Lee Byung-hun shared his first impression after reading the script for Park Chan-wook’s new film, ‘No Other Choice.’
Speaking at the film’s production briefing on Aug. 19 at CGV Yongsan in Seoul, Lee said, “I was reading the script and it was so entertaining. There were so many laugh-out-loud beats that I actually wondered if I’d misread it and asked, ‘Is it okay that it's this funny?’”
“He told me, ‘Well, that's even better then,’” Lee continued. “It felt really fresh. Audiences will see that it isn’t just funny―it’s funny in a way that’s also sad. You can’t call it a straight-up comedy. It’s a strange, compelling mix of emotions you feel all at once.”
‘No Other Choice’ follows Mansoo (Lee Byung-hun), an office worker who felt he’d “made it” until he’s suddenly laid off. To protect his wife, two children and the hard-won home they bought, he gears up for an all-out battle to get hired again. The film is adapted from Donald E. Westlake’s novel ‘The Ax.’
In the movie, Lee plays Mansoo, who launches his own war for reemployment after being fired overnight.
Park Chan-wook has called ‘No Other Choice’ the project he’s most wanted to make for nearly 20 years. It will compete at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival and has been selected as the opening title of the 30th Busan International Film Festival.
The film hits theaters in September.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)