Filmmaking master Park Chan-wook (known for Oldboy and The Handmaiden) has returned with his latest feature, “No Other Choice,” a satirical black comedy thriller that is quickly garnering international attention.
The film is set to premiere on October 29 and will be distributed by CreaZion Studios. Park co-wrote, produced, and directed the film, which is an adaptation of the 1997 American novel The Ax by Donald Westlake, making it the second screen adaptation following Costa-Gavras’s 2005 French-language feature, The Axe.
The film boasts a powerhouse South Korean cast, led by Lee Byung-hun as the protagonist You Man-soo, alongside Son Ye-jin (Lee Miri), Park Hee-soon (Choi Seon-chul), Lee Sung-min (Gu Bummo), Yeom Hye-ran (Lee Ara), and Cha Seung-won (Go Sijo), with a special appearance by Yoo Yeon-seok (Oh Chin-ho).
A Story of Desperation and Drastic Measures
The heart of No Other Choice lies in the dark descent of You Man-Soo, a man whose life is upended by a sudden crisis. Man-soo, a paper industry veteran with 25 years of experience, is living an idyllic life with his wife, two children, and two dogs—until his longtime employer abruptly lays him off.
Initially determined to find a new job within three months to keep his family’s hard-earned home, Man-soo’s resolve crumbles as months stretch into a year. Stuck in a dead-end job and facing constant rejection from interviews, he becomes increasingly desperate.
The climax of his frustration arrives when he applies to rival company Moon Paper and is humiliated by the foreman. Convinced he is the most qualified person for the position, Man-soo makes a shocking and dangerous choice: he decides the only way to secure the job is to systematically eliminate his competition. This setup promises a chilling yet darkly funny exploration of the extremes people will go to when backed against the wall.
Global Acclaim and Oscar Aspirations
No Other Choice has already made a significant impact on the film festival circuit. It held its world premiere in the main competition of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on August 29, 2025, where it was met with widespread critical acclaim.
Its success continued on the domestic front, opening the 30th Busan International Film Festival on September 17. The film then officially released in South Korean theaters on September 24, distributed by CJ Entertainment. Adding to its prestige, No Other Choice has been selected as the South Korean entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards.
