"No Other Choice" follows Mansu (Lee Byung-hun), a company man blindsided by a sudden layoff. Determined to protect his wife and two kids―and to keep the home they worked so hard to buy―he launches his own all-out campaign to get back on his feet.
Park Chan-wook has a storied track record of unforgettable heroines: from Mido in "Oldboy," Geum-ja in "Lady Vengeance," and Tae-ju in "Thirst," to "The Handmaiden" duo of heiress Hideko and pickpocket Sook-hee. More recently, "Decision to Leave" introduced Seo-rae, whose bold, secretive allure captivated audiences worldwide.
In "No Other Choice," Park introduces Miri (Son Ye-jin), a woman who only grows stronger as the stakes rise―an addition set to stand proudly alongside his most distinctive female leads.
Son Ye-jin has long showcased impressive range: from melodrama touchstones "A Moment to Remember" and "The Classic" to the historical biopic "The Last Princess," swashbuckling hit "The Pirates," and political thriller "The Truth Beneath." On TV, she brought layered nuance to "Alone in Love" and "Something in the Rain," and became a global favorite with "Crash Landing on You," cementing both her popularity and her acting chops.
In Park’s latest, she plays Miri, the steady heart of a family thrown into turmoil by her husband Mansu’s sudden job loss―infusing the film with warmth, resilience, and resolve.
Offering solace to a dejected Mansu while keeping the household anchored, Miri’s bright yet steely spirit feels tailor-made for Son’s signature charm.
As Park describes it, Miri is someone who speaks her mind, has a strong sense of self, keeps up her own interests, and quietly prepares for her future―even as she deftly tidies up the trouble her husband causes. That portrait only heightens anticipation for Son’s lovable, self-possessed take on the role.
With an A-list pairing, propulsive storytelling, sumptuous visuals, airtight direction, and a streak of black comedy, Park Chan-wook’s "No Other Choice" opens Sept. 24.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)