Big Trouble in Little China (1986) [Special Edition] [Repost]

×

Big Trouble in Little China (1986) [Special Edition] [Repost]

Close

Kurt Russell has a great time doing his best John Wayne impersonation in Big Trouble in Little China, an enjoyably offbeat adventure tale from horror director John Carpenter. Borrowing its style from the Indiana Jones movies, Big Trouble is set in the underworld of Chinatown where centuries-old wars are fought with swords and sorcery. Picking up where his Snake Plissken left off in Escape from New York, Russell stars as a cocky, boisterous trucker who gets caught up in the madness. While the fight scenes are sharply choreographed and exciting, Carpenter maintains a humorous, tongue-firmly-in-cheek mood that has as many funny gags as it does duds. The supporting cast – led by Dennis Dun, James Hong, Victor Wong (also in Carpenter's Prince of Darkness), and Kim Cattrall – also appears to be having a good time with the material. The extensive special effects are not among the best of their time, but they are perfectly in keeping with the film's light tone. Highlights include several garish-looking creatures and excellent aging makeup work on the villain.

Patrick Legare, Rovi

×

Big Trouble in Little China (1986) [Special Edition] [Repost]

Close

Kurt Russell stars in Big Trouble in Little China as Jack Burton (Who?), a loud-mouthed truck driver who has just pulled his big-rig into Chinatwon in San Francisco. After a night of gambling, he accompanies his old friend Wang Chi (Dennis Dun) to the airport, where Wang will be picking up his girlfriend, Miao Yin (Suzee Pai). There, Jack meets local lawyer Gracie Law (Kim Cattrall), who is aiding an immigrant. Suddenly, a street gang, The Lords of Death, storm the crowd and take Miao Yin. Jack and Wang follow them back to Chinatown, where the two suddenly find themselves in the middle of a turf war. They regroup at Wang's restaurant, where, aided by Gracie, they formulate a plan to rescue Miao Yin. However, Jack and Gracie will soon learn that Chinese black magic is real, and that ghosts and monsters live beneath the streets of Chinatown.

×

Big Trouble in Little China (1986) [Special Edition] [Repost]

Close

With the influx of Jackie Chan and Jet Li movies to the U.S. and the kind of wire-works shenanigans seen in films like The Matrix, we've gotten very accustomed to an Asian influence in modern movies. (Not to mention all of the Asian horror films that we've seen in this decade.) However, back in 1986, this wasn't the case. Sure, there were fans of "chop-socky" fims, but most of them got their fix by watching old Shaw Bros. movies on late-night TV or at revival houses. Big Trouble in Little China fully embraces the wild theatrics and acrobatics of Asian cinema and mixes it with an American bravado. Apparently, audiences weren't ready for that odd combination at the time.

×

Big Trouble in Little China (1986) [Special Edition] [Repost]

Close

But, boy did they miss out. From start to finish, Big Trouble in Little China is a blast. Carpenter's work had shown some humor in the past, but it was often dark (which is understandable, given his usual subject matter). However, Big Trouble in Little China has a bouncy spirit of fun which tells the audience that despite the fact that there will be violence and monsters, they are in for a good time. It would probably be a stretch to say that this movie has everything, but it is a great blend of action, thrills, romance, and humor. In fact, many seeing the movie for the first time may be surprised at the level of comedy in the film. The film has some great, quotable lines ("Hollow? F*&k it.") and the thing with the lipstick at the end is classic. Also, you've got to love a movie where the "hero" is unable to participate in the two big fight scenes.

×

Big Trouble in Little China (1986) [Special Edition] [Repost]

Close

Big Trouble in Little China is one of those films which has really benefited from home video and it's become a cult film following its initial disappointing run. Watching it today, it's hard to imagine why audiences didn't embrace it at the time. We've become so accustomed to the Asian influence, that this movie seems almost normal. But, that shouldn't imply that it's run-of-the-mill. The movie is still a great ride and is the perfect party movie. It's even better than a six-demon bag!

DVD Sleuth

×

Big Trouble in Little China (1986) [Special Edition] [Repost]

Close

More Screenshots

Special Features:
DISC ONE:
- The Film
- Audio commentary by director John Carpenter and actor Kurt Russell.

DISC TWO:
- 8 Deleted/Alternative scenes ("Lava Sequence" is with "multi-angle function")
- Extended Ending
- "Original 1986 promotional" featurette
- "Multi angle" interview with special effects designer Richard Edlund
- Music video ("Big Trouble in Little China" by The Coupe DeVilles)
- 3 Theatrical Trailers (2 US, and Spanish)
- Teaser Trailer
- 5 TV Spots
- Magazine articles (varying from "American Cinematographer" to "Cinefex")
- Production Notes
- Cast and Crew: Filmographies and Biographies
- Photo Gallery