“No Other Choice” follows a desperate man who goes to extreme lengths to eliminate the competition for a new job when he is abruptly laid off after 25 years at the same company.
“No Other Choice” is almost like a twisted reality show. It explores a broken system and the extreme lengths it causes people to go just to survive. It also does so in an almost lighthearted way.
These clashing tones have the potential to suffocate the film, but instead they breathe an abundance of life into it.
A System with No Safety Net
There are important conversations to be had from “No Other Choice” – a phrase itself that is repeated several times throughout the movie. Mirroring reality, in some ways it isn’t only Man-su who is left with no other choice. It’s also employers. It’s also family members. It’s also the everyday worker’s competition.
The crushing weight of capitalism ultimately affects everyone, resulting in the cutthroat job market seen today. As top executives continue to cut loyal workers, everyone suffers.
“No Other Choice” is vehemently against this modern reality. And that’s what makes it so good.
With each critique and poke at capitalism and systemic injustice, you can feel the passion within. This makes all of the jokes and absurd plot developments hit even harder.
Performances Under Pressure
Lee Byung-hun (Man-su) does a phenomenal job in the lead role. We’ve seen this type of character before – an ordinary man pushed to do terrible things – but not like this. He brings emotion and a certain anger that lands effortlessly.
Son Ye-jin (Miri) also succeeds, able to play a counterbalance to Byung-hun’s increasingly crazed persona.
Director Park Chan-wook brings beauty to virtually every frame of “No Other Choice.” His signature style, mixed with constantly moving camerawork and creative editing, makes the film a fast-paced experience – no matter how meandering it may sometimes be.
Dark Comedy with Sharp Edges
With a 139-minute runtime, there is no doubt the movie is sluggish at times. While Man-su’s journey is inherently relatable, not every aspect of it lands. The jarring tonal shifts and surprises lead to pacing issues that drag it down.
Playing out as a dark comedy, “No Other Choice” almost leans too much into the “dark.” The stark reality of the world most likely isn’t changing anytime soon, and the film knows this.
“No Other Choice” is a desperate man’s tale. One that confronts the hopelessly bleak nature of the modern workforce and society in general. By filtering that reality through humor, it crafts a story that is not only relatable but one that sticks with viewers.
Rating: 4 out of 5
