No Other Choice

In an era where AI and robots are replacing labor, the value of human existence is rapidly diminishing, even threatening the very survival of craftsmanship and intangible heritage. This film captures, with both bitterness and irony, the unease that comes with the march of civilization. Park Chan-wook's signature mise-en-scène and artificial allure shine once again here, as he stages the inevitable dilemma of humans forced to point their guns at one another with a kind of chaotic humor. Among his filmography, this is arguably his most maximalist work, with a raucous ensemble of performances and sound design that gives palpable weight to the spaces they inhabit.

A portrait of our lives in a rapidly changing age, the film also quietly weaves in reflections on family.

Deeply inspired by the tradition of French classic thrillers, particularly Claude Chabrol, No Other Choice is a beautifully shot dark comedy that will please the fans of Parasite. This absurdist human drama unfolds within stunning woody interiors, enveloped in a lush, menacing forest-green palette. I loved the bold colour choices throughout the movie.

The film expertly immerses its characters in a menacing natural setting, evoking the ruthlessness of the animal kingdom. While the comedy outshines the crime intrigue, the story occasionally lacks momentum. Nevertheless, Park Chan-wook's inventive direction is absolutely incredible and beautiful.

The film No Other Choice portrays the unfolding of a most improbable event-serial murder-arising inevitably from circumstances that could happen to anyone: aging, unemployment, family troubles. From the moment I stepped into the black comedy the writer and director intended, I couldn't take my eyes off the screen for nearly three hours of running time. Not a single scene feels wasted; every moment seems meticulously crafted, inspiring admiration for the care put into its making. The aesthetic beauty characteristic of director Park Chan-wook-his mastery of harmonizing mise-en-scène and music-permeates every dark corner of the film. The occasional bursts of sharp, ironic humor are also exceptional.

We come to resent the phrase "there was no other choice" and those who use it as an excuse, yet at the same time, we feel deep compassion for the villains who struggle to do their best before their families and before life itself. In the end, the film delivers a powerful message: this question concerns us all.

Social media coaches haven't picked up on this employment strategy yet.

Finally a movie for all your jobless friends. Not only will they be entertained, they'll learn something. Just make sure they're not horticulture experts and that they don't own North Korean firearms.

Social commentary here is debatable. It doesn't really matter, though. Park Chan-wook is still endlessly creative with his material, from his camera angles to his editing.

While the opening scenes set up a thriller with a formula, you soon realize that it's comedic pathos that follows its own rhythm.

By the way, these are the effects of writing everything on your phone. Buy some notebooks once in a while.

Watched at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.

This is no where near the best movie Park Chan-wook has made. But Chan-wook once again strikes another dark comedy thriller exploring about the modern climates of the social class system, labor force, and commentary between people, contradictions, and insanity. Chan-wook has always never shy away from dark yet hilarious approaches with the writing and tone. Throughout, Chan-wook takes liberty on bringing the atmosphere, humor, production designs, camerawork and writing to light with's it's strong ambitious direction. Each scene with the camerawork felt purposeful, the production designs, costumes, music, and sound designs are excellent, and Chan-wook's direction is brilliant and meaningful.

The character portrayed by Lee Byung-hun is interesting as both a depressed, frustrated, at times, pathetic and engaging character. Byung-hun gives one of the best performances in recent times, alongside with the other performances as well. I really enjoyed how the Byung-hun's character was portrayed and developed. As his character resonates with the modern critique of the workforce, people, and the paradox between one another. The writing is pretty great as the irony and satirical aspects explored were well-written and quite brilliant.

While I did wish some of the other characters could have been developed a little more, as a whole, Chan-wook reminds us why he is one of the master's of Korean cinema.