Native Title	어쩔수가없다
Also Know as	I Can't Help It, There's No Way, There Is No Choice, The Ax, The Axe, Eojjeolsuga Eobsda
Director	Park Chan-Wook
Writer	Park Chan-Wook, Lee Kyoung-Mi, Don McKellar, Lee Ja-Hye, Donald E. Westlake (novel)
Distributor	CJ Entertainment
Content Rating	15+ - Teens 15 or older
Runtime	2 hours 19 minutes
Genre	Thriller, Crime, Dark Comedy, Drama, Adventure, Suspense
Language	Korean
Country	South Korea
Release Date	2025-09-24
End Date	0000-00-00

“No Other Choice” is a darkly comic thriller released in September 2025, written and directed by acclaimed auteur Park Chan-wook. Co-written with Don McKellar, Lee Kyoung-mi, and Lee Ja-hye, the film adapts Donald E. Westlake’s 1997 novel “The Ax”, infusing it with Park’s signature visual flair and psychological nuance.

The film premiered in the main competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on August 29, 2025, marking the first Korean entry in 13 years competing for the Golden Lion. It went on to open the 30th Busan International Film Festival on September 17, 2025, where Lee Byung-hun hosted the ceremony.

Plot Overview

You Man-su (Lee Byung-hun) has enjoyed 25 years in a paper company, living a stable life with wife Mi-ri (Son Ye-jin) and their children in a home they bought with effort. Suddenly, he is fired.

Desperate to protect his family, Man-su is pushed to extremes in a brutal job market. As opportunities shrink, he resolves that his only path back to survival may involve removing his competition – by any means necessary. Thus begins a chilling descent, blending absurdity with satire as a ‘good’ man embarks on a violent crusade.

Cast & Characters

Lee Byung-hun as You Man-su – A middle-aged man whose identity is unravelled by sheer desperation.
Son Ye-jin as Mi-ri – His steadfast and mentally resilient wife.
Park Hee-soon as Choi Sun-chul – A former colleague who begins to suspect Man-su’s sinister tactics.
Lee Sung-min, Yeom Hye-ran, Cha Seung-won, Yoo Yeon-seok round out the ensemble, each enriching the moral calamity that unfolds.

Reception

Festival Buzz

Debut at Venice generated significant international interest, with critics praising Park’s return and strong ensemble performances.

Domestic Outlook

Its 15+ rating – despite violent and morally complex content – made it accessible to a broad audience segment ahead of its crucial Chuseok holiday release, potentially fueling strong box office performance.

Industry Impact

As Park Chan-wook’s first major feature since his Cannes-winning “Decision to Leave” (2022), “No Other Choice” symbolizes both a creative rebirth and a bold commentary on survival in modern society.

Fun Facts & Highlights

Long-Awaited Project

Park first began writing the script nearly 17 years ago.

Creative Reunion

Park and Lee Byung-hun previously collaborated on “JSA” (2000) and “Three… Extremes” (2004); their reunion now carries emotional weight and veteran synergy.

Genre Blend

Visually polished black comedy with satirical social commentary – think “American Psycho” meets “Fargo”.

North American Release

Distribution secured by Neon, known for showcasing auteur cinema.

Final Thoughts

“No Other Choice” stands as a daring, satirically violent, and morally provocative thriller that asks what lengths an ‘ordinary’ person will go to when the system fails them. With powerhouse lead performances and Park Chan-wook’s uncompromising vision, the film is a darkly compelling inquisition into desperation, society’s collapse, and how survival instincts can corrupt even the most familiar lives.

Where to Watch

Theatrical Release

Opened in South Korean cinemas in September 2025 with a domestic 15+ rating.

International Distribution

Neon holds North American theatrical rights.
Other territories covered by Mubi and additional distributors following festival exposure.

Gallery

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