Park Chan-wook’s 'No Other Choice' falls short of Golden Lion at Venice

Actor Lee Byung-hun in a scene from director Park Chan-wook’s film “No Other Choice” / Courtesy of CJ ENM

Director Park Chan-wook’s highly anticipated film “No Other Choice” did not come away with the Golden Lion prize at the Venice International Film Festival Saturday (local time).

The prestigious award was instead given to director Jim Jarmusch's "Father Mother Sister Brother."

Park’s “No Other Choice” had been considered a front-runner for the Golden Lion after its own premiere in Venice last week received a standing ovation that lasted more than nine minutes.

Based on Donald E. Westlake’s novel “The Ax,” “No Other Choice” is a dark satire that follows Man-soo (Lee Byung-hun), a man who resorts to extreme measures to secure a new job and provide for his family after being laid off. The film, which has been a passion project for Park for two decades.

While the film ultimately missed out on the festival’s top prize, its run in Venice has already proven to be a financial and promotional success.

According to its production company CJ ENM, even before its release, “No Other Choice” has already offset its net production cost of 17 billion won ($12.2 million) through presales to overseas markets.

Though CJ ENM did not disclose the number of countries the film was sold to or the total production budget, including marketing expenses, early sales have significantly reduced financial pressure for the film’s official release.

“No Other Choice” is set to continue its high-profile festival journey as the opening film of the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) on Sept. 17. The movie’s lead actor Lee is slated to host the opening ceremony, marking the first time a male actor will do so solo. This dual role will ensure Lee and the film capture the spotlight at Korea’s largest film festival.

“No Other Choice” will be released in domestic theaters Sept. 24.