John Carpenter’s 1986 Fantasy-Action-Comedy Big Trouble in Little China is one of those movies that viewers look back on and remember as one they love to watch, quote, or reference in all its ludicrous glory. It is a cult-classic that was a box office flop, grossing an estimated $2.7 million on its opening weekend of July 2, 1986, and approximately a total of $11.1 million in North America, far below its estimated budget of $20 million. But, what it lacked in box office revenue, it has made up for as a deeply-loved adventure that features one of Kurt Russell’s (The Thing 1982, Furious 7 2014) most fun and charismatic roles as the John Wayne-esque truck driver, Jack Burton. And, let one not forget a pre-Sex and the City Kim Cattrall, whose smart and sassy turn as Gracie Law served as the perfect counterpart to Russell’s self-assured and often in-over-his-head character. These are just a couple of the many reasons why Big Trouble in Little China is sincerely worthy of deeper reflection three decades later.
- Still from Big Trouble in Little China
Big Trouble in Little China, which received mixed reviews upon its release, was initially envisioned as a Western in the 1880s by first-time screenwriters Gary Goldman and David Z. Weinstein. The pair had been inspired by Martial Arts films and sought to combine elements of Chinese fantasy against the feel of the Wild West. In the end, the studio brought in W.D. Richter to do a major overhaul of the script, which resulted in almost everything except David Lo Pan’s story being changed. It is hard to imagine the film as anything other than what was released, but a small part of that Western edge remained in Kurt Russell’s performance.
The plot of the film is unapologetically kooky with elements of the ridiculous about it and that is what makes it so enjoyable. But, the best aspect is Russell’s portrayal of Jack Burton, who sees himself as a hero and tries his best even though he is usually outmatched, but in reality is the lovable sidekick to Dennis Dun’s Wang Chi. Jack finds himself in a dicey situation after he accompanies his friend Wang to the airport to pick up Wang’s fiancée, Miao Yin (Suzee Pai: First Blood 1982, Tattinger’s TV series). When a Chinese street gang named The Lords of Death show up to kidnap a Chinese girl who is being met by her friend, Gracie Law, Jack gets in the way and they take Miao instead. As crazy as that sequence is, the film only escalates its bizarre factor as we see Miao later taken from a brothel by “The Three Storms” (Thunder, Rain, and Lightening) for her uncommon trait of green eyes and brought to Lo Pan (James Hong: Kung Fu Panda series, Jackie Chan Adventures TV series), a powerful sorcerer and leader of the Wing Kong.
- Still from Big Trouble in Little China
None of what happens in Big Trouble in Little China makes sense, but that is the beauty of it. It does not take itself too seriously. It is just a silly, insane ride that movie lovers are more than willing to join. The film incorporates excellent Martial Arts sequences with its use of Kung Fu as well as elements of the Supernatural, which we see in the form of Lo Pan, a ten foot tall sorcerer with light beaming out of his eyes and mouth, and his henchmen, “The Three Storms.” The special effects in the film are also impressive and it is hard not to remember scenes like Thunder blowing himself up, which has generated countless memes, or the Lo Pan’s wedding at the end, which resembles an ’80s video game. Lo Pan’s spy, a floating face covered in eyeballs is another gem from the film that used a special matting system.
It is hard to picture anyone else as Jack Burton, but the role was offered to both Clint Eastwood and Jack Nicholson, which would have resulted in a completely different film. Russell’s sense of delusion, idiocy, and over-confidence, along with his shaggy mullet, only work because of his endless charm. His good intentions are always there, even if his ability is lacking. But, Jack wins over the hearts of everyone, including the very feisty Gracie, who mostly sees him as an imbecile through the majority of the film. He is the hero most would realistically be and that is why many love him.
- Still from Big Trouble in Little China
Carpenter’s decision to flip the hero/sidekick roles makes the film feel fresh, as Wang often is the one with all the information and is constantly explaining everything to Jack. But it is that clueless and wise-cracking nature that makes Jack Burton simply hilarious, and a joy to watch as he maneuvers through some completely absurd situations. In the rare moments when he does pull off what seems an impossible task, like killing Lo Pan, it feels like all of it is just dumb luck, but Jack would be the first to say, “It’s all in the reflexes.”
In addition to the film’s beloved wackiness, it provoked a demand for merchandising. In fact, many who grew up with the film have looked all over the web through the years for t-shirts with unforgettable quotes across the chest, or for copies of the soundtrack on vinyl or compact disc. In February of 2015, Funko released a line of ReAction figures based on Big Trouble In Little China, further immortalizing the film. Overall, one of the most entertaining films from the 1980s, Big Trouble In Little China will continue to live on for many years to come. So those looking for a good time on the Fourth of July weekend, consider taking a ride on the “Pork Chop Express” once again.
- 20th Century Fox
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