According to Korea Times, "No Other Choice" did not win any awards at the Venice Film Festival 2025 which is a regrettable thing, but this work is aiming for success at the Korean box office, thanks to the widespread acceptance of critics and the large number of pre-sold tickets that are very positive, signaling a promising start for the theatrical release.
Just over 2 weeks before its domestic release, "No Other Choice" has won the leading spot in the ticket race, surpassing the Japanese blockbuster "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba - Infinity Castle" which is dominating the domestic box office.
As of the afternoon of September 8, director Park Chan Wook's work has been at the Top of the pre-sales chart, achieving a ticket booking rate of 29% with more than 103,906 tickets sold, according to data from the Korea Cinema Council.
This initial appeal is rare in the current gloomy Korean box office, signaling growing anticipation for Park Chan Wook's first film since "Decision to leave" (2022).
The selection of "No Other Choice" to compete for the main award at the Venice Film Festival has been an important step forward for Korean cinema after 13 years of absence from this film festival.
Although the most important award for Golden Lion (Best Film) ended up going to Father Mother Sister Brother by director Jim Jarmusch, No Other Choice also received very positive reviews from the media and international critics.
Variety praised this as convincing evidence that Park Chan Wook is "the most elegant filmmaker alive".
The Guardian called it "a thrilling satire about the country's situation" about family dis breakups, masculinity and socialism.
Based on the novel "The Axe" by American author Donald E. Westlake, "No Other Choice" is a dark comedy that tells the story of Man Soo (Lee Byung Hun), an office worker who is suddenly fired and has to start a fight to find a new job. Accompanying him is his wife who is always devoted to her family Miri (Son Ye Jin).
The release of "No Other Choice" scheduled for September 24 is considered a strategic plan to coincide with the special initiative of the Korean government to increase the number of audiences coming to the cinema.
Previously, the government of this country issued 4.5 million movie discount coupons in July. Starting on September 8, the remaining 1.88 million discount coupons with a discount of 6,000 won will be issued. These vouchers can be used at all major cinemas in the country.
The premiere date of "No Other Choice" falls on the last Thursday of September, also "Cultural Day" in Korea, with an additional 50% discount on movie tickets. Combined with these two discounts, audiences can watch the film for only 1,000 won.
Currently, the film is under little pressure to make a profit. The film's investor and distributor, CJ ENM, announced that the film has soon recovered all of its production budget of 17 billion won (more than 320 billion VND) through overseas ticket sales - an achievement that was well received at the Venice Festival.
CJ ENM did not disclose the exact country number of release rights for "No Other Choice", but Park Chan Wook's previous work was sold to 192 countries.
The Korean film industry is expecting "No Other Choice" to create a commercial breakthrough. Because the film with the highest box office revenue in Korea this year is "My Daughter Is a Zombie" starring Jo Jung Suk, which only attracted 5.5 million views, far behind last year's hit "Exhuma" with more than 11 million tickets.
Currently, there are no competitors, the Korean domestic market continues to struggle with a prolonged decline in sales.
