Cinema Escapist
Explore and connect the world through a cinematic lens
Review: “Halfworlds” Was HBO Asia’s First Home-Grown Fantasy Epic
BY James Guild
"Halfworlds" marks an important step for HBO in localizing its original series for the Asian market.
Review: “A Copy of My Mind” is Joko Anwar’s Love Letter to Jakarta
BY James Guild
Shot in a very loose, naturalistic, and intimate style not unlike a documentary, "A Copy of My Mind" shows vignettes of life in Indonesia's capital...
Review: “Perempuan Tanah Jahanam” Features Joko Anwar’s Trademark Use of Indonesian Symbols to Tell a Chilling Tale
BY James Guild
Joko Anwar's latest movie is a ghost story—but it's less horror flick and more Javanese cultural exposition
Review: “Kala” Mixes Neo-Noir Elements with Javanese Myth to Create A Truly Unique Vision
BY James Guild
Joko Anwar puts an Indonesian twist on one of Western cinema's most classic genres.
Review: “Arisan!” and the Rise and Fall of Queer Cinema in Indonesia
BY James Guild
How has Indonesian society evolved to accept—and then reject—homosexuality in cinema?
Review: “Gundala” is Another Joko Anwar Film Giving Voice to Indonesian Mythology
BY James Guild
Will Indonesia be able to create its own home-grown rival to the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
“Buffalo Boys” Is the Perfect Western for a Post “Crazy Rich Asians” World
BY Anthony Kao
"Buffalo Boys" director Mike Wiluan suggests that Asian diaspora can look East for a home—and films with strong Asian leads.
Interview: Indonesian Director Joko Anwar on “Halfworlds” and “Pengabdi Setan”
BY Anthony Kao
Joko Anwar is one of Indonesia's most critically acclaimed and commercially successful directors.