Once Upon a Time in the Middle East

A sweeping, bittersweet blend of warm kitchen camaraderie and harrowing wartime chaos, anchored by a poignant sense of hope.

Directed by

Wen Muye

Genres

Drama, War

Starring

Shen Teng, Jiang Qiming, Omar Sherif

Tagline

Eat well, stay alive.

Overview

Seeking a fresh start, chef Xu Fu travels to the Middle East to support his family and repay his debts. Alongside restaurant manager Ma Junsheng, he transforms the struggling Dragon Restaurant into a thriving business. But when war engulfs the city, their hard-won success is shattered and the restaurant becomes a refuge for those caught in the conflict. As danger closes in, Xu Fu must risk everything to protect his newfound community and preserve a small beacon of hope amid the devastation.

How it feels

Dark, melancholic, warm and tense. Measured and needs your attention.

About

War, survival, found family, grief

Content

Strong violence. Mild gore and language. No sexual content.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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Watch the trailer on YouTube (opens in a new tab)