What is Once Upon a Time in the Middle East?
The film "Once Upon a Time in the Middle East" is a drama and war movie. The story follows Xu Fu, a chef who travels to the Middle East to work in a Chinese restaurant.
- Type
- Film
- Year
- 2026
- Status
- Released
- Runtime
- 140 minutes
- Release date
- Aug 8, 2026
- Original language
- ZH
- Origin
- China
- Studios
- Bad Monkey (Shanghai) 上海坏猴子, 梦将军（上海）影业有限公司, Alibaba Pictures Group
- Genres
- Drama, War
- Updated
Trailer
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The film "Once Upon a Time in the Middle East" is a drama and war movie. The story follows Xu Fu, a chef who travels to the Middle East to work in a Chinese restaurant. He meets the floor manager, Ma Junsheng, and their restaurant, the Dragon Restaurant, gains popularity due to its authentic Chinese food. The restaurant's success is short-lived as war breaks out in the region, causing a drastic change in local conditions. The film explores the challenges faced by Xu Fu, Ma Junsheng, and the Dragon Restaurant staff as they navigate the difficulties of war.
Should you watch it?
“A chef battles war to keep his restaurant alive.”
- Explores cultural clash through food
- Shows personal stakes of family debt
- Depicts the impact of war on everyday life
- War backdrop may be heavy for some viewers
Watch it if you enjoy character-driven stories set against conflict and culinary culture.
The film contains war violence and intense drama, making it suitable for mature audiences.
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Frequently asked questions
When was the film released?
It was released on 8 August 2026 in China.
What is the runtime?
The film runs about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
What genre does the film belong to?
It is classified as a drama and war film.
Who is the protagonist?
The story follows Xu Fu, a chef who travels to the Middle East.
What central conflict drives the plot?
The narrative centers on the outbreak of war that threatens the Dragon Restaurant and its staff.