Toronto/IBNS: Acclaimed Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice, an adaptation of Donald E. Westlake’s novel The Ax, has won the International People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025, organizers announced.

The satirical thriller, starring Lee Byung-hun as Man-soo, was one of TIFF’s Gala Presentations and quickly drew international attention. The award, presented by Rogers, is considered a key bellwether for the awards season, often signaling potential Oscar contenders.

Park Chan-wook receiving the award. Photo: TIFF YouTube

Accepting the honour, Park said: “I believe this is a story that must be seen, and I hope to continue greeting audiences with films that you will have no other choice but to watch. I humbly accept this not just as recognition for myself, but as a reflection of the growth and achievements of Korean culture worldwide.”

A Satirical Take on Capitalism

Set in South Korea, No Other Choice follows Man-soo, a loyal employee who loses his job after 25 years at a paper company. Struggling with mortgage payments and desperation, he hatches a darkly comic plan—posing as a recruiter to track down and eliminate rivals competing for the same scarce positions.

With Son Ye-jin as Mi-ri, his supportive wife, the film oscillates between biting social commentary and absurd humour, as Man-soo insists he has “no other choice” but to commit ruthless acts to secure employment.

Script and Direction

The screenplay was co-written by Park Chan-wook, Lee Kyoung-mi, Jahye Lee, and Toronto’s Don McKellar. Critics praised the film’s sharp direction, layered symbolism, and its blend of satire and thriller, calling it a timely commentary on workplace politics, unemployment, and status anxiety.

The narrative shifts as Mi-ri intervenes to correct Man-soo’s misguided efforts, grounding the story in themes of family and resilience.

Dedication and Legacy

Park dedicated the film to veteran filmmaker Costa-Gavras, who originally held the rights to Westlake’s novel and collaborated with Park during early development, when the project was envisioned as an English-language remake.

Critics have lauded No Other Choice as both a compelling story and a reflection of contemporary economic struggles, cementing Park’s reputation as one of the most incisive voices in global cinema.

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)