A war comedy-drama from Dirty Monkeys maintained its commanding position at China’s box office for the third week running. “Once Upon a Time in the Middle East,” directed by Wen Muye and produced by Ning Hao, generated approximately 174.4 million yuan during the August 28-30 weekend. The film, which stars Shen Teng and other international actors, has accumulated over 283 million dollars since its mid-August release.
The film’s narrative centers on a chef struggling with financial difficulties who opens his establishment as a refuge for vulnerable populations following the outbreak of armed conflict in a fictional Middle Eastern setting. Its sustained box office success reflects strong audience engagement with the story’s blend of comedy and drama.
Several other titles competed for audience attention in the region. Pearl River Film Group’s crime drama “V” secured the second position, while Universal’s “The Odyssey” claimed third place. Pearl Studio’s animated feature and a Sony superhero film rounded out the top five performers. The Chinese box office generated approximately 69.8 million dollars for the weekend, though year-to-date revenue figures indicate a significant decline compared to the previous year.
Originally reported by Variety →
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