China Box Office: ‘Once Upon a Time in the Middle East’ Crosses $300 Million

By Naman Ramachandran

Naman Ramachandran

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Dirty Monkeys’ war comedy-drama “Once Upon a Time in the Middle East” retained the top spot at the mainland China box office for the fourth consecutive weekend, grossing RMB82.6 million ($12.1 million) over the Sept. 4–6 frame, according to data from Artisan Gateway.

The blockbuster hit has now crossed a major milestone, lifting its cumulative total to $305.6 million since its nationwide launch on Aug. 11. Directed by Wen Muye (“Dying to Survive”) from a script co-written with Lang Qunli and Wei Zhong, the film stars Shen Teng as a debt-ridden Chinese chef in the Middle East who, alongside his floor manager (Jiang Qiming), transforms his eatery into a vital safe haven for civilians and orphans amidst erupting regional conflict. The cast also features Aarif Rahman and Omar Sherif.

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