Once Upon a Time in the Middle East vs Palestine 36
Once Upon a Time in the Middle East has the higher audience score (9.2/10 against 8.1/10 for Palestine 36). Palestine 36 is the shorter watch at 1h 59m compared with 2h 20m. Palestine 36 is the older of the two (2025 against 2026). Both are drama, war movies, so they suit a similar mood.
Once Upon a Time in the Middle East
Palestine 36| Once Upon a Time in the Middle East | Palestine 36 | |
|---|---|---|
| Audience score | ★ 9.2/10 | ★ 8.1/10 |
| Year | 2026 | 2025 |
| Length | 2h 20m | 1h 59m |
| Genres | Drama, War | Drama, History, War |
| Country | – | Palestinian Territory |
| Director | Wen Muye | Annemarie Jacir |
| Main cast | Aarif Rahman, Jiang Qiming, Wei Qing, Michael Koltes, Zhang Xiwei | Robert Aramayo, Liam Cunningham, Billy Howle, Jeremy Irons, Hiam Abbass |
Synopsis
Once Upon a Time in the Middle East
Xu Fu travels to the Middle East to work as a chef in a Chinese restaurant to pay off family debts, where he meets floor manager Ma Junsheng. Their Dragon Restaurant rises to fame, attracting crowds with authentic‑tasting Chinese food. But war breaks out, and local conditions take a drastic turn for the worse. No one can remain unaffected. What lies ahead for them? And how will the Dragon Restaurant hold on amid the war?
Palestine 36
In 1936, as Palestinian villages revolt against British colonial rule, Yusuf navigates between Jerusalem and his rural home, amidst escalating unrest and a pivotal moment for the British Empire.
Where to watch
Where to watch Once Upon a Time in the Middle EastWhere to watch Palestine 36
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