Fans of South Korean cinema and Netflix’s global sensation Squid Game have a new reason to be excited. Lee Byung-hun, the acclaimed actor who stole scenes as the enigmatic Front Man in Squid Game, is now at the center of a forthcoming film that critics are already calling a must-see. The movie, titled No Other Choice, is helmed by none other than Park Chan-wook, the visionary director behind The Handmaiden, and it’s making serious waves on the international festival circuit.
Debuting recently at the Venice International Film Festival, No Other Choice has been met with a chorus of praise from critics and industry insiders alike. According to Variety, the film is a “masterclass in controlled chaos” and “deliriously entertaining,” while Time Out went so far as to suggest that it could even surpass Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning Parasite. That’s no small feat in today’s competitive landscape of South Korean cinema.
So, what’s all the fuss about? At its core, No Other Choice tells the story of Man-soo, portrayed by Lee Byung-hun, a recently redundant paper industry specialist. Man-soo’s seemingly stable life with his wife Mi-ri (played by celebrated actress Son Ye-jin) and their two children is shattered when he’s unexpectedly dismissed from his job. As if that weren’t enough, he suffers another blow to his pride after being rejected by another company. Pushed to the brink, Man-soo decides to destroy his rivals by any means necessary—a premise that sets the stage for a darkly comedic and thrilling exploration of desperation and humanity.
The film’s plot, while simple on the surface, quickly spirals into a tangled web of moral ambiguity and biting satire. It’s a narrative that resonates deeply in today’s ultra-competitive world, where the fear of professional obsolescence can drive even the most rational individuals to the edge. As Loud and Clear Reviews aptly put it, “Lee Byung-hun is superb in Park Chan-wook's dark comedy-thriller No Other Choice, which smartly warns us against our impending loss of humanity.”
What’s especially notable is how the film blends genres and tones with a deftness that’s become a trademark of Park Chan-wook’s work. According to Next Best Picture, “No Other Choice blends mismatched tones and genre hallmarks in a way that's typical for Park and yet remains invigorating, leading to a ridiculous look at what happens when the system pushes a person to the very edge of desperation.” This ability to juggle comedy, drama, and thriller elements without missing a beat is part of what’s earning the film such high praise.
And high praise it is. As of August 31, 2025, No Other Choice boasts a perfect 100 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 17 critic reviews. That kind of unanimity is rare, especially for a film that dares to mix such disparate elements. The BBC, in their review, declared, “No Other Choice isn't just Park's funniest film, but his most humane, too – and that's quite something for a comedy as violent as this one.”
If you’re wondering whether the film’s humor is just for show, think again. Time Out described the movie as having “humour blacker than black bean noodles,” adding, “the film is a masterful work of cinema which might well be Chan-wook's masterpiece. And given this is the man who directed The Handmaiden that's saying a lot.” It’s a bold claim, but one that seems to be echoed across the critical spectrum.
The buzz doesn’t stop at critical acclaim. The film’s trailer, released around August 31, 2025, has only amplified anticipation. Viewers are treated to glimpses of Lee Byung-hun’s nuanced performance and Park Chan-wook’s signature visual flair. The combination has proven irresistible to fans of both Squid Game and South Korean thrillers more broadly.
For Lee Byung-hun, No Other Choice marks another high point in an already illustrious career. In addition to his on-screen work, Lee recently lent his voice to Netflix’s most successful film to date, KPop Demon Hunters, where he played the villainous demon monarch. His versatility as an actor—equally at home in live action and animation, drama and comedy—continues to impress audiences worldwide.
Despite all the excitement, there’s one detail that’s keeping fans on the edge of their seats: as of the end of August 2025, No Other Choice has not yet announced a global release date. The film’s international debut remains eagerly anticipated, with cinephiles and casual viewers alike keeping a close eye on updates. As The Mirror noted, “Whilst the picture regrettably lacks a confirmed date for its global launch, No Other Choice is undoubtedly one for admirers of Squid Game and additional South Korean thrillers to monitor closely.”
Park Chan-wook’s reputation as one of the world’s most elegant filmmakers has only grown with the release of No Other Choice. Variety observed, “[No Other Choice is] the latest exhibit in the mounting body of evidence suggesting Park Chan-wook may be the most elegant filmmaker alive.” It’s high praise, but few who have seen the film would disagree. The director’s ability to orchestrate “controlled chaos” while maintaining a sense of humanity and humor is, quite simply, masterful.
Of course, the film’s themes are as timely as ever. In an age where job security feels increasingly tenuous and societal pressures mount, No Other Choice offers a darkly comic lens through which to examine what happens when ordinary people are pushed to extraordinary extremes. The film doesn’t just entertain—it provokes, challenges, and ultimately asks viewers to consider the cost of survival in a world that can be both absurd and unforgiving.
For those still on the fence, the critical consensus is clear: No Other Choice is shaping up to be one of the year’s standout films. Whether you’re drawn in by the star power of Lee Byung-hun, the directorial genius of Park Chan-wook, or the tantalizing prospect of a movie that could rival Parasite, this is one cinematic event you won’t want to miss. Keep your eyes peeled for that all-important release date—if the early reviews are anything to go by, this is a film that will be well worth the wait.
With its blend of razor-sharp humor, poignant social commentary, and powerhouse performances, No Other Choice promises to leave a lasting impression on audiences around the globe. As the world awaits its official premiere, anticipation continues to build for what may be Park Chan-wook’s most compelling work yet.
