Park Chan Wook’s highly anticipated feature No Other Choice (literal title) has wrapped production after five months of shooting, with the production releasing a first-look still of stars Lee Byung Hun and Son Ye Jin’s on-screen chemistry.
The film, which completed its 85-day shoot on January 15th, follows Yu Man Su, a content corporate employee whose life takes a dramatic turn after an unexpected layoff. The story chronicles his personal battle for re-employment while trying to protect his wife, two children, and the house they worked so hard to acquire.
No Other Choice marks several significant reunions and first-time collaborations. The project reunites director Park with Lee for the first time since Joint Security Area and Three… Extremes, while pairing screen veterans Lee and Son for their first-ever on-screen partnership. The stellar ensemble also includes Park Hee Soon, Lee Sung Min, Yeom Hye Ran, Cha Seung Won, and Yoo Yeon Seok.
Lee takes on the role of Man Su, a man struggling to re-enter the workforce after being terminated from his paper company job of 25 years. Son portrays his wife Mi Ri, who steps up to lead the family through her husband’s sudden unemployment.
Following the wrap, Park shared, “I think I started writing this script about 17 years ago. I’m overwhelmed with emotion to finally complete filming the project I’ve wanted to make the most for such a long time. I’m relieved we finished according to plan, and I’ll work hard on post-production to create a film that everyone involved can be proud of.”
Lee reflected on the experience: “I’ll long remember the times spent exchanging ideas with the director like old friends. I think these numerous conversations and new ideas have enriched the film. While I’m always eager to see my projects completed, I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited about a film before.”
Son added, “I can’t believe how quickly time has passed. I joined this project as a fan of both Park Chan Wook and Lee Byung Hun, and throughout the process, I kept thinking we were creating something truly special. I can’t wait to share it with audiences.”
Source: CJ ENM
