No Other Choice review: Park Chan-wook’s killer comedy is more than paper thin

In this scenario, there are numerous instances likely to cause discomfort, particularly for those who are sensitive about dental care. Moreover, there’s an extremely harsh method for getting rid of a body, which appears to be reminiscent of methods used for securing plants in a garden.

The individual under scrutiny is Man-su (Lee Byung-hun), a devoted father of two who has spent the last 25 years managing specialized paper at Solar Paper. He remarks, in a manner reminiscent of The Office’s Michael Scott, “Paper has been my sustenance for a quarter-century.

If he’s fired, it means he’ll have to search for a new job during his middle age, and with economic difficulties possibly forcing him to sell the family house. His partner (Son Ye-jin) is already making efforts to save money – no more streaming services like Netflix for now, as they focus on cutting back on non-essential expenses.

Just the youngest daughter’s cello classes will carry on, as Man-su tirelessly seeks employment in an economy that’s growing more challenging by the day. However, given his prestigious title as 2019’s ‘Pulp Man of the Year’, he yearns to find work within the same industry instead.

In a unique job-seeking strategy deviating from the conventional methods like polishing a resume or updating a LinkedIn profile, Man-su opted for an unconventional path. Instead of going through interviews, he chose to eliminate potential competitors in a rather drastic manner as depicted in Donald Westlake’s 1997 novel “The Ax”.

Without a doubt, I’m not a cold-blooded killer; just the thought of holding a firearm makes my hands tremble, and it’s always been an artifact in the wall of my home, passed down through generations. My initial target was none other than Lee Sung-min’s engineer, a man whose marriage crumbled under the weight of alcoholism while his wife, an aspiring actress, struggled and ultimately fell short in her attempts to secure roles in the industry. As a fan, I can’t help but feel a sense of empathy for both parties entangled in this tragic situation.

Watching from afar, Man-su’s actions seem somewhat comical and incongruous. There are moments that elicit laughter, while others may not. Humor often struggles to cross cultural boundaries, and some of Park Chan-wook’s earlier attempts at comedy, like the 2006 film “I’m a Cyborg, But That’s OK,” were arguably offbeat.

Despite having no other option that might make you expressionless, you can’t help but appreciate the impressive invention showcased, particularly in the later scenes where Park delves into the bizarre and surreal.

In “No Other Choice,” what resonates most is the ongoing job crisis we’re experiencing as automation advances and workplaces become more mechanized.

In the near future, there will likely be just a few cold-hearted managers and vacant factories, where massive machines manufacture goods, requiring only one person to supervise. This idea is deeply disheartening, even more so when these executives casually claim they have “no other option” than to let go of the majority of their workforce.

As a cinephile eagerly diving into the latest offerings, let me assure you that “No Question, No Other Choice” expansively ventures beyond the realm of typical Park films. In comparison to his last masterpiece, 2019’s subtle and captivating procedural “Decision To Leave”, this new production appears decidedly less refined in its approach. Yet, it still promises an intriguing watch that I can’t wait to unravel.

Under the guidance of the captivating Lee Byung-hun, who shares a long-standing professional bond with Park dating back to his director’s 2000 debut “Joint Security Area”, it remains an exhilarating journey (albeit slightly prolonged, spanning 139 minutes).

In a casual and playful manner, Man-su’s wife wishes him luck with her words, “Good luck with your interview,” which is far from being insincere or superficial.