Movie Review: No Other Choice

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This film is a darkly comedic crime drama that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking, offering a clever and relevant take on the genre.

Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice is a fresh, darkly funny, and thoroughly enjoyable crime story. The film follows a seemingly content family man who’s spent decades building a comfortable life. After 25 years with the same company, his security is shattered when layoffs expose how much his family relies on his job.

He’d always defined himself by his job, so losing it was a major blow to his self-esteem. He quickly started taking any work he could find, even positions far below his skill level. Having lost the life he’d always wanted and the respect that came with his position, he was desperate to get back on his feet, especially as the company continued to downsize. When a well-paying job opened up at a new paper supplier, he became laser-focused on beating out the other applicants, determined to do whatever it took to get the position.

Park Chan-wook’s new film is a darkly funny take on modern anxieties. It cleverly blends current issues like corporate excess, economic hardship, job losses due to technology, and a widespread feeling of disappointment into a strange, but thought-provoking story about the pressures of today’s world.

I was really reminded of Parasite while watching No Other Choice. It’s a beautifully made film that’s also genuinely entertaining – it doesn’t sacrifice fun for artistry, and vice versa. It’s both a really compelling story and a smart look at society, and it completely hooked me with its tale of a guy desperate to regain his former success.

Lee Byung-hun delivers a compelling performance as Man-su, portraying an ordinary man pushed to his limits without resorting to typical charm. Director Park Chan-wook skillfully builds an intense story as we follow Man-su’s descent. Similar to the film Falling Down, the movie allows us to understand the forces driving his extreme actions, even if we don’t agree with his methods.

“Squeaky clean, you won’t even know I was here.”

Chan-wook crafts a captivating and dreamlike story, freely bending reality – from the main character’s intense revenge quest to the hilariously chaotic mishaps that occur. These darkly funny scenes brighten an already thrilling film that keeps you engaged and invested in the protagonist. Though the film focuses on drawing you into the story rather than making a direct statement, it subtly explores important political themes within No Other Choice.

This film offers a poignant reflection of today’s competitive society, highlighting how easily people are overlooked in the pursuit of wealth and influence. It subtly critiques social issues, ultimately leaving viewers with a lingering sense of unease, connecting back to the story’s initial focus on a paper merchant and our impact on the natural world.

Park Chan-wook’s latest film is a thrilling and darkly funny adventure that completely captivates its audience. It offers clever insights without feeling preachy, and manages to stay fresh and exciting from beginning to end, avoiding any sense of repetition.

The film stands out with its inventive visuals and thoughtful storytelling. While No Other Choice isn’t perfect, its main weakness lies in fully delivering on its comedic and suspenseful goals. Lee Byung-hun gives a subtle performance that works well, but sometimes holds the film back from reaching its full potential.

No Other Choice is a truly excellent and tightly-made film. It features an original story, a captivating plot, and strong acting, making it a film we highly recommend. If you enjoyed Parasite, you’ll likely find a lot to love in this well-made and satisfying movie.

The bottom line: Ruthless

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2025-12-18 17:43