[OSENWORLD] Park Chan-wook’s latest film No Other Choice has made history at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), taking home the first-ever International People’s Choice Award — though the director admitted he wasn’t surprised.
The new category, introduced this year, honors the most popular film from outside Canada and the U.S., chosen entirely by audience votes. No Other Choice became the inaugural winner, raising global expectations for its upcoming release.
The film follows Mansoo (Lee Byung-hun), a company man whose seemingly stable life collapses overnight when he is suddenly laid off. Determined to protect the home he built with his family, he plunges into a desperate battle for reemployment. With a powerhouse cast including Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Lee Sung-min, Yeom Hye-ran, Cha Seung-won, and Park Hee-soon, the survival drama resonated strongly with audiences.
Reflecting on the award, Park remarked, “I wasn’t surprised by the result because I had already witnessed the audience’s passionate reactions during the screenings. They responded to every moment exactly as I hoped. Toronto audiences are truly the best in the world. I am deeply grateful to all the staff and volunteers.”
The film was also featured in competition at the Venice International Film Festival and opened this year’s Busan International Film Festival. It will hit theaters on September 24.
/ k_inside@osen.co.kr
