Cha Seung-won brings standout presence as “Sijo,” a veteran operator in the field, in Park Chan-wook’s new film “No Other Choice”.
“No Other Choice” follows Mansoo (Lee Byung-hun), an office worker who thought he had it all―until a sudden layoff shatters his comfortable life. Determined to protect his wife, two kids, and the home he fought to buy, he gears up for a personal war to claw his way back into the job market. Park Chan-wook’s latest has been invited to compete at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.
Known for commanding turns in films like “Believer” and “Uprising,” and for effortlessly hopping genres in series such as “The Tyrant,” “Our Blues,” and “The Greatest Love,” Cha unveils a fresh transformation here as Sijo in “No Other Choice.”
Once a skilled paper-mill technician, Sijo is laid off in a restructuring and now keeps the lights on as a shoe-store manager. Even in a different line of work, his passion for the paper industry hasn’t cooled―making him a potential rival to Mansoo. Cha lends the character real texture, capturing Sijo’s humanity as he swallows his pride and throws himself into customer service to keep sales up.
“As a dad, as someone running into people from his old trade, and as a salesman on the floor―I split Sijo into three modes to add flavor to the film,” Cha says. Expect his signature flair to heighten the immersion.
Director Park Chan-wook adds, “Cha Seung-won is tall with a striking presence, so I thought it’d be fun to have him play it hunched and groveling.” The result promises a side of Cha audiences haven’t seen before.
With a trusted ensemble, a propulsive, dramatic arc, striking visuals, assured direction, and a streak of black comedy, Park Chan-wook’s “No Other Choice” opens in September.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)