Once Upon a Time in the Middle East surprises Kuala Lumpur audiences

Chinese film Once Upon a Time in the Middle East premiered in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, leaving Malaysian audiences surprised by its unexpected focus on war, peace and human compassion rather than the comedy, food or kung fu film they had anticipated.

Several viewers interviewed after the screening described the film as "unexpected" and "beyond expectations", saying its emotional impact went far beyond what they had expected from a movie starring popular Chinese comedian Shen Teng.

Directed by Wen Muye and produced by Ning Hao, the film stars Shen as Xu Fu, an ordinary Chinese chef who travels to the Middle East to support his family and repay his debts. He opens the small Dragon Restaurant in a city caught in turmoil.

Before the screening, some Malaysian viewers said they had assumed the film would be primarily about food or comedy.

"I thought it was just about cooking and food," one Malaysian viewer said.

However, the film's portrayal of war and its impact on ordinary people, particularly children, came as a surprise to many viewers.

Malaysian viewer Aidilia Hilda, an influencer with nearly 130,000 followers on Instagram, said she had initially focused on the film's food-related elements but was deeply moved after realizing that its central themes were "war and peace, culture and respect".

The film shows Xu initially seeking only to make a living and stay safe. As conflict breaks out, however, he gradually becomes involved in helping people around him and protecting children affected by the violence.

Another Malaysian viewer Syahril, who had expected a kung fu movie, said he was surprised to find a story centered on war and peace.

"It was beyond my expectations," he said, adding that the film prompted him to reflect on the value of Malaysia's peaceful environment.

Another Malaysian viewer named Sarimah said the film demonstrated how kindness, compassion and friendship could transcend differences in religion, culture and politics.

"Cooking and sharing food are good ways to convey goodwill," the viewer said.

Xie Junjiang, executive director of Mega Films Distribution Sdn Bhd, the film's Malaysian distributor, said the movie's central message is opposition to war and a call for world peace.

The distributor hopes the film can reach Malaysians from all three major ethnic communities and contribute to greater social unity, Xie said.

Once Upon a Time in the Middle East will be released nationwide in Malaysia on Friday. To date, more than 110 cinemas have scheduled screenings.