Park Chan-wook's "No Other Choice" has finally premiered at the Venice Film Festival 2025, marking the culmination of a twenty-year journey to bring this story to the big screen. The South Korean director, celebrated for his visually striking and often violent films such as "Oldboy," first conceived of the project two decades ago.
"No Other Choice" is based on Donald E. Westlake's 1997 novel, "The Ax," a satirical horror-thriller. The film tells the story of Mansu, played by Lee Byung-hun, an office worker who faces unexpected layoffs in an AI-driven workplace. Feeling that he has achieved everything, Mansu is abruptly fired and forced to contemplate extreme measures to protect his family and maintain their home. As technologies increasingly encroach on the workplace, the film's core theme of job insecurity feels more relevant than ever.
Park has revealed that he struggled for years to secure financing for the film, a blend of dark comedy and social commentary. However, he maintained his belief in the project due to the enduring connection people have with economic anxiety. He found that wherever he went and shared the story, people related to it, regardless of their country or culture. The director noted that the advancements in technology since the book's publication have only amplified the story's resonance. He mentioned that an entirely AI-controlled, automated factory was unimaginable twenty years ago, which may have contributed to the delay in making the film.
The film distinguishes itself with a starker, more ambiguous ending, according to Park. The protagonist's horrific efforts to protect his family, which involve sacrificing his own humanity, ultimately lead to the moral collapse of the family.
The premiere of "No Other Choice" at the Venice Film Festival was met with enthusiasm. Following the screening, the film received an eight-minute standing ovation. Variety noted the audience's palpable enthusiasm throughout the 2 hour and 19 minute screening, highlighting the shocking and humorous nature of the protagonist's manic attempts. Deadline also emphasized the audience's enthusiastic reaction to Park's latest work and Lee Byung-hun's performance.
Critics have also responded positively to the film. Peter Bradshaw from The Guardian described it as a sensational state-of-the-nation satire, praising Park's storytelling momentum and ability to blend genres. He noted that the film begins like an Ealing comedy-type caper but evolves into a portrait of family dysfunction, fragile masculinity, and the breadwinner crisis.
Park's return to Venice after 20 years with "No Other Choice" marks a significant moment in his career. His last appearance in Venice was in 2005 with "Lady Vengeance," the final installment in his "Vengeance Trilogy". The film's themes of economic anxiety, moral compromise, and the impact of technology on the modern workplace resonate deeply in today's world, solidifying Park Chan-wook's position as one of cinema's most compelling voices.
