Cinema Escapist
Explore and connect the world through a cinematic lens
Review: Netflix’s “Triad Princess” Tells Familiar Yet Binge-able Tale of Gangsters, Celebrities, and Romance
BY Anthony Kao
Netflix's second fully original Taiwanese series "Triad Princess" brings cheesiness galore, but retains a certain charm.
Review: Netflix’s “Dead Kids” Mixes High School Drama With The Philippine Drug War
BY Richard Yu
"Dead Kids" is an otherwise unremarkable high school drama, save for its commentary on classism in the contemporary Philippines.
Review: Netflix’s “Vagabond” Stars Suzy In An Entertaining Conspiracy Thriller
BY Anthony Kao
Lee Seung-gi and Suzy star in a K-drama, now streaming on Netflix, that entertains audiences and hints at Korea’s geopolitical status.
Review: Netflix’s “Better Than Us” Imagines a World Where Robots Do The Work
BY Richard Yu
Luddites and Utopians clash in a Russian sci-fi drama that asks us whether robots can be better than humans.
Review: “Love Alarm” Is a Reminder of How Social Media Harms Teenagers
BY Richard Yu
"Black Mirror" meets "Mean Girls" in Netflix's latest original Korean drama.
Review: Netflix Thriller “Victim Number 8” Critiques Europe’s Nativist Resurgence
BY Anthony Kao
Now on Netflix, Spain’s “Victim Number 8” is a conspiracy thriller with pro-tolerance undertones.
Review: Taiwan’s “Dear Ex” Tells An Offbeat And Poignant Family Story
BY Anthony Kao
One of Taiwan's best films of 2018, "Dear Ex" offers an emotionally complex look at a modern family.
Netflix’s Highly Relatable “On Children” Is “Black Mirror” With Tiger Moms
BY Anthony Kao
If you grew up with a tiger parent, or find yourself becoming one—this show is for you.
Political Thriller “Occupied” Shows Western Democracy Bent to Russia’s Will
BY Jordan Li
This prescient show depicts Norway under Russian control; its second season is now on Netflix.
The Best Chinese Movies on Netflix
BY Richard Yu
Seven worthy Chinese movies you can watch on Netflix today!