A new trailer for Park Chan-wook‘s No Other Choice has arrived, giving us a glimpse at the family man’s desperation after losing his job. It serves as a critique of the relentless competition in late-stage capitalism, where cutthroat competition and dwindling opportunities strip individuals of their identity by driving them to extremes.
From master filmmaker Park Chan-wook, NO OTHER CHOICE. Starring Lee Byung Hun and Son Yejin. In Select Theaters Christmas. Everywhere January. pic.twitter.com/f08cC5mqFH
With a rating of 100% on the Tomatometer (as of writing), Chan-wook’s critique of capitalism has become South Korea’s official submission for the 2026 Oscars. And given how close to home the movie’s themes hit, especially in the current climate, this could very well become 2026’s Parasite.
Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice Could Be the Next Parasite
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Given how instrumental Chan-wook has been in the globalization of Korean cinema, it’s a shame that his Oscar cabinet remains empty, despite delivering art such as Oldboy, The Handmaiden, and Decision to Leave. Although accolades don’t define the worth of art, as many greats of the medium famously fell short of the glory of an Oscar win, Chan-wook did entertain the prospect of a potential win, at least a nomination for Best Picture.
Moreover, the stars might finally align for Chan-wook’s Oscar run, as a repeat of Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite is still a possibility. Not only did both movies work as an immaculate critique of capitalism from two of the most revered names in Korean cinema, but a good campaign push, similar to that of Parasite, can make it the frontrunner for the Oscars (via 10 Asia).
If it gets nominated, it means several months of intense activity, starting a ‘race to the death’. At my age, I think it would be nice if it happens.
An Oscar for Chan-wook is long overdue, and crowning No Other Choice, which has opened to a scintillating critical reception, only feels right. Then again, like Parasite, the movie will face some stiff competition from the likes of One Battle After Another, Sinners, or Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao’s upcoming drama, Hamnet. And it’s safe to say WB won’t hold back on the campaign push for Sinners and Paul Thomas Anderson’s most ambitious project to date.
Do you think it’ll be a repeat of Parasite at the Oscars? Comment below!
No Other Choice will open in select theatres on Christmas (USA).
