"Escape from New York" is a dystopian action movie that was released in 1981. Directed by John Carpenter and starring Kurt Russell, the movie is set in a future America in which Manhattan has been turned into a maximum-security prison. The plot revolves around a former special forces soldier named Snake Plissken (played by Kurt Russell), who is hired by the government to rescue the President of the United States, who has been taken hostage by inmates of the prison.

The movie is known for its gritty, dark atmosphere and its iconic anti-hero protagonist, Snake Plissken. The character is a tough, no-nonsense warrior who is willing to do whatever it takes to complete his mission. Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters, both friend and foe, who challenge him physically and mentally.

The movie also features a strong supporting cast, including Lee Van Cleef as Hauk, the police commissioner who hires Snake for the mission, and Ernest Borgnine as Cabbie, a taxi driver who assists Snake in his escape from the prison.

"Escape from New York" was well-received by critics upon its release and has since become a cult classic. It was followed by a sequel, "Escape from L.A." in 1996, also directed by Carpenter and starring Russell as Snake Plissken.