Park Chan-wook's New Film 'No Other Choice' Offers Stark Insight into Middle-Aged Unemployment

The newly released film 'No Other Choice,' which premiered on the 24th, is garnering praise for showcasing a different facet of director Park Chan-wook's cinematic vision.

The movie centers on the story of Man-soo (fictional character), who faces sudden dismissal after 25 years at 'Taeyang Paper.' The company, acquired by a foreign entity, undergoes restructuring, pushing Man-soo to the brink. His new hope for re-employment, 'Moon Paper,' also appears precarious in the face of industrial automation. Man-soo, who considered himself a blue-collar worker despite his managerial role, finds himself in a vulnerable position where his job could be lost at any moment.

The film utilizes sunlight as a symbolic element tormenting Man-soo. Whether during a job interview or the setting sun, the blinding light impairs his judgment. Unlike the usual depiction of warm sunshine, the sunlight in 'No Other Choice' paradoxically hints at his desperate reality and uncertain future, heightening the tension. Just as sunlight is an unavoidable natural phenomenon, job loss is presented as a disaster that can befall anyone.

As the title 'No Other Choice' suggests, the film constantly emphasizes individual choices and the responsibilities that follow. After his layoff, Man-soo had opportunities to reflect. He could have followed his wife Mi-ri's (Son Ye-jin) advice to sell their home and downsize to pursue a different career, or like Si-jo (Cha Seung-won), find other work despite the initial humiliation. Mi-ri could have investigated the truth, and Beom-mo (Lee Sung-min) could have opened a music cafe as suggested by his father-in-law. The film implies that one's attitude after unemployment is more critical than the layoff itself. However, the characters squander their opportunities and rationalize their actions as unavoidable.

The first utterance of "No other choice" in the film comes from the foreign executive informing Man-soo about the restructuring. In the face of capitalist logic, a worker with 25 years of service is reduced to a mere number. Yet, the film suggests that while individuals may seem to have limited options, corporations and organizations possess far broader choices. Layoffs are not the only solution, and the film questions the normality of what we take for granted.

Furthermore, Man-soo's loss of self-esteem due to unemployment leads to obsessive behavior towards his wife. While he hesitates in job interviews, he acts without compunction when rummaging through his wife's clothes. This reveals the frailty of human nature, resorting to violence against loved ones when losing self-control. Contrary to his earlier emphasis on solidarity with colleagues, he adopts a self-serving attitude during his re-employment interviews. Stripped of his economic power, Man-soo becomes cowardly. However, the film reminds us that even amidst hardship, non-violent choices are possible, offering the audience a chance for introspection.

Director Park Chan-wook portrays Man-soo's reality, cowardice, and violence with a sense of lightness. While the struggles of survival can make everything seem trivial, viewing them from a distance evokes both laughter and bitterness. 'No Other Choice' is a black comedy where tragedy unfolds up close, but comedy is perceived from afar. It is expected to deeply resonate with those who have experienced job seeking and re-employment, especially individuals in their 40s and 50s. Unlike his previous works like 'Oldboy' and 'The Handmaiden,' where he sharply depicted revenge and love stories, Park Chan-wook presents a more universally relatable narrative with a gentler approach in this film. The intuitive directorial style offers a different charm from his past films, providing the audience with complex emotions.

Director Park Chan-wook is renowned for his distinctive visual style and sharp direction. His previous works such as 'Oldboy,' 'The Handmaiden,' and 'Decision to Leave' have gained international acclaim. 'No Other Choice' is noted for broadening his cinematic spectrum with a narrative distinct from his previous films.