Park Chan-wook's New Film 'No Choice' Set to Thrill Audiences with Dark Humor and Intense Drama

Renowned director Park Chan-wook is set to release his long-awaited film 'No Choice,' a project he has been eager to create. The film, which blends elements of thriller and black comedy, explores the intense internal conflicts of a protagonist caught in the fierce competition of re-employment. The movie is noted for its meticulous psychological portrayal and ironic humor. Actors Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin, who portray a married couple for the first time, describe the film as both humorous and intense.

On the 19th, a production briefing for 'No Choice' was held at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul. Attendees included director Park Chan-wook, Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min, Yum Hye-ran, and Cha Seung-won.

'No Choice' tells the story of Man-soo (played by Lee Byung-hun), a satisfied office worker who suddenly finds himself unemployed, based on Donald Westlake's novel 'The Ax.' Director Park expressed his excitement, saying, "It's been nearly 20 years since I first wanted to adapt the novel into a film. I'm thrilled to finally share it with everyone."

Park Chan-wook shared, "I've made many mystery films since my teenage years, but I've never wanted to make a film as much as this one. Most mysteries revolve around 'who did it,' but once the mystery is solved, there's little to revisit. This film starts with a person intending to commit a crime, and we follow him. There's no mystery, just his psychology. It was fascinating to explore how a seemingly normal person ends up in such a situation, driven by societal pressures."

He added, "It's a very bitter tragedy, but I saw the potential to incorporate a new kind of absurd humor. The novel has this aspect, but I believed I could enhance the humor to be both sad and funny."

Lee Byung-hun plays Yoo Man-soo, a job seeker who starts his own war after being abruptly fired from a paper company he served for 25 years. He remarked, "The script was so entertaining that I wondered if it was really a Park Chan-wook film. The humor was not just funny but also sad, creating situations where multiple emotions arise simultaneously."

Lee continued, "Ordinary characters face extreme situations. We worked hard to ensure that the psychological and behavioral changes were convincing and relatable to the audience."

Son Ye-jin shared, "I wanted to work with director Park Chan-wook, and Lee Byung-hun was already cast. I felt I would regret not doing this project. It was a powerful story, and I wondered if I was right for it, but I knew I had to do it."

She added, "I approached this with the mindset of a newcomer. I was curious about working with the director and how Lee Byung-hun would perform. Although my role is small, it was a significant experience for me. If the audience sees even a glimpse of my potential, I'll be satisfied." Director Park humorously countered, "That's a lie. She completely dominates the latter part of the film."

Son Ye-jin described her character as "Man-soo's wife and a mother. This is my first project after having a child, and that experience helped. I've played mothers and divorcees before, but this was different. The naturalness of being with my child was unparalleled." She continued, "Motherhood plays a crucial role. I wanted to portray a warm, responsible mother, which I could relate to."

Lee Byung-hun humorously revealed, "On set, Son Ye-jin's interactions with the child actors were different. She often didn't answer their questions, leaving it to me. But hearing her talk about her character, I realized she cared deeply." Son Ye-jin explained, "The child playing my daughter was very curious, but I had lines and emotional scenes to focus on."

This film marks the first collaboration between Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin. Lee praised Son's detailed performance, joking, "That's why she didn't answer the child's questions."

Son Ye-jin also prepared for her character's dance hobby, practicing for nearly three months. She humorously lamented, "The director said it wasn't as impressive as expected, and most of it was cut from the film."

Park Hee-soon plays Choi Seon-chul, a successful paper company foreman. He expressed his admiration for director Park, saying, "I decided to join as soon as I heard about the script. The film's humor intensifies with the dramatic tension, creating a unique pathos."

Park Hee-soon described his character as "envied for his success while others struggle. Despite his internal conflicts, he desires a quiet life in the mountains, defying his wife's objections." He humorously added, "As someone who listens to my wife, I admired his boldness."

Lee Sung-min plays veteran industry worker Koo Beom-mo, desperate for re-employment. He shared, "I was drawn to director Park more than the character. I knew I had to be part of this project."

Yum Hye-ran plays Lee Ah-ra, Beom-mo's wife, dissatisfied with his post-layoff lethargy. She humorously questioned her casting, "The script described her as 'beautiful,' which made me wonder if it was right for me."

Cha Seung-won portrays Go Si-jo, a former paper factory technician turned shoe store manager after restructuring. He expressed his excitement, "Though I filmed it, it feels like someone else's movie. I'm eagerly anticipating it."

Director Park considered titles like 'Ax' or 'Neck' for the film, referencing the expressions used for layoffs in the U.S. and Korea. He explained, "In a capitalist society, both those laid off and those executing layoffs have their own 'no choice' perspectives. I wanted to depict the tragedy arising from these clashes."

'No Choice' has been officially invited to compete at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, marking the eleventh Korean film to do so. It's the first Korean film in the competition since 'Pieta' in 2012. This is Park's third visit to the festival after 'Three, Monster' (2004) and 'Sympathy for Lady Vengeance' (2005). He noted, "It's significant for Korean cinema to return to the competition after so long."

The film is also set to open the 30th Busan International Film Festival next month. Park expressed his honor, "It's the festival's 30th anniversary, and being invited as the opening film is a privilege, given its history with Korean cinema."

Park Hee-soon described the film as "incredibly entertaining with a lingering pathos," urging audiences to watch. Lee Byung-hun added, "Working with 'Cannes Park' ensures a quality film. I hope audiences feel the same."

When asked if Park aims for commercial success with 'No Choice,' he humorously replied, "I've always aimed for that, so this time is no different." He concluded, "Though it deals with unemployment, it's not a dark film. Life's stories, no matter how sad, have humorous aspects. It's a story of all of us, where you can laugh and cry."

'No Choice' is set to release next month.

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr