“No Other Choice” is piling up key festival wins and nominations, revving up its Oscars campaign.
At the 12th Miami International Film Festival, which opened Oct. 29 local time, “No Other Choice” bowed as the opening-night film to a warm reception. The Miami event is a marquee international showcase for the U.S. Southeast, spotlighting a wide range of global cinema.
Director Park Chan-wook was honored with the festival’s Precious Gem Master Award, reaffirming his status as a modern auteur. The accolade recognizes artists who have advanced the art of film; Park’s body of work―fusing high artistry with broad appeal―continues to captivate moviegoers worldwide.
Riding a wave of overseas accolades, “No Other Choice” is earning global attention for its electric ensemble, striking visual design and razor-tight pacing. Its streak of pitch-black humor heightens the tension, delivering laughs and winces in equal measure.
The Cinematic Reel raved, “With ‘No Other Choice,’ Park Chan-wook once again proves himself a true master of contemporary cinema.” InSession Film added, “Park shows he’s a storyteller who can upend expectations at every turn.” Shade Studios called it “utterly gripping―an impeccably crafted tour de force.”
The film has been selected as South Korea’s official submission for Best International Feature Film at next March’s Academy Awards. While awards season is just getting underway, the movie is already securing invites to major U.S. festivals and award shows, building momentum with stateside audiences and industry voters.
At the 35th Gotham Awards―often an early bellwether―it’s nominated for International Feature, Adapted Screenplay and Lead Performance for Lee Byung-hun. The ceremony is set for Dec. 1.
“No Other Choice” follows Man-su (Lee Byung-hun), a contented office worker whose life is upended when he’s abruptly laid off. Determined to protect his wife, two kids and the home they’ve worked so hard to secure, he launches a fiercely personal campaign to claw his way back into the workforce. Released in Korea on Sept. 24, the film has drawn 2.89 million moviegoers to date.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)