What does a film’s portrayal of conflict tell us about the values it wants us to embrace? Who becomes the hero, whose suffering matters, and what are we encouraged to believe about the world? Join Leon, a psychologist, for a Watch & Talk exploring values and propaganda through selected scenes from Once Upon a Time in the Middle East. We’ll examine the film’s message, discuss how it presents Chinese values, and consider the image of China as a world player that emerges from its depiction of people from different parts of the world caught in violent conflict.

Together, we’ll explore how storytelling, emotion and character choices shape our sympathies—and where entertainment, national identity and political messaging overlap. What distinguishes expressing a perspective from promoting propaganda? Which portrayals feel convincing, and how might audiences from different backgrounds interpret them? All perspectives are welcome, and no knowledge of psychology, politics or filmmaking is necessary. Whether you’ve seen the film or know nothing about it, Leon’s chosen scenes will give everyone a starting point for a thoughtful conversation about the stories we watch and the values we take away.

Let's sit back with good friends in comfy chairs and watch an important new and groundbreaking Chinese film that's making waves around the world. And, of course, let's have a deep, smart and fun discussion about our mutual journey!

一部电影对冲突的呈现，能告诉我们它想让我们接受什么样的价值观？谁成了英雄，谁的痛苦被当回事，我们又会被引导着去相信这个世界的什么？跟着 Leon 来一场观影聊片吧。他是心理学家。这次我们通过《欢迎来龙餐厅》的精选片段，聊价值观和宣传。我们会看这部电影传递的信息，讨论它怎么呈现中国价值观，也会想想它通过描绘不同地区的人卷入暴力冲突，塑造出了一个怎样的中国作为世界参与者的形象。

我们会一起探讨讲故事的方式、情绪和角色的选择是怎么塑造我们的同情的——以及娱乐、国家认同和政治表达在哪里重叠。表达一种视角，和搞宣传，区别到底在哪？哪些呈现让人觉得可信，不同背景的观众又会怎么解读？欢迎所有视角，不需要任何心理学、政治或电影制作的知识。不管你看过这部电影，还是完全不了解，Leon 选的片段都会给每个人一个起点，来一场有想法的聊天，聊聊我们看的那些故事，还有我们从中带走的价值观。

大家一起窝在舒服的椅子里，跟好朋友一起看一部重要的、有突破性的中国新片，它正在全世界引起关注。当然，也少不了围绕我们共同经历的那些事儿，来一场深入、聪明又好玩的聊天！