Park Chan-Wook’s ‘No Other Choice’ to Open the 2025 Busan International Film Festival

Entertainment NewsFilm FestivalPremiereFilmUpcoming ReleasesInternationalNew ReleasesTrailersMovie PremiereTrending
Written By Jonathan P. Moustakas

Park Chan-wook's 'No Other Choice' Courtesy of Busan IFF / NEON

The black comedy thriller from the Cannes-winning director marks his long-awaited return to Korean screens with an A-list cast and a Venice-to-Busan festival run.

South Korean auteur Park Chan-wook is officially returning to the Busan International Film Festival in grand fashion. His latest film No Other Choice, starring Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin, will serve as the Opening Night selection for BIFF’s milestone 30th edition, running September 17–26.


Fresh off its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, No Other Choice marks Park’s first feature since his 2022 Cannes winner Decision to Leave. This time, the master of stylized genre cinema returns with a black comedy thriller adapted from Donald Westlake’s novel The Ax. The story centers on Man-su (Lee Byung-hun), a once-successful man whose life spirals after an unexpected job loss, threatening his family, his home, and his sanity. What unfolds is a darkly satirical descent into desperation, drenched in Park’s signature tension and visual flair.



Son Ye-jin plays Miri, Man-su’s wife, in her first major film role since the global phenomenon Crash Landing on You. The ensemble cast also features Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min, Yeom Hye-ran, and Cha Seung-won. As the festival’s centerpiece, the film brings together two of Korea’s biggest stars in a tale that questions what people are willing to sacrifice when they have “no other choice.”


POPULAR ON THE CINEMA GROUP


Adding to the significance, star Lee Byung-hun will also serve as host of BIFF’s opening ceremony, elevating the festival’s global appeal. “I am deeply moved and excited to experience the premiere of Park Chan-wook’s desired project alongside diverse audiences,” said BIFF director Jung Han-seok in an official statement. “I sincerely hope that its selection will build meaningful momentum to garner greater attention and foster renewed interest in Korean cinema.”



No Other Choice is set to be one of the most talked-about Korean films of the year, with its Venice debut positioning it for global distribution and potential awards season conversation. For now, the film’s Busan opening cements Park Chan-wook’s status as one of the defining voices of 21st-century international cinema—and reaffirms Busan’s role as Asia’s most essential film festival platform.


Watch The Trailer:


 

|   FEATURES   |    INTERVIEWS   |    REVIEWS   |   VIDEOS   |    TRENDING   |   TRAILERS   |

 
Happy Birthday to Sydney Sweeney, who turns 28 today. 🎂🎈
Aziz Ansari and Keanu Reeves hit the red carpet at Roy Thomson Hall for the world premiere of ‘Good Fortune’ at #TIFF50. Reeves returns to his comedy roots as the angel Gabriel in Ansari’s directorial debut, joined by producers Ant
In Photos: #TIFF50 Day II – Pt. III Matthew McConaughey, Shailene Woodley, Jamie Lee Curtis, and more lit up the Toronto red carpet as Day 2 continued with more star power and festival buzz. ꜱᴛᴀʏ ᴜᴘ-ᴛᴏ-ᴅᴀᴛᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀʟʟ ᴛʜɪɴɢꜱ ꜰᴇꜱᴛɪᴠᴀʟ ꜱᴇᴀꜱᴏɴ ꜰᴏʟ
In Photos: #TIFF50 Day II – Pt. II From premieres to parties, Sydney Sweeney, Samara Weaving, Cillian Murphy, Shailene Woodley, Inde Navarrette, and Angourie Rice made their mark at the Toronto International Film Festival on Friday, September 5
The early reactions to ‘Christy’ out of #TIFF50 are nothing short of electric. Critics are calling Sydney Sweeney’s performance the most committed of her career, with many saying she transforms the boxing biopic into something far m

THE CINEMA GROUP

YOUR PREMIER SOURCE FOR THE LATEST IN FILM AND ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 

FOLLOW US FOR MORE

Trailers
Christy (2025) Official Trailer | TIFF 50 | Sydney Sweeney, Ben Foster
Christy (2025) Official Trailer | TIFF 50 | Sydney Sweeney, Ben Foster

A legendary boxer fights both in the ring and in her marriage, confronting fame, abuse, and survival. Christy tracks Christy Martin’s rise from small-town roots to the heights of boxing history.

The trailer follows Sydney Sweeney’s transformation into boxing icon Christy Martin, showing her early triumphs in West Virginia and her growing reputation under the guidance of her trainer-turned-husband Jim (Ben Foster). Scenes of intense training, early victories, and public acclaim are juxtaposed with escalating personal conflict, including emotional abuse and the shocking 2010 attack that nearly ended her life. Grit, blood, and perseverance dominate as Christy fights to reclaim her identity inside and outside the ring. Premiere at TIFF; opens in theaters November 7, 2025. 

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery | Official Teaser | Netflix
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery | Official Teaser | Netflix

Daniel Craig returns as Benoit Blanc to crack his most baffling mystery yet in Rian Johnson’s gothic whodunit Wake Up Dead Man.

The teaser for Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery reveals Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc diving into a new, nearly metaphysical murder case set against a haunting church backdrop. Set to debut in select theaters on November 26 before streaming globally on Netflix December 12, this third chapter in Rian Johnson’s franchise trades sunny islands for stone chapels and confessions.

The story follows the sudden, inexplicable death of a charismatic priest (Josh O’Connor), whose demise inside a sealed concrete box defies logic. As Blanc narrates the “myth being constructed,” the footage hints at a darker tone, mixing spiritual intrigue with razor-sharp genre flair. With an ensemble that includes Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, and Thomas Haden Church, the mystery unfolds within a tight-knit religious community, all hiding secrets. A murder with no visible killer? Sounds like just the case for Benoit Blanc.

Rian Johnson again writes and directs, joined by longtime producing partner Ram Bergman. With a logline teasing deception in the pews and a case that seems impossible on the surface, Wake Up Dead Man aims to push the franchise into its darkest territory yet.

Frankenstein (2025) | New Official Trailer [1080p] | From The Venice Film Festival 2025
Frankenstein (2025) | New Official Trailer [1080p] | From The Venice Film Festival 2025

In Guillermo del Toro’s emotionally charged gothic epic, Victor Frankenstein brings his creation to life in a story as much about love and identity as it is about monstrous ambition.

The official trailer captures the eerie and lyrical tone of del Toro’s long-awaited adaptation. Oscar Isaac portrays Victor Frankenstein, while Jacob Elordi appears in striking makeup as the Creature, humanized rather than grotesque. Atmospheric showcase moments include their fateful encounter, moments of isolation, and emotional improvisation rather than shock. The imagery is hauntingly beautiful—lush, operatic, and intensifying character depth over terror.

All Of You (2025) | Official Trailer | Brett Goldstein & Imogen Poots
All Of You (2025) | Official Trailer | Brett Goldstein & Imogen Poots

Two lifelong best friends, Simon and Laura, find their bond challenged when a futuristic soulmate test deems them incompatible—forcing them to confront unspoken feelings and the question of whether love defies destiny.

The teaser follows Simon (Brett Goldstein) and Laura (Imogen Poots), college best friends whose relationship falters after she takes a scientific test intended to reveal her true soulmate. Despite being excluded, Simon remains emotionally tethered to her. Over time, as their paths diverge and cross again, flashpoints reveal moments of longing, regret, and enduring connection. The trailer balances heartfelt intimacy and sci-fi poignancy, with chemistry that echoes classic romantic dilemmas. Written and directed by William Bridges alongside Goldstein, it threads humor, heartbreak, and emotional truth across time.

IS THIS THING ON? (2025) | Teaser Trailer
IS THIS THING ON? (2025) | Teaser Trailer

A couple approaching divorce navigates middle age, identity shifts, and co-parenting—drawn to New York’s comedy scene as they rediscover connection in unexpected ways.

The teaser introduces Alex (Will Arnett) and Tess (Laura Dern), a married couple quietly unraveling while trying to maintain family stability. Alex, grappling with the emptiness of middle age, seeks solace and reinvention in New York’s stand-up comedy scene. Tess wrestles with her own sacrifices and evolving role. Their paths converge through candid humor, inner vulnerability, and subtle emotional fractures that interrogate what it means to grow apart—and potentially grow again. The tone fuses introspection with gentle comedy, anchored by empathetic performances and Bradley Cooper’s tender direction.

The Running Man (2025) | Official Trailer | Edgar Wright, Glen Powell
The Running Man (2025) | Official Trailer | Edgar Wright, Glen Powell

Ben Richards joins a lethal reality show—forced to survive 30 days as “The Runner” while pursued by professional assassins across the globe—to save his sick daughter in a dystopian America.

Edgar Wright’s fast-paced teaser thrusts Glen Powell into a dystopian near-future where society’s collapse has birthed a deadly televised spectacle. Desperate and blacklisted, Richards signs up for The Running Man, a brutal game where he must evade hunters for 30 days on live broadcast. With intense chases, dark humor, and stylistic flair, the trailer positions Richards as a defiant everyman fighting corrupt spectacle for survival and justice. Co-starring Josh Brolin, Colman Domingo, Michael Cera, and more, it’s a raw, faithful reboot of Stephen King’s novel with cinematic grit and commentary.

Swiped (2025) | Official Trailer | Lily James, Dan Stevens, Myha'la Herrold
Swiped (2025) | Official Trailer | Lily James, Dan Stevens, Myha'la Herrold

A bold young entrepreneur pushes back against toxic tech culture, turning her dismissal from Tinder into a feminist rallying cry—and a new dating app empowering women to make the first move.

The trailer introduces Whitney Wolfe Herd (Lily James) confronting pervasive misogyny at Tinder—unwanted explicit messages go unaddressed while her concerns are dismissed. Determined, she walks away and founds Bumble, revolutionizing online dating by giving women control. With sharp dialogue, tense boardroom confrontations, and moments of personal resolve, the trailer balances emotional urgency with the spark of innovation.

A BIG BOLD BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY (2025) | NEW TRAILER [HD] | MARGOT ROBBIE &COLIN FARRELL
A BIG BOLD BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY (2025) | NEW TRAILER [HD] | MARGOT ROBBIE &COLIN FARRELL

Two strangers, Sarah and David, meet at a wedding and embark on a fantastical, emotional journey—reliving moments from their pasts and possibly altering their futures through unexpected connection.

Based on synopsis themes of memory, connection, and transformation. 

The trailer opens with Sarah (Margot Robbie) and David (Colin Farrell) meeting at a wedding, and then being mysteriously guided by David’s GPS to join a “big bold beautiful journey.” Together, they pass through doors that transport them to pivotal moments from their pasts, illuminating how they became who they are—and offering a surreal chance to reshape their futures. The tone is whimsical, visually rich, and emotionally resonant, underscored by Robbie and Farrell’s heartfelt performances and Kogonada’s dreamlike direction. Featuring magical realism and evocative visuals, the trailer teases a deeply hopeful, self-reflective romance.

Rental Family (2025) | Official Trailer | Brendan Fraser, Takehiro Hira
Rental Family (2025) | Official Trailer | Brendan Fraser, Takehiro Hira

A lonely American actor in Tokyo takes a surprising gig with a “rental family” agency—stepping into clients’ lives, only to discover genuine connection in the most unexpected roles.

The teaser presents Brendan Fraser’s character adrift in Japan, drawn into Tokyo’s enigmatic rental family industry. Cast as stand-in roles—father, husband, brother—he initially views these assignments as “just acting.” Yet, his relationships with the clients, especially a young girl named Mia, blur the lines between performance and emotional truth. The tone combines comedic warmth with heartfelt introspection, exploring how even a fabricated bond can hold real healing.

THE SMASHING MACHINE (2025) | Teaser Trailer | Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt
THE SMASHING MACHINE (2025) | Teaser Trailer | Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt

Dwayne Johnson undergoes a staggering physical and emotional transformation as MMA legend Mark Kerr, battling addiction and fame in a raw, immersive biographical drama.

The teaser opens with Johnson’s Mark Kerr sitting vulnerably in a doctor’s waiting room, reflecting on fighting with a soft-spoken “Absolutely not” when asked if opponents hate each other. Then come visceral fight sequences that contrast with intimate scenes: Kerr’s tense exchanges with his then-girlfriend Dawn (Emily Blunt), his climactic bout with fellow fighter Mark Coleman, and fleeting moments of tenderness—like signing an autograph and advising a fan against fighting. The trailer packs emotional weight behind a gritty aesthetic, showcasing Kerr’s highs, his personal pain, and the price of combat.

Hedda (2025) | Official Trailer | Tessa Thompson, Nina Hoss, Imogen Poots
Hedda (2025) | Official Trailer | Tessa Thompson, Nina Hoss, Imogen Poots

A lavish reimagining of Hedda Gabler in 1954, where Hedda’s party spirals into chaos—torn between a past lover, a crumbling marriage, and her own revulsion with repression.

The teaser opens on Hedda (Tessa Thompson), hosting a glamorous, opulent soirée. Under the veneer of refinement, suppressed desire, manipulation, and betrayal coil tightly. As Hedda reconnects with her former paramour Eileen (Nina Hoss), along with Eileen’s partner Thea (Imogen Poots), the party unravels into sultry decadence, dark impulses, and emotional havoc. With lush visuals, cutting dialogue, and a queer spin on Ibsen’s classic, the trailer pulses with stylistic intensity.

Eternity (2025) | Official Trailer HD | A24
Eternity (2025) | Official Trailer HD | A24

In a surreal afterlife, Joan must decide—within a week—whether to spend eternity with Larry, the man she built her life with, or Luke, her first love who died young and has waited decades for her.

The teaser unfolds in a poignant, liminal space where Joan (Elizabeth Olsen) wakes as an afterlife tenant confronted with an impossible romantic choice. Beside her stand Larry (Miles Teller), her devoted lifelong partner, and Luke (Callum Turner), her war-dead first love. Guiding her through this bittersweet decision are her afterlife coordinators—Anna (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) and Ryan (John Early)—who present the rules with dry humor. Delivered with emotional clarity and nostalgic charm, the trailer balances classic romantic elegance with whimsical fantasy. Quotable lines like “When eternity’s on the line, seems like nothing” deepen the emotional stakes.

Jonathan P. Moustakas https://thecinemagroup.co
Previous

‘Highest 2 Lowest’ Trailer: Denzel Washington and A$AP Rocky Clash in Spike Lee’s Urban Crime Epic
Next

‘Americana’ Premiere: Sydney Sweeney Returns to Spotlight Amid Ad Controversy