Master Cheng (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
Master Cheng is a 2019 comedy drama directed by Mika Kaurismäki, starring Tommy Chu Pak-Hong as Cheng, Anna-Maija Tuokko and Kari Koivukangas. It runs 1 hour 54 minutes and earned $465,931 worldwide on a $2.9 million budget. It holds 70% on TMDB.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 54m (114 min)
- Director
- Mika Kaurismäki
- Original language
-
Finnish
- Studio
- QianJi Culture Co. Ltd.
- Budget
- $2.9M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Master Cheng About?
The premise of Master Cheng without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Cheng, a 45-year-old restaurant owner from China, journeys with his young son to a secluded village in Finland. Following the recent loss of his wife in an accident, Cheng seeks solace and a respite from his life by visiting an old Finnish friend who lives on a farm in the Finnish countryside. This remote location offers endless forests, countless lakes, and a population significantly smaller than his hometown of Shanghai, providing a stark contrast and a chance for healing.
Master Cheng Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- woman making food
- cooking food
- woman cooking food
- food
- chinese food
- health food
- finnish woman
- chinese restaurant
- chinese man
- chinese cook
- love
- falling in love
+38 more Show fewer
- raattama
- ferry
- sauna
- lake
- restaurant
- cycle
- reindeer
- white reindeer
- fishing
- fish soup
- landscape
- mountain
- mountain peak
- stones
- bar
- father son relationship
- two word title
- culture clash
- intercultural romance
- widower
- loss
- infertility
- marriage
- happy end
- finland
- lapland
- finnish lapland
- chef
- chinese abroad
- chinese chef
- finnish village
- finnish countryside
- summer
- finnish summer
- bus ride
- cook
- cooking
- single father
Master Cheng Cast & Characters
Tommy Chu Pak-Hong leads the cast as Cheng, with Anna-Maija Tuokko as Sirkka and Kari Koivukangas as Linja-autonkuljettaja. Directed by Mika Kaurismäki; 10 actors are credited in all.
- Director Mika Kaurismäki
- Tommy Chu Pak-Hong as Cheng
- Anna-Maija Tuokko as Sirkka
- Kari Koivukangas as Linja-autonkuljettaja
- Vesa-Matti Loiri as Vilppula
Also Starring in Master Cheng
· 6 more- Kari Väänänen Romppainen
- Hannu Oravisto Police officer
- Helka Periaho Opettaja
- Paula Miettinen Mervi
- Jonne Kaaretkoski Police officer
- Lucas Hsuan Nunjo
More from Mika Kaurismäki
More films directed by Mika Kaurismäki, best-rated first: The Girl King, Long Good Thursday, Hassisen Kone 40 Years After and The Grump: In Search of an Escort.
Master Cheng Reviews & Ratings
Master Cheng holds 70% on TMDB. Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in art & craft (85) and weakest in story & flow (68).
Master Cheng Echo Score Breakdown
Master Cheng presents a gentle, comfort‑driven narrative set against Finland’s verdant scenery. Critics and audiences alike appreciate its soothing pace, visual warmth, and earnest performances, though several reviewers note the story’s predictability and occasional sentimentality. The film’s sensory richness and high production values contribute to an appealing viewing experience, while its modest plot depth limits lasting impact. Overall, it functions as a pleasant, if unremarkable, cinematic offering.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 85
In terms of art and craft, the film benefits from understated cinematography that captures Finland’s green landscapes with a calm palette. Reviewers repeatedly describe the visuals as “scenically sumptuous” and “beautifully shot,” indicating strong production design. Minor criticism points to a surface‑level aesthetic that never challenges the viewer. Overall, the visual execution is solid and contributes positively to the film’s tone.
- Character & Emotion 78
When evaluating character and emotion, performances receive commendation for authenticity, with several reviewers noting high‑quality acting and nuanced chemistry between the Chinese and Finnish leads. The storyline’s focus on cultural healing reinforces emotional resonance. Conversely, some critics describe the sentiment as overly sweet or lacking bite, suggesting limited depth. Overall, the character work is engaging yet occasionally constrained by its gentle approach.
- Story & Flow 68
The story and flow are anchored in a measured, relaxed pacing that many viewers find comforting. Elements such as food‑centric healing and cross‑cultural connection provide an appealing premise. However, criticisms highlight a predictable plot and a lack of narrative tension, labeling the film as surface‑level and “soupy.” Consequently, the storytelling is competent but fails to achieve strong originality or sustained engagement.
- Sensory Experience 82
Sensory experience receives praise for its tranquil visual style, with the Finnish countryside rendered in soft, natural tones that reinforce the film’s calm mood. While specific commentary on sound design is limited, the overall ambience, including a gentle score, complements the pictorial serenity. Minor remarks suggest the sensory palette leans toward soothing rather than striking. Overall, the sensory elements are cohesive and enhance the film’s comforting atmosphere.
- Rewatch Factor 73
The rewatch factor is bolstered by the film’s easy‑going tempo and comforting themes, making it suitable for casual repeat viewings. Positive audience remarks about its “lovely” and “beautiful” qualities indicate lasting appeal for fans of gentle drama. Nonetheless, the predictability and mild sentimentality may reduce incentive for multiple viewings among viewers seeking more depth. Overall, the movie offers modest replay value, especially for those drawn to its serene aesthetic.
-
TMDB 70% User score
See on TMDB
Master Cheng Plot Summary
What happens in Master Cheng from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 11 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Cheng, Tommy Chu Pak-Hong, a Chinese master chef, leaves behind the sorrow of his wife’s death in Shanghai and travels with his young son Niu Niu to the Finnish village of Pohjanjoki in Lapland to seek out his benefactor Fongtron, the person who stood by him in a difficult time. Their arrival in Pohjanjoki marks the beginning of a patient, quiet confrontation with a new world. They reach a building that houses a small lunch cafe and a tiny supermarket, where they are welcomed by Sirkka, Anna-Maija Tuokko, who runs the cafe, and by the Linja-autonkuljettaja, Kari Koivukangas, who ferries travelers through the village.
Full summary
The whole story of Master Cheng, scene by scene
Master Cheng Box Office & Budget
Master Cheng grossed $465,931 worldwide on a $2.9 million budget, 16% of what it cost.
Worldwide gross
$465.9K
16% of its budget back
- International
- $465.9K
- Budget
- $2.9M
Master Cheng Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Master Cheng.
How Well Do You Know Master Cheng?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the profession of the main character Cheng?
Master Cheng Also Known As
9 alternative titles, including “Mesterkokken Cheng” and “Master Cheng in Pohjanjoki”.
- Also known as
-
- Mesterkokken Cheng
- Master Cheng in Pohjanjoki
- 郑师傅
- 世界で一番しあわせな食堂
- Mistrz Cheng
- 마스터 쳉
- O Tempero da Vida
- Mojster Čeng
- El Sabor de la Vida
Seen Master Cheng?
Movies Like Master Cheng
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Chinese Feast, Chinaman and Chrichina.
Master Cheng FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Master Cheng, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Master Cheng?
Master Cheng runs 1 hour 54 minutes (114 minutes).
When was Master Cheng released?
Master Cheng was released on September 27, 2019.
Who directed Master Cheng?
Master Cheng was directed by Mika Kaurismäki.
More films by Mika Kaurismäki Who is in the cast of Master Cheng?
Master Cheng stars Tommy Chu Pak-Hong as Cheng, Anna-Maija Tuokko as Sirkka and Kari Koivukangas as Linja-autonkuljettaja, among 10 credited actors.
How much did Master Cheng make at the box office?
Master Cheng grossed $465,931 worldwide on a budget of $2.9 million.
How is Master Cheng rated?
Master Cheng has 70% on TMDB.
Does Master Cheng have a post-credit scene?
No. Master Cheng has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is Master Cheng in?
The original language of Master Cheng is Finnish.
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