"No Other Choice", which bowed in competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, has pre-sold to more than 200 countries worldwide.
The film follows office worker Mansu (Lee Byung-hun), who thought he had life figured out until he’s abruptly laid off. Determined to protect his wife, two kids, and the hard-won home they live in, he launches an all-or-nothing campaign to get rehired―laced with a sharp, ironic sense of humor.
After drawing strong notices in Venice competition, "No Other Choice" has locked pre-sales in over 200 countries ahead of its Sept. 24 domestic release―topping the 192-country pre-sale mark set by Park Chan-wook’s Decision to Leave.
Deals have closed across North America, the U.K., France, Germany, Japan, and South America, with additional territories following. Overseas pre-sales alone have already exceeded the film’s net production budget, reported at approximately 17 billion won. It also marks the strongest international sales performance to date for a Korean title distributed by CJ ENM.
Buoyed by invitations from top festivals, the film sparked global interest even before its Venice world premiere. Following its bow, it debuted at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and has been earning raves from major outlets.
Meanwhile, "No Other Choice" has been selected for the Gala Presentations section at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival, which opened Sept. 4 local time. Lee Byung-hun is set to receive the festival’s Special Tribute Award, becoming the first Korean actor to be honored with the prize.
A red carpet and official screening are slated for Sept. 8, followed by a screening and Q&A on Tuesday, Sept. 9, and an “In Conversation with…” event on Sept. 10.
Continuing its global run, "No Other Choice" has been chosen as South Korea’s official submission for Best International Feature at the 98th Academy Awards. With only one film allowed per country, the selection underscores the industry’s high expectations.
"No Other Choice" opens in Korea on Sept. 24.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)