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Comedy drama

Master Cheng (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Master Cheng (2019) movie poster

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.

worldwide gross
$465.9K
Echo Score
80
budget
$2.9M
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Master Cheng (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 54m (114 min)
Director
Mika Kaurismäki
Genres
Drama , Comedy
Original language
Finnish
Budget
$2.9M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

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
  • 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
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Cast & crew

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.

Also Starring in Master Cheng

· 6 more
From the director

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.

Full filmography
Ratings

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).

80 /100

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.

Plot

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

Read the full summary
Box office

Master Cheng Box Office & Budget

Master Cheng grossed $465,931 worldwide on a $2.9 million budget, 16% of what it cost.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$465.9K

16% of its budget back

International
$465.9K
Budget
$2.9M
Videos

Master Cheng Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Master Cheng.

Trailer
Quiz

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

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is the profession of the main character Cheng?

Details

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?

FAQ

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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