Cinema Escapist
Explore and connect the world through a cinematic lens
Is Feng Xiaogang’s “Youth” really that controversial?
BY Richard Yu
The film's original Chinese National Day release was pushed back, purportedly for political reasons.
Interview: Berni Goldblat, director of “Wallay”
BY Sharon Rwakatungu
Berni Goldblat is the director of "Wallay", which tells a moving coming-of-age story set in Burkina Faso.
Trailer: Feng Xiaogang’s latest movie “Youth” premieres Sep 30, 2017
BY Richard Yu
Famed Chinese director Feng Xiaogang is back with a coming-of-age People's Liberation Army romance flick (yes, that's a thing).
The difference between Chinese and American romance movies
BY Anthony Kao
While Americans have romantic comedies, Chinese have something else... read to learn what and why!
Review: Soul Mate (China, 2016)
BY Richard Yu
A Chinese movie about female friendship with coming-of-age and tragi-romance characteristics.
Review: Forever Young (China, 2015)
BY Richard Yu
Well, it’s been a while hasn’t it? Since my last review, I’ve been busy settling into the sunny Silicon Valley and #disrupt-ing very hard. That...
Sex, drugs, and Mexican history in “Y Tu Mamá También”
BY Anthony Kao
What do you think of when you hear “sex”, “drugs”, and “Mexico” in the same sentence? Let me guess: human trafficking and drug lords. English-language...
Review: Fleet of Time (China, 2014)
BY Richard Yu
I’ve watched so many coming-of-age tragi-romance stories that I’m starting to lose track! Fleet of Time is the next one on my personal hit list,...
Review: So Young (China, 2013)
BY Richard Yu
In yet another coming-of-age romance story involving moves to America, famed actress Zhao Wei brings us her debut film starring Mark Chao and Han Geng...
Review: But Always (China, 2014)
BY Richard Yu
Today in New York, there was a massive snowstorm that led to my getting off of work early (alongside cancelling happy hours and impressively...