No Other Choice TIFF Review: Park Chan-wook Returns With Messy Thriller That Turns Into Pure Comedy

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Losing a job is incredibly stressful, often ranking among life’s most difficult experiences, like the loss of a loved one, moving, or having a baby. So, when Man-su, who worked at a paper factory for 25 years, loses his job and then commits a terrible act, it’s understandable why. Things get even more complicated when his wife takes a job at a dental office and suggests they sell their home and give up their pets.

Park Chan-wook’s movies are known for being incredibly rich and detailed—full of creative ideas, beautiful imagery, and often a mix of violence and humor. His newest film, No Other Choice, is a complex and somber exploration of modern society, focusing on themes like wealth inequality, what it means to be a man, family relationships, and how these forces shape our identities.

No Other Choice Is Messy But Brilliant

Before the movie begins, Man-su likely wouldn’t have considered himself a murderer. And even when he does try to eliminate his competition, he struggles with it. He finds his rivals by posting a phony job advertisement in a trade magazine, specifically targeting people also applying for jobs at other paper companies.

The film features some truly outlandish scenes. No Other Choice balances sharp social observations and family drama with moments of pure silliness. Man-su’s straightforward schemes frequently fall apart, and the resulting chaos – especially when he attempts to eliminate his rivals – provides much of the movie’s humor.

What truly makes Man-su interesting is the internal struggle he faces. Losing his job forces him to question his identity and what he wants from life. This is challenging for anyone, but especially difficult for a middle-aged, set-in-his-ways man like him. However, his concerns extend beyond just the crime he’s involved in.

Okay, so “No Other Choice” is definitely a thriller, and it gets pretty intense. But honestly, what surprised me most was how funny it is! It’s really a story about a guy, Man-su, whose life spirals out of control with anxiety, and it’s portrayed so well you can feel his panic in every scene. The humor comes from watching him try to navigate everything while keeping this huge secret, and it’s brilliantly done. It’s a surprisingly hilarious domestic drama wrapped in a thriller package.

Often, the source of Man-su’s worry is his wife, Miri (played wonderfully by Son Ye-jin). She grows more and more frustrated with his unpredictable actions and the difficult decisions she has to make. She’s now the only one earning money for her family, which includes her teenage stepson who is struggling, and their exceptionally talented young daughter who plays the cello.

Miri handles the situation with logic and calm, which is a stark contrast to Man-su’s frantic behavior. While Man-su’s need for approval and unpredictable actions aren’t admirable, it’s hard not to feel some sympathy for him, even though the story doesn’t necessarily ask us to. The characters in No Other Choice are all flawed, making them complex and strangely captivating.

The film is visually striking, showcasing Park’s signature style. He remains one of the most innovative directors working today, and No Other Choice features several breathtaking scenes—one of which is comparable to the famous wheat field transition in Stoker.

Park and Lee’s film, No Other Choice, is a huge, ambitious story that feels incredibly intense. Despite its sprawling nature, the filmmakers expertly maintain control. It delivers everything you’d expect from a Park film – darkness, emotional extremes, and violence – but also offers a surprisingly personal and timely look at identity and the pressures of a dangerous world, suggesting how systems can even drive people to desperate acts.

The film No Other Choice premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and will be released nationwide by Neon in January 2026.

Note: This review was originally published on September 6th, 2025.

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2025-12-25 16:00