No Other Choice is an upcoming Korean language comedic thriller from South Korean director Park Chan-wook. The film is based on Donald E. Westlake’s novel The Ax.
In this adaptation, Man-su, played by Lee Byung-hyun (Squid Game), is on a desperate hunt for a new job after being abruptly let go from his job at a paper mill after 25 years of service. Starring opposite Lee is Son Ye-jin (Crash Landing on You), who plays his on-screen wife, Mi-ri.
No Other Choice is the latest movie from acclaimed filmmaker Park Chan-wook, who is known for both his Korean and English language works, such as Oldboy, The Handmaiden, and HBO’s The Sympathizer. Park’s adaptation of The Ax reimagines the story set in modern South Korea, with Park’s notable genre-blending cinematography and dark subject matter.
No Other Choice buzz secured its box office debut in North America
The film follows Man-su, who does everything he can to get a new job to support his family, their lifestyle, and keep their home. Man-su will do anything to do so — including eliminating his competition.
The film had its North American premiere at the 50th annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September. It received honours as the “Winner, International People’s Choice Award, TIFF 50“.
A review from Dino-Ray Ramos of DIASPORA shares:
“Chan Wook paves his own Yorgos Lanthimos-esque road with No Other Choice, giving us humor, off-center storytelling, and an insightful dissection of capitalism, empathy, and the eroding human psyche in times of desperation.”
No Other Choice premieres in select North American theatres on December 25, 2025.
See also: Rental Family tackles real loneliness and desire for human connection in Japan
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