Once Upon a Time in the Middle East vs Rules of Engagement
Once Upon a Time in the Middle East has the higher audience score (9.2/10 against 6.3/10 for Rules of Engagement). Rules of Engagement is the shorter watch at 2h 8m compared with 2h 20m. Rules of Engagement is the older of the two (2000 against 2026). Both are drama, war movies, so they suit a similar mood.
Once Upon a Time in the Middle East
Rules of Engagement| Once Upon a Time in the Middle East | Rules of Engagement | |
|---|---|---|
| Audience score | ★ 9.2/10 | ★ 6.3/10 |
| Year | 2026 | 2000 |
| Length | 2h 20m | 2h 8m |
| Genres | Drama, War | Drama, War |
| Country | – | – |
| Director | Wen Muye | William Friedkin |
| Main cast | Aarif Rahman, Jiang Qiming, Wei Qing, Michael Koltes, Zhang Xiwei | Mark Feuerstein, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Greenwood, Guy Pearce, Philip Baker Hall |
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?
Rules of Engagement
A Marine Colonel is brought to court-martial after ordering his men to fire on demonstrators surrounding the American embassy in Yemen.
Where to watch
Where to watch Once Upon a Time in the Middle EastWhere to watch Rules of Engagement
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