Chinese chef drama about Iraq war surpasses 1 billion yuan at box office

A Chinese drama depicting the Iraq war through the story of a debt-laden chef protecting orphans has crossed 1 billion yuan (US$148 million) at the box office within days, becoming the latest vehicle in Beijing's expanding soft power campaign.

Once Upon a Time in the Middle East centres on Xu Fu, a Chinese chef working to clear his debts when American troops invade an unnamed country in the 2000s. He transforms his small restaurant into a dual-purpose refuge—a shelter for local orphans and a bar serving American soldiers.

A Story Rooted in Trauma

The narrative follows Xu Fu through repeated ordeals: his business is destroyed, and he is imprisoned by both American forces and local militant groups. Yet he persists in shielding the children from the surrounding violence. State media has reported that the film draws from the actual experiences of several Chinese restaurant owners who lived through the Iraq war.

Box Office Success and International Reach

The film, shot predominantly in China, opened on August 11 and reached the billion-yuan milestone by the following Monday. It is now being distributed in overseas markets as well.

Soft Power Ambitions

The production fits into a broader pattern of cultural initiatives aimed at projecting Beijing's perspective to international audiences. By framing the Iraq conflict through the lens of a Chinese civilian caught in the crossfire, the film offers a narrative that positions China as a neutral observer rather than a military actor in Middle Eastern conflicts.

Source: South China Morning Post