Summary of Key Points
This article compares the two films, "Seagull Restaurant" (2006) and "Welcome to Long Restaurant" (2026), which depict East Asians opening restaurants overseas, to reveal how our attitude towards the world has changed over the past twenty years. We have shifted from a humble understanding of foreign cultures and acceptance of the mundane to a narcissistic and closed-minded mindset that seeks something "great." Our perception of the world has evolved from a peaceful and open landscape to a dark and dangerous jungle, reflecting the anxiety, internal strife, and desire for certainty in contemporary society. These films serve as mirrors, revealing the erosion of our sense of security and the growing craving for heroic narratives.
1. Interacting with the World: From "Bending Down to Listen" to "Standing Up to Feed"
In "Seagull Restaurant," Shin-kyung goes out of her way to learn how to make authentic Finnish cinnamon rolls for an exclusive Finnish lady who is prejudiced against foreigners. She sets aside her own Japanese rice balls and takes the time to understand the other person's culture and emotions—listening to the confusion of a heartbroken young man, seeing through the desperation of a middle-aged woman, before finally offering her warm, heartfelt rice balls. This represents equal communication, a willingness to listen as a friend.
In contrast, Xu Fu in "Welcome to Long Restaurant" confronts the warlords and soldiers in Baghdad with Chinese stewed rice, believing that his food will conquer them without any need to understand their pain or the centuries-old hatred between different groups. His attitude is narcissistic: he thinks his methods are superior and can solve problems without understanding the context. This "standing up to feed" approach reflects a closed-off mentality.
2. The Meaning of Everyday Life: From "Living Lightly" to "Must Be Great"
In 2006, Shin-kyung opened her restaurant with no grand ambitions of promoting national heritage or saving others. Even if there were no customers for a day, she could calmly clean the windows, allowing herself to wander aimlessly as a way to escape domestic strife. Food was simply a means of sustenance without any higher purpose.
By 2026, Xu Fu, initially criticized for being "excessively self-centered" for making money with his Left Zongtang chicken, is suddenly driven by the tragic death of a compatriot to save twenty orphans and confront the warlords, using Chinese cuisine to achieve some form of universal harmony. This reflects the contemporary pressure to feel valuable by doing something "great." Behind this is the reality of financial burdens such as mortgages, layoffs, and the crisis at age 35, which forces us to use grand narratives to conceal our feelings of powerlessness.
3. Imagination of the World: From a "Kindly Vast Wilderness" to a "Dark Jungle"
The world in "Seagull Restaurant" is peaceful; as long as one lets go of internal conflicts and lives earnestly, they will be welcomed anywhere on Earth. The streets of Helsinki are quiet, with customers approaching calmly, free from war or danger.
The world in "Welcome to Long Restaurant" is harsh: Baghdad is a scene of destruction, with constant threats from mortars, and everyone outside seems threatening. Living abroad requires making huge profits, hiring mercenaries, and being constantly on high alert. This contrast highlights the complete erosion of our sense of security over the past twenty years—we no longer trust the world to be kind and assume it is full of danger.
4. The Heroic Nectar of an Anxious Era Behind the Films
Xu Fu's portrayal in "Welcome to Long Restaurant" acts as a comforting placebo for our anxieties. In reality, we cannot stop layoffs or declining consumer trends, so we cling to the idea that "Chinese chefs can solve everything."
Over these twenty years, we have lost the ability to understand complex realities (such as the hatred in the Middle East) and the appreciation for simple pleasures (like the tranquility of cleaning windows). The heroism depicted in the films is merely a self-soothing narrative, using fictional greatness to conceal our powerlessness.
Conclusion
The comparison between these two films does not suggest one is better than the other; it highlights the changes in our mindset: from openness and curiosity to closure and anxiety, from acceptance of the ordinary to the pursuit of the extraordinary. When we rely on a "savior complex" for a sense of existence, perhaps we should ask ourselves if we haven't stopped to enjoy the simple joys of a good meal or a meaningful conversation for too long. True strength does not lie in saving the world but in living peacefully.