"No Other Choice" follows the intense journey of a veteran paper mill manager who, after being laid off and humiliated by a ruthless job market, spirals into violence in a desperate effort to regain his dignity. The film highlights the emotional and psychological toll of economic hardship and personal pride.
Trivia:
1. The lead actor underwent extensive research, spending time with former mill workers to authentically capture their struggles and mannerisms.
2. The filmmakers shot on location at a decommissioned paper mill, which added a gritty realism to the setting and atmosphere.
3. The film's raw depiction of economic despair sparked conversations about job loss and dignity, leading to community screenings in affected industrial towns.
Critics' Reviews
100
Park opens on a Lynchian tableau, a heightened portrait of suburban ecstasy as Yoo Man-su (Lee Byung-hun) sticks an eel, a gift from the American venture capitalists who have bought the paper company where he’s won awards, on the barbecue. His gorgeous wife, Mi-ri (Son Yejin), hints at the meat’s effects on male potency as his teenage stepson, Si-one (Kim Woo-seung), and cello-prodigy daughter, Ri-one (Choi So-yul), hang out with their twin Golden Retrievers, preciously named Si-two and Ri-two. Their backyard is beautiful. Their home is beautiful. Man-su doesn’t know that the gift is part of a severance package. There’s nothing his new bosses can do about it, they claim. There’s never anything new bosses can do about anything; it’s a funny quirk of new bosses. I love how Park’s vision of domestic bliss is tied to the myth of financial comfort and professional accomplishment, a decidedly 1950s American nuclear construct he exaggerates into camp fantasy. This is all an illusion, a blueprint to living inauthentically–an imitation of transcendence in the life of a beast of burden: a nation of pack animals at the pleasure of billionaires. Man-su marvels at the perfection of the day: “C’mon fall,” he says to the heavens, and I don’t know if it translates in Korean, but in English, and in hindsight, this feels more like Man-su tempting fate than welcoming autumn. He gathers his family into a big hug and tells them how absolutely, perfectly happy he is. He has everything. He is Roger Thornhill going to a three-martini lunch in Manhattan. He is Job right before the cosmic hammer smites him.
Full Cast of No Other Choice
Yoo Yeon-seok
Oh Jin-ho
In the movie 'No Other Choice,' Yoo Yeon-seok delivers a compelling performance as Oh Jin-ho, bringing depth and nuance to his character's emotional turmoil and complex decisions. Unlike his often romantic or light-hearted roles, such as those in 'Hospital Playlist,' Yoo's portrayal here showcases his versatility in handling darker, more intense narratives. A trivia fact about Yoo Yeon-seok is that he graduated from Dongguk University with a degree in theater, which has contributed significantly to his well-rounded acting skills.
Lee Byung-hun
Yoo Man-soo
In 'No Other Choice,' Lee Byung-hun delivers a gripping performance as Yoo Man-soo, a man grappling with the harsh realities of economic collapse and forced labor in 1997 South Korea. His portrayal is marked by a raw emotional depth and resilience that stands out from his more polished and suave roles in films like 'A Bittersweet Life' and 'Inside Men.' Unlike his charismatic action hero persona, here he embodies vulnerability and desperation, showcasing his versatility as an actor. A trivia fact: Lee Byung-hun performed many of his own stunts in the film, adding authenticity to his intense character portrayal.
Yeom Hye-ran
Lee A-ra
In the movie 'No Other Choice,' Yeom Hye-ran portrays a complex character that adds depth to the film's narrative, showcasing her ability to embody nuanced roles beyond her usual television work. This role marks a significant point in her career as it diverges from her more recognizable supporting roles in popular dramas, allowing her to explore a more diverse emotional range and screen presence. Unlike her earlier performances, often characterized by subtle supporting roles, her work in 'No Other Choice' stands out due to the intensity and intimacy she brings to the character, highlighting her versatility and commitment to challenging parts in cinematic projects.
Crew of No Other Choice
Full backstage crew list →- Released September 24, 2025