The Academy has shortlisted Park Chan-wook’s film “No Other Choice” for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Oscars. As South Korea’s official entry, it is one of 15 films chosen from 86 countries. The movie is based on Donald E. Westlake’s 1997 novel “The Ax”, which Park has wanted to adapt for much of his career. The Korean film will compete with strong entries like Jafar Panahi’s “It Was Just an Accident” from France, Kleber Mendonça Filho’s “Secret Agent” from Brazil, Joachim Trier’s “Sentimental Value” from Norway, and Lee Sang-il’s “Kokuho” from Japan. The film stars Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin in the lead roles.
“No Other Choice”: Park Chan-wook’s Dark Comedy on Survival
“No Other Choice” is Park Chan-wook’s dark comedy about survival in a capitalist society. The film follows Yoo Man-soo, who, after being laid off, struggles to navigate the competitive job market. This drives him to take extreme measures to survive, leading to a series of morally unsettling decisions. Park presents the film as a sharp commentary on the harsh realities of today’s job market. The cruelty of the system often leaves people with no other choice but to do what it takes. We can’t help but root for Man-soo, even when he takes a dark path to ensure his family can maintain their way of life.
The film has already made a strong mark across major international award platforms. It won the International People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film later competed for the prestigious Golden Lion at this year’s Venice International Film Festival. The Golden Globe Awards also nominated the film for Best Motion Picture in both the Musical or Comedy and Non-English Language categories, although it failed to win.
About the Director: Park Chan-wook
Park Chan-wook is a South Korean film director, screenwriter, and producer. He gained international recognition as a global auteur with “Oldboy” (2003), which won the Grand Prix at the 57th Cannes Film Festival.
Park expanded his body of work to include English language films with the critically acclaimed “Stoker”, released worldwide by Twentieth Century Fox and Fox Searchlight Pictures. He also served as producer on Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-ho’s first English language film, “Snowpiercer”. He has played a prominent role in elevating Korean cinema on the global stage. Audiences know Park for “The Handmaiden,” “Decision to Leave,” and the “Vengeance” Trilogy. His films are characterised by bold storytelling and a distinctive combination of violence, horror, and humour. Critics regard him as one of the most successful directors in contemporary cinema.
Korean Representation Rises on the Global Stage
Korean representation at major international awards continues with more good news. Beyond “No Other Choice”, “Golden,” a song from Netflix’s animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters, has made the shortlist for Best Original Song. This achievement highlights the growing Korean presence at major international awards. The K-pop-themed track will compete for a final nomination against songs from major studio films like “Wicked: For Good,” “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” “Tron: Ares,” and “Sinners.”
Nominations voting for the awards will take place from January 12 to 16, and the final nominees will be announced on January 22. The 98th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will be held on March 15 at the Dolby Theatre.
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