[OSENWORLD] Director Park Chan-wook and actor Lee Byung-hun (55) brought star power to the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where their latest film No Other Choice premiered to a standing ovation.
The film, which competed at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival and opened the 30th Busan International Film Festival, screened as part of TIFF’s Gala Presentations on September 9 (local time). Audiences responded with thunderous applause during the Q&A that followed, reflecting the film’s powerful impact.
Early reactions praised Park’s cinematic flair, Lee’s commanding performance, and the film’s razor-sharp blend of black comedy and despair.
Park said he was moved by how deeply the audience engaged with the story: “I thought some scenes might be difficult for first-time viewers to catch, but they laughed and cried in all the right moments. I felt proud and thankful.” Lee echoed the sentiment: “The overwhelming reaction inside the theater moved me deeply. I was amazed by the audience’s thoughtful and detailed feedback.”
The two also expressed admiration for each other’s craft. Park recalled their earlier collaboration: “Back in Joint Security Area, he already showed remarkable acting and humor. Now, as a father, he’s able to bring even greater depth to the character of Mansoo.” Lee, for his part, praised the director’s eye for detail: “Park never misses a thing. He comes to set with a fully edited version of the film already in his mind.”
On September 10, TIFF Bell Lightbox hosted an In Conversation With event, where Park and Lee revisited the director’s celebrated career and offered deeper insights into No Other Choice.
Blending powerhouse performances, biting black comedy, and Park’s masterful storytelling, No Other Choice will open in Korea on September 24.
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Courtesy of TIFF
