My Rating: 3.92/4 (aka You should really see this one)

One line summary: An unemployed man goes to great lengths to land his next position.

The Deets: This is a rich and deep movie; it is both entertaining and it makes you think, it makes you contemplate its themes, and it exists as a thriller with purpose. I haven’t yet seen director Park Chan-Wook’s “The Handmaiden” (though it’s now going to the top of the must see list), and I thoroughly enjoyed “Decision to Leave,” his previous work. Like that one, the cinematography is sublime and inventive, the music brilliantly used to inject a mood and create some dissonance for the action on screen. And definitely don’t let the trailer fool you: I thought I knew how the story would unfold based on the carefully edited trailer, and I was mostly wrong – it’s way more thoughtful and nuanced than that. Yes it’s about our work, and offers a harsh critique of capitalism, but there is much more here, in what drives us as humans. The phrase of the title “no other choice” is intriguing, and it’s repeated as a mantra throughout the film, as though the characters truly have no other choice than to take the actions that are before them while they question their own morals. The irony of course is that we always have another choice.

Perfect for: If you already enjoy Chan-wook’s distinctive style, and if you’re in the mood for a transportive film that might make you squirm.

Where to watch: For now it’s only in theatres, but I suspect it will soon be on your favorite streaming service.

Food pairing: No one will want to hear you slurp, but I feel like a bowl of ramen would work exceptionally well.