Park Chan-wook's film "No Other Choice" debuts at the Busan International Film Festival, encompassing deliberate chaos
Park Chan-wook, the acclaimed director of films like "Oldboy" and "The Handmaiden," has returned with his newest film, "No Other Choice." This thought-provoking drama, which had its world premiere in Venice and won the international audience award at Toronto, is an adaptation of Donald Westlake's 1997 novel "The Ax."
The film is set in the world of paper manufacturing, an industry that, like cinema, has been rendered obsolete by digital disruption. At its core, "No Other Choice" tells the story of a laid-off manager at a paper company who, in a desperate bid to secure a coveted position, eliminates potential competitors.
Lee Byung-hun, who stars as the protagonist Man-su, describes working with Park Chan-wook as exhausting but rewarding. The director's direction is noted for its complexity, with scenes containing multiple layers of physical action. One such scene is a violent confrontation set to Korean pop classic "Red Dragonfly," which emerged through controlled improvisation.
"No Other Choice" also explores the existential fear of replaceability due to technological advancements like artificial intelligence. Park Chan-wook views paper manufacturing as a surrogate for cinema itself in the film, suggesting that every generation faces the same fundamental anxiety - the fear of being cast aside, of becoming irrelevant.
Park Hee-soon, a fellow actor on the set, noted the unpredictable on-set demeanor of Park Chan-wook during the production process. Despite this, Park reflected that the materials in "The Ax" proved timeless, with the gap between 1990s America and today's Korea being negligible.
The cast's affection for the city of Busan, where some of the film was shot, felt genuine rather than obligatory. Lee Byung-hun observed that the hillside neighborhoods in Busan looked almost Mediterranean.
Son Ye-jin's performance in "No Other Choice" provides a crucial counterweight, grounding the film's increasingly baroque flights. Her character offers a stark contrast to Lee Byung-hun's Man-su, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.
Lee Byung-hun urges theatrical viewing for "No Other Choice," stating that only theaters can properly deliver the details, scale, and interconnection of sound and image that the film offers. With its complex direction, compelling performances, and thought-provoking themes, "No Other Choice" is a must-see for fans of Park Chan-wook and cinema lovers alike.
The film was screened at the Busan International Film Festival, further cementing Park Chan-wook's status as a master of Korean cinema. With "No Other Choice," Park once again demonstrates his ability to create captivating and thought-provoking films that resonate with audiences around the world.
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