Chinese War Comedy Holds Off Nolan's Epic for Fifth Weekend
The war comedy-drama 'Once Upon a Time in the Middle East' remained the top film in mainland China for a fifth weekend, collecting $7.8 million. Its total has reached $318.4 million, while 'The Odyssey' has crossed $100 million in the market.
The film’s sustained dominance comes despite stiff competition from Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” which has now surpassed $100 million in the same market. “Once Upon a Time in the Middle East” opened Aug. 11 and has held the top slot for five consecutive weekends, a rare feat for a local production. Its cast includes Shen Teng and Omar Sherif, with direction by Wen Muye, known for “Dying to Survive.” The plot centers on a Chinese chef whose Middle Eastern restaurant becomes a refuge during armed conflict, blending comedy with wartime drama.
The weekend gross of $7.8 million represents a typical late-summer hold, as the film’s cumulative total of $318.4 million positions it among the year’s biggest Chinese releases. The box-office data comes from Artisan Gateway, covering Sept. 11–13. The film’s longevity suggests strong word-of-mouth and repeat viewership, even as Hollywood’s epic fantasy continues to draw audiences in the same period.
This box-office trend could signal shifting audience preferences in China, where local productions with emotional depth and cultural resonance may increasingly outlast big-budget imports. The film’s success may encourage studios to invest in hybrid genres—comedy with serious themes—and to cast diverse international actors. It could also affect how Hollywood schedules releases in China, recognizing that local titles can sustain momentum longer than expected, potentially reshaping distribution strategies.