“No Other Choice” Gets A Director’s Cut

One of last year’s most acclaimed films, Park Chan-wook’s “No Other Choice,” is set to get a director’s cut.

The newest film from the “Oldboy,” “The Handmaiden”, and “Decision to Leave” helmer was released in the U.S. on Christmas Day to stellar reviews, though sadly failed to receive a Best International Feature nomination at the Oscars.

An adaptation of Donald E. Westlake’s novel “The Ax,” Lee Byung Hun stars as a devoted family man and veteran paper mill manager who is unexpectedly laid off and thrown back into a ruthless job market. Humiliated by failed interviews and mocked by corporate gatekeepers, he resolves to claw back dignity by any means necessary.

Appearing on the Kevin McCarthy Podcast, Park confirmed that while the film’s 2hr 19mins theatrical cut will be available, an 18-minute longer 2hr 37mins director’s cut will be available when the film receives its 4K home release.

This isn’t unusual for Park, whose “The Handmaiden” saw an extended cut clocking in at 23 minutes longer than its 145-minute theatrical cut when it hit home video.

“No Other Choice” hasn’t locked in a PVOD release at this point, though estimates are it could arrive as early as the back half of this month.