Egyptian actor says humanity wins in Chinese anti-war film

Egyptian actor Farouk Mohamed, who stars in the Chinese anti-war film 'Once Upon a Time in the Middle East', has said the movie's central message is that love and friendship are the most powerful forces against destruction.

In an interview with China Global Television Network, Mohamed said the film shows how sharing a simple meal with genuine warmth can be a powerful act of resistance. "Humanity always wins," he said, adding that as long as people reach out to one another, the world can find peace and togetherness.

The film, which has been drawing strong reviews at the summer box office, follows Chef Xu Fu, who travels to the Middle East to run a Chinese restaurant and pay off his debts. His plans are disrupted when conflict erupts, forcing him to confront the realities of war.

Mohamed, who plays the character Jamal, has earned praise from Chinese audiences for his performance. He described his time filming in China as one of the best periods of his life, particularly in Shandong, where he said the people were kind and the crew's energy made him feel at home. He also developed a taste for Chinese food, and said he began searching for Chinese restaurants in Egypt after returning home.

Mohamed also spoke about the evolution of Chinese cinema, saying it has become more international and open. He noted that the industry is now exploring shared human experiences and proving that emotions transcend language barriers.