Park Chan-wook’s new film "No Other Choice" has unveiled its third poster alongside a director’s cut clip, dialing up anticipation.
"No Other Choice" follows office worker Man-su (Lee Byung-hun), whose seemingly complete, content life implodes after a sudden layoff. To protect his wife and two kids―and the hard-won family home―he wages a personal war to get back on his feet.
The third poster, revealed on the 25th, strings together illustrated snapshots from the film. At the center is a warm moment of Man-su dancing with his wife Mi-ri (Son Ye-jin) in their yard, while images of Man-su hustling around in a mysterious work uniform thrown over his suit pop up throughout, teasing where this is headed.
On the greenhouse roof, son Si-won looks down at Man-su; daughter Ri-won sits by the doghouse; and two pets lounge under an apple tree―reminders of what Man-su must protect as he gears up for battle. Add Seon-chul (Park Hee-soon) mid-phone call, married couple Beom-mo (Lee Sung-min) and Ara (Yum Hye-ran) on a picnic, and Sijo (Cha Seung-won) framed against crashing waves―an ensemble whose distinct flavors hint at twists you won’t see coming.
The accompanying director’s cut clip features Park framing the story: “It’s about a man who was doing just fine until he gets fired―and how, in trying to reclaim his old life, he’s pulled step by step into darker places.”
On casting, Park says of Lee Byung-hun as Man-su, “He has an astonishing range of expressions and can pull out exactly what’s needed on cue―and switch in an instant.” Of Son Ye-jin as Mi-ri: “It reminded me again just how professional she is.”
As for Park Hee-soon’s Seon-chul, Park notes, “I wanted him to play a mercurial character―big highs and lows, shouting, and a streak of humor.” Lee Sung-min, who plays Beom-mo, “has experience going delightfully over-the-top, and he went all in again.” On Yum Hye-ran as Ara: “I was confident from the start.” And for Cha Seung-won as Sijo: “I thought it would be fun if he played deferential and servile―the opposite of his strong, imposing image.”
Park adds, “When Lee Byung-hun read the script, his first question was, ‘Is it okay if I make it funny?’ My answer was, ‘The funnier, the better.’” That ironic humor layered over a taut survival tale promises to pull audiences in.
Park Chan-wook’s "No Other Choice" opens Sept. 24.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)