Park Chan-wook No Other Choice Interview: Would You Kill for a Job?

Is killing for the role you want a morally sound choice in this economy? Park Chan-wook’s anti-capitalist parable No Other Choice might feel too real for anyone burned by modern employment. Based on Donald E. Westlake’s 1997 novel 'The Ax', the film provides a biting commentary on the desperation of the hyper-competitive job market.

Park Chan-wook No Other Choice: A System Under Fire

The story follows Yoo Man-soo, played by Lee Byung-hun, who loses his job in a cruel corporate restructure. With a family to provide for—including his wife Mi-ri (Son Ye-jin)—Man-soo takes drastic measures to eliminate his competition. Speaking to Mashable, Park explained that while we all try hard to survive in the capitalist system, we don't often question the system itself.

The Dehumanizing Nightmare of the Interview

Park highlights the unique difficulty of the job interview through an Eastern lens. He noted that in Eastern culture, where humility is a core virtue, the requirement to make oneself appear perfect while hiding weaknesses is especially grueling. Lee Byung-hun added that playing an ordinary man facing a tragic reality was profoundly meaningful, showcasing the lengths one might take to protect their family’s future.