Cinema Escapist
Explore and connect the world through a cinematic lens
Review: Why Was China’s “Crazy Alien” So Successful?
BY Richard Yu
In Ning Hao's "Crazy Alien", the Chinese everyman gets a laugh at America's expense.
Review: “The Wandering Earth” Is China’s First Breathtaking Sci-Fi Success
BY Richard Yu
Frant Gwo blends sci-fi with apocalypse extravaganza in the film based on Liu Cixin’s eponymous short story.
Review: “One Night Only” is a Tragic Romance Between Flawed People
BY Richard Yu
Director Matt Wu discusses the dichotomy between darkness and brightness -- and what it was like working with his wife on set
The 7 Best Thai Movies of 2018
BY Richard Yu
The top Thai movies from 2018, ranging from romance and comedies to documentaries and thrillers.
Review: “The Great Battle” is an Action-Packed Dramatization of a Famous Korean Battle
BY Richard Yu
“The Great Battle” provides action with sprinklings of light-heartedness, but falls short on screenwriting.
“Ten Years Thailand” Is an Abstract Take On Societal Pressures in Modern Thailand
BY Richard Yu
"Ten Years Thailand" provides a timely—and trippy—take on Thailand's contemporary sociopolitical condition.
The 10 Best Chinese Movies of 2018
BY Richard Yu
Cinema Escapist reveals the top Chinese films from 2018, across genres like romance, action, drama, and more.
Review: “Default” is Korea’s Take on “The Big Short”
BY Richard Yu
“Default” explores the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis’ impact in Korea, focusing more on emotions than economic explanations.
Review: “The Enigma of Arrival” is a Darker Take on the Coming of Age Story
BY Richard Yu
With a premiere at 2018's Busan International Film Festival, Chinese indie film "The Enigma of Arrival" offers a darker take on coming-of-age.
Review: “BuyBust” is a Brutally Realistic Depiction of the Philippine Drug War
BY Richard Yu
Realistic gun battles and brutal fight scenes open a window into the Philippines drug war