Once Upon a Time in the Middle East: A fresh lens on anti-war cinema

This summer, Chinese cinemas are offering more than love stories and comedies. Alongside the epic "The Odyssey," another film is drawing growing attention – "Once Upon a Time in the Middle East." The film ‪follows Xu Fu, a Chinese chef who finds himself caught in a desperate struggle to save lives amid the flames of war in the Middle East.‬ It is a story about tragedy, survival and the unlikely power of a kitchen to bring people together. So, why do stories like this matter and why does the world need more of them? We have scholars, a Chinese film industry insider and an actor from the film to tell the story. 00:00 - Intro 01:08 - Taste of home for Chinese going abroad 04:07 - Why 'Once Upon a Time in the Middle East' is a powerful film 09:49 - How did an Iraqi journalist end up playing a role in a film 11:54 - Movie scenes true to life 15:48 - Chinese perspective on Mideast war disaster 21:10 - 'New meaning, rethinking' of war in movies 📺 Subscribe to our YouTube channel and stay updated with our latest analysis and interviews:👇 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgrNz-aDmcr2uuto8_DL2jg 👈 Download our APP on Apple Store (iOS): https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cctvnews-app/id922456579?l=zh&ls=1&mt=8 Download our APP on Google Play (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.imib.cctv For more: https://www.cgtn.com/video Most watched videos: Impossible Challenge: 30 seconds to count banknotes BLINDFOLDED https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmP_Ybj-jws Impossible Challenge: Gymnastics Boy Arat Hosseini from Iran! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sxX--U4c8w Impossible Challenge: How to calm babies in 5 seconds? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kR3q9sXM7WA