"No Other Choice" leaves audiences dying (of laughter)

Neon/TNS

★★★★½

Sacked. Dumped. Terminated. Axed.

These are not just violent euphemisms for getting fired: they are also vivid descriptions of Park Chan-wook’s latest film, “No Other Choice.”

Following its limited U.S. release Dec. 25, Park’s highly anticipated dark comedy soon became an incredible success in South Korea and overseas—as well as a favorite in the awards circuit. Park is no stranger to international success: his filmography includes “Oldboy” (2003) and “The Handmaiden” (2016), acclaimed titles that both brought Korean cinema to the forefront of the entertainment industry and established Park’s standing as a director.

Park’s most recent feature closely resembles his past thematically rich melodramas. Based on Donald E. Westlake’s 1997 novel “The Ax”—adapted into a 2005 French film of the same name—“No Other Choice” exhibits Park’s signature precision, labyrinthine storylines and striking visual style. But with an added comedic twist, the film also debuts a new side to his directorial finesse.

Read the full review at The Ithacan.