Cinema Escapist
Explore and connect the world through a cinematic lens
Review: “The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil” Blends Korean Crime and Justice
BY Anthony Kao
Starring Ma Dong-seok, this action movie blends classic Korean crime archetypes into something new and entertaining, though not necessarily memorable.
Review: “Furie” Is An Fast-Paced Vietnamese Action Thriller
BY Richard Yu
Vietnam’s answer to “Taken” arrives—but with a female lead taking charge.
Review: “Take Point” Is an Action-Packed Critique of Political Selfishness
BY Anthony Kao
This Korean action movie featuring private military contractors offers many explosions—and biting, timely political critiques.
The 10 Best Jung Woo-sung Movies, Ranked
BY Anthony Kao
From teen idols to steely villains: Cinema Escapist looks at leading Korean actor Jung Woo-sung's best performances, ranked in order of increasing quality.
The 10 Best Song Kang-ho Movies, Ranked
BY Anthony Kao
Song Kang-ho is Korea's premiere character actor. Cinema Escapist looks at his best performances, in order of increasing quality.
Review: “The Negotiation” Is A Psychological Roller Coaster Highlighting Korean Corruption
BY Fred Han
Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin star in a fast-paced, socially relevant psychological thriller.
Review: “The Spy Gone North” Is A Thrillingly Relevant Look at Korean Politics
BY Anthony Kao
Making deals with North Korea? Check. Election interference? Check. "The Spy Gone North" offers a captivating, timely spy story.
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
The Rise and Fall of the Turkish “Mockbuster”
BY Timon Singh
Cult Film enthusiast Timon Singh explores the strange story of how Turkey became the home of cinema’s most curious rip-offs.
Review: Bitcoin Heist (Vietnam, 2016)
BY Anthony Kao
"Bitcoin Heist" is an action-packed digital heist movie that showcases Vietnam's modernity.