Once Upon a Time in the Middle East

Once Upon a Time in the Middle East

2026 · 141 min · ZH · NR · 8.9 (54 votes)
Dir. Wen Muye · Starring Shen Teng, Jiang Qiming, Omar Sherif, Aarif Rahman, Sherif Sabry, Ahmed Salim · Music Huang Chao

“Eat well, stay alive.”

DramaWar

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.

VIBE

This film offers a poignant journey from hopeful beginnings to the crucible of conflict. It's a deeply humanistic exploration of community, resilience, and the fragile beauty of life amidst chaos, all set against a richly detailed backdrop. Expect a blend of warmth, tension, and profound emotional weight.

hopefultragicresilienttensepoignantharrowingsteadyhumanistic dramagritty realismimmersive period detailculinary aestheticresiliencecommunitysurvivalconflicthope amidst despair
middle eastfoodperiod dramairaq warchefculinary arts2000swar drama