Third-Weekend Win for 'Once Upon a Time in the Middle East' in China
The war comedy-drama 'Once Upon a Time in the Middle East' topped China's box office for a third straight weekend, grossing $25.6 million. Directed by Wen Muye and produced by Ning Hao, the film has accumulated $283.7 million since its Aug. 11 debut. The story follows a Chinese chef in a fictional Middle Eastern city who shelters orphans during armed conflict.
The film’s sustained box-office strength comes from a proven creative team: Wen Muye previously directed the acclaimed “Dying to Survive,” while Ning Hao’s production credits include several major Chinese hits. Its ensemble cast blends mainland stars like Shen Teng with international talent including Omar Sherif, giving the production broad appeal across demographics.
Set against a backdrop of armed conflict in a fictional Middle Eastern locale, the narrative centers on a chef’s transformation from debt-ridden businessman to protector of vulnerable children. The film launched August 11 and has now grossed $283.7 million, with its third-weekend performance showing remarkable staying power during the competitive summer season.
This film’s sustained dominance could signal shifting audience preferences in China toward humanist narratives set in international contexts, rather than purely domestic stories. Its success may encourage more cross-cultural productions featuring Chinese leads in foreign settings, potentially expanding the industry’s creative scope. The box-office performance could also influence how studios approach war-themed comedies, demonstrating that serious subjects can be handled with levity while still resonating commercially with mainstream viewers.