No Other Choice, in theaters now, is a dark comedy brought to us by director Park Chan-wook based on a 1997 novel The Ax. Park is known for several hit films, including Old Boy and The Handmaiden. Many moviegoers are comparing No Other Choice to Parasite due to its dark themes and anti-capitalist message. It is true, if you liked Parasite, you will likely enjoy No Other Choice as well.
Like Parasite, this movie is a symbolism-laden thriller whose plot comedically magnifies the horrors that working and poor people are forced to navigate in capitalist society. The film starts with Man-su, the main character, getting laid off, along with many of his coworkers, in a paper plant. In the process, he attempts to reason with his bosses, pointing out that losing your job is so terrible it is referred to as “getting axed” in America, and in Korea they call it “getting your head cut off.” The bosses respond that there is “No other choice.”
With that ominous start the stage is set, we follow Man-su as he struggles to figure out what to do to survive in a world where machines continually replace workers. He devises a devious scheme to beat out the competition and secure a job that can provide for his family. The struggle to do so becomes increasingly “cut throat.”
It’s a movie worth seeing in theaters as it is artfully crafted and visually stunning. It keeps you on your toes throughout, and if you enjoy a film that contains many meaningful symbols (it’s no mistake that he works in a paper factory), and clever social commentary, you’re in for a treat.
