Cinema Escapist
Explore and connect the world through a cinematic lens
Review: “Promare” Challenges Animation’s Constraints Through A World On Fire
BY Elizabeth Li
Studio Trigger’s theatrical debut is equal parts a visual marvel and a boisterous shout for the West to catch up with Japanese animation.
Review: Takashi Miike’s “First Love” Is More Violent Than Romantic
BY Richard Yu
The Japanese auteur builds on his signature theme of cartoonishly bloody action movies but eschews sympathetic characters and drama.
Review: “Carole & Tuesday” Is Shinichiro Watanabe’s Latest Musing on Music, Youth, and AI
BY Akshay Suggula
“Carole & Tuesday” is a visual spectacle that explores the role of AI in our future underneath its underdog tale of passion and song.
Review: “Weathering With You” Is a Giant Allegory for Climate Change
BY Richard Yu
Makoto Shinkai delivers a touching love story with dire warnings for humanity's future.
7 Space Movies From Around the World
BY Richard Yu
America isn't the only country that makes space exploration movies—here are seven movies that'll help you learn about other countries' space aspirations.
Review: “After the Rain” Straddles the Line Between Friendship and Romance
BY Akshay Suggula
“After the Rain” shows is that even if a romance is never meant to be, it can still change us in profound ways.
Review: “Hyper HardBoiled Gourmet Report” Is Japan’s Gonzo Answer to “Parts Unknown”
BY Anthony Kao
Streaming on Netflix, this Japanese food show contains a fascinating blend of gonzo journalism and Terrace House-esque calm.
8 Asian Movies Screening at Cannes 2019
BY Richard Yu
Eight promising Asian movies — by directors like Bong Joon-ho and Takashi Miike— screening at 2019's Cannes Film Festival.
Interview: Singaporean Director Eric Khoo Talks “Ramen Teh”
BY Choo Suet Fun
In "Ramen Teh," director Eric Khoo celebrates the power of food to transcend boundaries.
Review: “Ten Years Japan” Pictures Dystopia With Hopeful Undertones
BY Emily Hsiang
The short film anthology "Ten Years Japan" provides a relevant, but not depressing, look at contemporary Japan's social challenges.