Chilling Black Comedy 'No Other Choice' Explores the Desperation of Unemployment

In the U.S., they call it getting the axe. In Korea, they say, 'You're neck's on the line.'

Beautiful yet brutal, serious yet comical, 'No Other Choice,' the latest film by director Park Chan-wook, delves into the pitiful and harsh realities of the unemployed through a black comedy lens. The grotesque atmosphere creates a sense of dissonance and detachment that keeps the audience engaged.

For 25 years, Man-soo (played by Lee Byung-hun) has been a dedicated employee at Taeyang Paper. Suddenly, he receives a termination notice. Having built a family and bought a house, Man-soo felt he had achieved everything. However, with loans still unpaid and children to raise, his sudden unemployment leaves him feeling lost. He reluctantly confides in his wife, Mi-ri (played by Son Ye-jin), about his job loss, promising to find a new job within three months. Yet, even after three months, he remains unemployed, prompting Mi-ri to implement austerity measures. Meanwhile, Man-soo endures various humiliations in his desperate attempts to find a new job, but repeatedly fails. Cornered, he begins to consider 'alternative methods' for reemployment, namely eliminating his competitors.

'No Other Choice' captures the desperate struggle of individuals trying to survive amidst a booming economy and advancing technologies like AI. While the theme is heavy, the storytelling is comical. The portrayal of an ordinary man losing his moral compass and resorting to extreme measures like 'eliminating competitors' creates a sense of unease. This unease forms the foundation of the film's black comedy, evoking complex emotions in the audience. The protagonist's repeated self-deprecating phrase, 'There's no choice,' conveys a sense of helplessness in the face of unchangeable socio-economic conditions. Although the film focuses on the paper industry, the reality it depicts resonates with workers across various industries, including the film industry, making it relatable.

Man-soo's mindset of needing to eliminate competitors to secure his position is foolish yet reflects the harsh reality that one must trample others to survive, adding to the film's bitterness.

Director Park Chan-wook's signature aesthetic direction reaches its peak in this film. The intense color palette and contrast between light and shadow visually convey the depth of the characters' situations and struggles, offering a visually rich experience.

Despite the lengthy runtime, the audience remains captivated, thanks to the stellar performances by the cast. Lee Byung-hun's performance is exceptional, portraying a multifaceted character who is a loving husband and father, a patriarchal man, a good person, and yet capable of wrongdoing. Son Ye-jin grounds the film's comic structure and narrative with her realistic portrayal. Her beauty and acting skills have matured further. Lee Sung-min, Yum Hye-ran, Park Hee-soon, and Cha Seung-won deliver performances that intrigue the audience with their characters' backstories.

'No Other Choice' is set to release on the 24th.

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