No Other Choice Trailer Unveils Park Chan-wook's Latest: Lee Byung-hun Leads Oscar Contender

Are you ready for another wild ride from the mind behind Oldboy and The Handmaiden? Well, get ready because director Park Chan-wook is back with his newest film, No Other Choice, and it looks like a truly wild ride. This isn't just any movie; it stars Squid Game favorite Lee Byung-hun and is already making waves for possible Oscar recognition. NEON has just dropped the full trailer, and it shows why everyone is talking about this black comedy thriller.

The film had its first showing at the Venice International Film Festival to big praise and is set to arrive in US theaters this Christmas. If you enjoyed the intense, character-driven stories of South Korean cinema, especially those with a sharp look at society, No Other Choice is definitely one to watch. It's already been picked as South Korea's official submission for Best International Feature at the 2026 Academy Awards, so the stakes are high.

The Visionary Behind the Camera: Park Chan-wook's Unique Style Continues

A Master Filmmaker Brings His Distinctive Creation to the Big Screen

When you hear the name Park Chan-wook, you know you are in for a cinematic treat. His past films, such as Oldboy and The Handmaiden, have made him a household name among movie lovers worldwide. His most recent work, before No Other Choice, was the critically praised 2022 drama Decision to Leave. Now, he returns with a story that takes his signature blend of tension, dark humor, and social commentary to new heights. Based on Donald E. Westlake's 1997 novel The Ax, Park Chan-wook and his writing team—Lee Kyoung-mi, Jahye Lee, and Don McKellar—have crafted a modern fable. It follows a man facing an impossible situation, driven to extreme actions.

Drawing Comparisons to the Critically Acclaimed and Academy Award Winner Parasite

It's hard not to compare No Other Choice to the global phenomenon Parasite. Both films come from South Korea, feature sharp social insight, and are distributed by NEON in North America. While Parasite showed its story with a keen insight into human actions, No Other Choice leans more into the absurd. It uses over-the-top events to highlight the intense realities of modern society, especially economic pressures. The film's approach shows that sometimes, telling a story straight wouldn't be enough to convey the gravity of the situation.

The Heart-Pounding Story of One Man's Fight for Survival

Man-su's Dire Circumstances and the High Stakes for His Beloved Family

The story follows You Man-su, played by the amazing Lee Byung-hun. Man-su is a paper industry expert who spent 25 years working for the same company. He lives a good life with his wife, Mi-ri (Son Ye-jin), their two children, and two dogs. However, his world turns upside down when his long-time employer lays him off. Man-su vows to find another job within three months to keep his family secure. Despite his resolve, he finds himself in a dead-end job for over a year, facing interview after interview, all while fearing he will lose his home.

When "No Other Choice" Leads a Desperate Man to Take Extreme Measures

Driven to desperation, Man-su looks for work at Moon Paper, a rival company. Convinced he is the perfect person for the job, he makes a difficult decision. He decides to eliminate his competition. This is where the black comedy truly starts. Man-su's situation is relatable: he's overloaded with debt, fighting to keep his house, and feeling too old to be hired but too young to retire. His response to this pressure—a clumsy, almost "Spy vs. Spy" style plot to take out other job applicants—is so over-the-top that it really shows just how truly bad things have become for him.

The film portrays Man-su as an awkward killer, a poor shot, and a bad liar. His plan to bury bodies in his backyard shows his utter lack of skill, making the absurdity even more pointed. It makes you almost root for him, not because his actions are right, but because Lee Byung-hun plays him with such a deep understanding of his desperation. It's a reminder that many might feel a similar pressure, even if they wouldn't go to such extreme lengths.

A Stellar Ensemble Brings This Dark Comedy Thriller to Life

Lee Byung-hun Leads a Cast of Renowned South Korean Actors

The star power in No Other Choice is undeniable. Lee Byung-hun, known for his roles in Mr. Sunshine and Squid Game, delivers a powerful performance as Man-su, showing a man pushed to his limits. Joining him is Son Ye-jin from Crash Landing on You as his wife, Mi-ri. The cast also features other well-known actors such as Park Hee-soon (My Name), Lee Sung-min (The Spy Gone North), Yeom Hye-ran (The Glory), and Cha Seung-won (Believer 1&2), with Yoo Yeon-seok also on board. This assembly of talent promises captivating performances.

The Creative Team Building a World of Absurdity and Tension

Behind the actors, a talented creative team worked to bring Park Chan-wook’s vision to life. The screenplay, adapted from Donald Westlake’s novel, was a combined effort by Park Chan-wook, Lee Kyoung-mi, Don McKellar, and Jahye Lee. Park Chan-wook also produced the film, alongside Back Jisun, Michèle Ray-Gavras, and Alexandre Gavras, with Miky Lee serving as an executive producer. The visuals are crafted by cinematographer Kim Woo-hyung, and the film is cut by editor Kim Sang-bum, with music by Jo Yeong-wook. This group has a strong history of making memorable films, which bodes well for No Other Choice.

From Venice to the Oscars: No Other Choice Gathers Significant Acclaim

A Festival Run with International Recognition and Strong Audience Reception

No Other Choice began its journey with a strong showing at film festivals around the world. It had its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival in August 2025, where it competed for the Golden Lion. Following this, it played at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it won the International People’s Choice Award, a strong sign of its audience appeal. The film also opened the 30th Busan International Film Festival in September and is set to play as part of the Main Slate at the 2025 New York Film Festival, the 69th London International Film Festival, and the 12th Miami International Film Festival, where director Park Chan-wook will receive an Achievement Award.

South Korea's Official Bid for the Prestigious Academy Awards

The film is not just a festival favorite. It has been chosen as South Korea’s official entry for Best International Feature at the 98th Academy Awards in 2026. This puts it in a strong position to compete against other international entries. Early reviews have been very positive, with some suggesting a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score initially, showing critics and viewers alike could adore it. According to Gold Derby’s latest Oscar predictions, No Other Choice is a contender across several categories, ranking just outside the top 10 for Best Picture. It is also considered for Best Director, Best Actor, Best Editing, and holds a strong fifth place for Best Adapted Screenplay. Its distribution by NEON, the company that brought Parasite to US audiences, certainly helps its awards season chances.

Mark Your Calendars: When and Where to Catch This Acclaimed Film

Theatrical Release Dates in South Korea and North America Revealed

The film has already seen success in its home country. In South Korea, it was released in September 2025 and quickly gathered viewers. By October 6, just 13 days after its release, it had surpassed 2 million cumulative viewers, a quicker pace than Park Chan-wook's previous film, Decision to Leave. It quickly hit 1 million viewers in just five days, showing its strong appeal.

For audiences in the US, NEON plans a limited release for No Other Choice on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025. Following this, the film will see a wider release in January 2026. This strategic timing positions the film perfectly for awards season attention and allows a broad audience to experience Park Chan-wook's newest creation.

From its gripping plot to its stellar cast and the masterful direction of Park Chan-wook, No Other Choice looks to be a film that truly speaks to current times. It uses dark humor and extreme situations to highlight the everyday struggles many face. Keep an eye out for it this holiday season; it might just be the unexpected hit of the year and shake up the awards race.