Backed by CJ ENM, Park’s latest film has received critical acclaim and multiple awards from prestigious film festivals worldwide for its top-notch acting, engaging storytelling and biting social critique
“No Other Choice,” the latest film by visionary director Park Chan-wook, has been released in Korea and continues to build momentum. Ahead of release, it had pre-sold to over 200 countries worldwide, achieving the highest international sales record ever for a Korean film distributed by CJ ENM, underscoring both the power of Park’s storytelling and the production company’s global distribution capabilities.
Its themes of moral ambiguity, survival, and resilience are resonating globally. With a star cast and a tightly structured, darkly comic narrative, “No Other Choice” has garnered widespread critical acclaim.
Fueling its momentum, the film has been officially selected for competition and special screenings at some of the most prestigious international film festivals, including Venice, Toronto, New York, and Busan. Following its Venice premiere, where the film received a nine-minute ovation, “No Other Choice” achieved the rare feat of receiving a 100% positive score from over 40 international media outlets on Rotten Tomatoes. This ringing endorsement fueled both industry buzz and global excitement, firmly establishing the film as one of the most talked-about titles of the year. Park Chan-wook and main cast of “No Other Choice” at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival
25 Years of Redefining Korean Cinema
The early global success of “No Other Choice” is not an overnight phenomenon but rather the culmination of a 25-year creative partnership between CJ ENM and director Park Chan-wook that started in 2000 with “Joint Security Area,” the highest-grossing film in Korea at the time.
“Joint Security Area” was the coming together of CJ ENM’s large-scale distribution capabilities and accelerated the expansion of its international sales infrastructure. On that foundation, CJ ENM and Park spent the next two decades pushing boundaries together, producing ten films that defined Korean cinema on the world stage.
- “Joint Security Area” (2000): This box office triumph, which portrays the tensions in the Korean Demilitarized Zone, showcased CJ ENM’s growing ability to handle large-scale commercial projects. It also laid the groundwork for the company’s global distribution network, setting the stage for the globalization of K-cinema. “Joint Security Area” is currently streaming on Prime Video and Apple TV+.
- “Oldboy” (2003): This neo-noir masterpiece stunned global audiences with its stylization of brutality and psychological depth, winning the Jury Grand Prix at the 57th Cannes Film Festival. “Oldboy” is currently streaming on Prime Video and Apple TV+.
- “Lady Vengeance” (2005): About a woman bent on revenge after serving time for a murder she didn’t commit, the film received three awards from the non-competition section at the 62nd Venice International Film Festival. “Lady Vengeance” is currently streaming on Prime Video and Apple TV+.
- “The Handmaiden” (2016): This historical thriller set in Japanese-occupied Korea competed for the Palme d’Or at the 69th Cannes Film Festival and was sold to 176 countries worldwide, setting a new benchmark for K-cinema exports. “The Handmaiden” is currently streaming on Prime Video.
- “Decision to Leave” (2022): Following a detective and his fascination with a mysterious widow, this lauded romantic mystery thriller earned Park the Best Director Award at the 75th Cannes Film Festival. “Decision to Leave” is currently streaming on Prime Video and Hulu.
Throughout this journey, CJ ENM has demonstrated a clear vision: to globalize K-content through bold investments, strategic partnerships, and an unrelenting commitment to quality. By continuously backing Park Chan-wook’s ambitious projects, the company has proven its ability to turn Korean cinema into a cultural export with lasting influence.
‘No Other Choice’: A Darkly Comic Thriller with Global Resonance
Based on American writer Donald E. Westlake’s 1997 novel “The Ax”, Park’s film adaptation reinterprets the original as a black-comedy thriller delving into the realities of modern Korean society. The story follows a middle-aged executive, played by Lee Byung-hun, who takes a disturbingly pragmatic approach to eliminating his competition for a job after being laid off during an economic downturn. Through this morally fraught premise, Park Chan-wook blends biting social commentary with his signature cinematic style, creating a film both unsettling and darkly humorous.
Lee Byung-hun’s portrayal of the desperate protagonist has been hailed as one of his most nuanced performances, while Son Ye-jin gives a standout portrayal brimming with emotional depth in the role of his conflicted wife. Together, they anchor the film’s exploration of ethical dilemmas with raw intensity. Following its premiere at the Venice International Film Festival, “No Other Choice” received remarkably positive reviews from major international media outlets, with the BBC calling it a “deliriously entertaining masterpiece” and giving it five stars. Critics praised its nuanced adaptation, Park’s meticulous direction and the seamless performances of the cast. The film’s 100% positive score on Rotten Tomatoes only reinforces its standing as a landmark achievement in Korean cinema, solidifying its place among the most acclaimed films of the year.
The Next Chapter of Global K-Cinema
The unprecedented international accolade of “No Other Choice” reaffirms the enduring synergy between CJ ENM and director Park Chan-wook. Their 25-year partnership — marked by bold storytelling, critical acclaim and groundbreaking exports — has reshaped the global perception of Korean cinema.
Looking ahead, CJ ENM shows no signs of slowing down. By continuing to develop and invest in diverse creative projects, the company remains committed to expanding the reach of K-content and ensuring its sustainability on the world stage. For both Park Chan-wook and CJ ENM, “No Other Choice” is not just a milestone but a promise of even greater stories to come.
