“No Other Choice” is a darkly comic exploration of human greed and the ruthless undercurrents of capitalism, told through a blend of satire and family drama. We meet Man-su (Lee Byung-hun), a seasoned paper manufacturing specialist with 25 years of experience, who is abruptly fired from his job. His once-content life with his wife Miri (Son Ye-jin), their two children, and two dogs is suddenly thrown into uncertainty.
Determined to get back on his feet, Man-su vows to find a new job within three months. However, despite his strong resolve, more than a year passes as he moves from one unsuccessful job interview to another and takes on a position at a retail store. As financial pressures build, Man-su finds himself on the verge of losing the home he struggled so hard to buy. As Man-su faces increasingly cutthroat competition to be re-hired, he comes to consider resorting to extreme measures.
The film’s brisk pacing makes its two-hour runtime fly by, with humour cleverly threaded through even its most unsettling moments. Subplots are skillfully woven in, adding depth without distracting from the main narrative. We found ourselves both empathising with the protagonist and disturbed by his moral descent — a testament to the film’s sharp storytelling.
However, the ending feels abrupt, offering little closure and leaving a lingering sense of futility. While this may be intentional, it leaves the viewer with a hollow feeling. Still, No Other Choice is an engaging and thought-provoking watch that lingers long after the credits roll.
Don’t miss “No Other Choice“, arriving in Singapore cinemas on 23 October!
KAvenyou would like to thank PurplePlanSG for the invite to the movie preview of “No Other Choice“!
Review by: Lissya@KAvenyou
