No Other Choice - Review

You Shouldn't Have Lived So Hard.

Review written by Jack Aling

No Other Choice is directed by Park Chan-wook and written by Park Chan-wook and Lee Kyoung-mi and Don McKellar and Lee Ja-hye.

After being laid off and humiliated by a ruthless job market, a veteran paper mill manager descends into violence in a desperate bid to reclaim his dignity. Based on the novel The Ax by Donald Westlake.

Park Chan-wook returns with his precise directorial style for a corporate story of revenge and pride, following a man who has No Other Choice.

This follow-up to the impeccable Decision to Leave tackles the extreme lengths people will go to in today's job market. Lee Byung-hun

is incredible in the lead as he battles to provide for his family by questioning how own morals to how far he will go to protect his lifestyle and dignity.

Park Chan-wook is, as usual, showing up every other director on the planet with his unmistakable high standards and transitions that made me want to stand and applaud.

A striking, sobering and hilarious social commentary that stares corporate life and consumerism right in the face.

Our verdict: 4 out of 5 stars.

No Other Choice arrives in UK cinemas 23 January 2026.

Read more of Jack's reviews at: letterboxd.com/TheJackAling