On August 29 (local time), No Other choice - director Park Chan Wooks new film - had a global premiere at Palazzo del Cinema, within the framework of the 82nd Venice Film Festival.
Before the film's premiere, director Park Chan Wook and actors Lee Byung Hun, Son Ye Jin, Park Hee Soon, Yeom Hye Ran, Lee Sung Min strolled on the red carpet, interacting with fans.
At the premiere, the 1,000-seat cinema was packed. After the film ended, the audience stood up to applaud for 9 minutes, not inferior to international blockbusters.
No Other choice marks Son Ye Jins comeback after 3 years, so this is a particularly meaningful work for her. The moment the 1982-born beauty and actor Park Hee Soon choked up and cried when the film received a long-handed fireworks display was captured by a lens.
At the official press conference, Son Ye Jin shared: This is a story that is both fierce and tragic, but also very beautiful. As soon as I finished reading the script, I thought this would definitely be a great film.
International media has positive reviews for director Park Chan Wook's work, calling "No Other choice" a satirical play of this era.
IndieWire wrote: "The satire is excellent, brutal, humorous and bitter by Park Chan Wook. This is a rare film in which you sympathize with the main character but do not support him".
The Guardian rated No Other choice as a four-fifth, a delicate black comedy that criticizes the national situation. At the same time, he emphasized: "This is not Park Chan Wook's greatest masterpiece, but it is the best film among the films participating in the Venice Film Festival to date".
Deadline called it "a dark comedy with Lee Byung Hun's excellent acting and it seems like Park Chan Wook's answer to Bong Joon Ho's "Parasite".
No Other choice will compete for the Golden lion award at this years Venice Film Festival. This is the 11th Korean film to be in the main award category, marking the return of Korean cinema to this category after 13 years, since Pieta (2012).
No Other choice tells the story of Man Soo (Lee Byung Hun), an office worker who was very satisfied with his life, until he was suddenly fired. Man Soo must start a new job, protect his wife, two children and their new home.
Miri (Son Ye Jin) - Man Soo's wife - is a reasonable woman who is always steadfast in all situations. Despite having to give up her personal interests and make a living amid the sudden financial difficulties, she still maintains a positive attitude. Instead of scolding, she stayed by her husband's side to comfort him, trying to preserve the family.
