if you'd wait two days before writing," drawing laughter. Director Park Chan-wook said, "Releasing at a time like this feels like shouldering the responsibility of saving Korean theaters; it's a heavy burden. This is the first time I've felt this. At least I hope audiences leave feeling, 'Korean films are fun; I'll wait to see what comes next,' with a sense of satisfaction."
Meanwhile, "No Other Choice" will reach domestic audiences on the 24th.
[Photo] OSEN DB
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