Baek Byung-yeul is a journalist at The Korea Times focused on cultural content, including films and cultural events in South Korea. You can contact him at baekby@koreatimes.co.kr to share your insights.
Park Chan-wook’s ‘No Other Choice’ to open this year’s Busan film festival
Actor Lee Byung-hun in a scene from director Park Chan-wook’s upcoming film “No Other Choice” / Courtesy of CJ ENM
By Baek Byung-yeul
“No Other Choice,” the latest film from celebrated director Park Chan-wook, has been selected to open the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF).
The choice is being celebrated for both honoring a master of Korean cinema and revitalizing the industry, the festival organizer said Monday.
"We are overwhelmed and thrilled that we can share the story that director Park Chan-wook most wanted to tell with a large audience on the first day of the festival,” said Jung Han-seok, director of BIFF.
The film, which is based on the novel “The Ax” by Donald E. Westlake, will have its Asian premiere at the festival, which will take place in Busan from Sept. 17 to 26. It's Park's first feature film in three years since his critically acclaimed “Decision to Leave” in 2022.
“No Other Choice” tells the story of Man-su, a white-collar worker played by actor Lee Byung-hun, who seemingly has it all. But his life is upended when he's suddenly laid off. To protect his wife, two children and their hard-earned home, he embarks on a desperate and grueling quest for reemployment.
Lee, who will also host the festival's opening ceremony, is joined by actor Son Ye-jin, who plays his unwavering wife, Mi-ri, determined to protect her family through any crisis. This marks the first time the two stars have played a couple on screen. The film also features a stellar supporting cast, including Lee Sung-min, Yum Hye-ran, Cha Seung-won and Park Hee-soon.
BIFF organizers chose the film as the opening feature to celebrate the festival’s 30th anniversary.
"The selection reflects a desire to present a film that would be a major draw for the 5,000 attendees expected at the opening ceremony. They also wanted to give the Korean film industry a boost and honor a master director who has long championed its success.
"We hope that the selection of this film as the opening piece will not only increase interest in the work itself but also serve as a positive opportunity to generate greater interest in Korean cinema as a whole," Jung added.
With its dramatic plot, distinctive mise-en-scene and solid direction, “No Other Choice” promises to be a powerful and moving depiction of one man's struggle to defend his life and family.
Park had previously expressed his deep affection for the project, mentioning it as "the story he most wanted to make" during a visit to BIFF in 2019. The film is set to hit theaters next month.