Joey Magidson
Few films feel more timely these days than No Other Choice. A satire of the current state of capitalism, and maybe even the world, could easily bite off more than it could chew. This film, however, is more than up to the task. By finding the dark humor and violent comedy in its premise, armed with some absolutely impeccable filmmaking to boot, it winds up being incredibly successful. Moreover, for many, this flick will feel more relatable than most other 2025 works, depending on your current employment situation. Regardless, it has captured the anger and desperation that so many feel these days, especially as some semblance of a comfortable life seems more and more out of reach, despite best efforts.
No Other Choice may well be the best directed film of 2025, as Park Chan-wook just goes off. As for the movie itself? I do think it’s very good, though perhaps a step down from the masterpiece that many were proclaiming it to be. Now, that takes little away from the work, so don’t assume I’m knocking the flick in any notable way. I just see very good and occasionally great here, as opposed to perfection. Still, it’s among the better pieces of cinema this year, without question.
When we meet Man-su (Lee Byung-hun), he appears to be living the dream. A family man, he has a good job at a paper factory, leading to a comfortable existence. Then, after 25 years of service, he’s let go from the company once American investors have required some corporate restructuring. Initially, he only expects to be out of work for a short time, though that quickly proves to be untrue. Weeks turn to months, and beyond, as the paper industry shrinks drastically, with a huge pool of similarly qualified candidates all clawing at whatever position manages to open up. It appears hopeless, especially when the family cancels their Netflix account and seems to need to sell their home, to someone he hates, no less.
Needing to provide for his wife Miri (Son Ye-jin) and their two children, Man-su comes up with a desperate plan. He has one job opportunity, which is a position at Moon Paper, where he’d work under someone he was formerly a supervisor to. His interview does not go well in the slightest, leading to said desperation. Feeling like his only option is to make himself literally the only option for Moon Paper, he conceives of a scheme. Man-su publishes an ad for a fake paper company as a form of bait for his handful of competition. Once he arranges a meeting, he’ll kill them, figuring that will get him the position. Of course, it doesn’t go according to plan at all, as he finds out that murder can be complicated.
Lee Byung-hun is very good here as a normal man driven to abnormal circumstances. He finds the humor, pathos, and sadness in the situation. The further into the plan he gets, the more off-center he seems, with consistently compelling results. You’re willing to follow him down some pretty dark roads, which is a testament to the work. Supporting players here, in addition to the aforementioned Son Ye-jin, include Kim Woo Seung, Choi So Yul, and plenty more.
Filmmaker Park Chan-wook does impeccable work behind the camera, directing the hell out of the picture. Adapting the Donald E. Westlake novel The Ax with co-writers Lee Kyoung-mi and Jahye Lee, director Park has ample material to play with. His screenplay is very strong, though does stretch things out a bit more than needed. The pacing is one of the only flaws, as this 139 minute film could have been a tight two hours. Visually though, Park is on another level, as the movie looks phenomenal, with some directorial flourishes that blow your mind. The cinematography from Kim Woo-hyung is some of the best you’ll see in 2025, too.
No Other Choice is going to be the best thing a lot of people see this year. Capping off 2025 with something like this, outside of those who saw it during its festival run, will prove to be a treat. Now, even if you don’t quite love the film that much, which would put you closer to my boat, it’s still supremely well made and incredibly effective. Even without the perfection some have said, it’s a flick with so much to offer. Few movies this year do what No Other Choice is doing, and that’s a major compliment.
SCORE: ★★★1/2
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