Watch Big Trouble in Little China
- PG-13
- 1986
- 1 hr 39 min
-
7.2 (156,890)
Big Trouble in Little China is a cult classic action-comedy film from 1986 directed by John Carpenter and starring Kurt Russell, Kim Cattrall, and Dennis Dun. The film follows the exploits of Jack Burton, a truck driver who gets swept up in a supernatural adventure in San Francisco's Chinatown. The movie begins with Jack Burton driving his big rig into San Francisco's Chinatown to meet his friend Wang Chi (Dennis Dun) for a game of poker. Beers and trash talk fly as the two engage in a friendly rivalry at the table. However, their night takes a dramatic turn when Wang's girlfriend Miao Yin (Suzee Pai) is kidnapped by Chinese street gang, the Lords of Death, and taken to the underground hideout of the notorious criminal mastermind Lo Pan (James Hong).
Against his better judgment, Jack Burton accompanies Wang on his quest to rescue Miao Yin. Along the way, the two meet a cast of colorful and eccentric characters, including a mysterious lawyer named Gracie Law (Kim Cattrall), an immortal sorcerer named Egg Shen (Victor Wong), and a trio of magical warriors called the Three Storms (Yun Fat Chow, Peter Kwong, and James Pax).
As Jack and Wang descend deeper into the bowels of Chinatown, they come face to face with Lo Pan's evil plans to marry Miao Yin and sacrifice her to appease ancient Chinese gods. It's up to Jack to use his wit, brawn, and a little bit of luck to rescue Miao Yin, defeat Lo Pan, and save the world from supernatural destruction.
Big Trouble in Little China is a film that never takes itself too seriously. It's a wild ride from beginning to end, blending elements of action, comedy, and supernatural horror with a heavy dose of tongue-in-cheek humor. The dialogue is snappy and quotable, the action is fast-paced and chaotic, and the special effects are delightfully cheesy.
At the center of it all is Kurt Russell's iconic performance as Jack Burton. With his white tank top, over-the-top bravado, and snappy one-liners, Jack is an exaggeration of the archetypal American hero. He's a lovable buffoon who always manages to save the day, even if he does it by accident.
Dennis Dun is equally impressive as Wang Chi, Jack's more level-headed Chinese counterpart. Wang is the yin to Jack's yang, a skilled fighter who is more in tune with the supernatural forces at work in Chinatown. Together, Jack and Wang make a dynamic duo that is both hilarious and badass.
Kim Cattrall shines as Gracie Law, a tough-talking lawyer who provides a romantic foil for Jack. Cattrall's chemistry with Russell is palpable, and her character adds a welcome dose of femininity to the otherwise male-dominated film.
James Hong is a scene-stealer as the villainous Lo Pan, a centuries-old sorcerer who has been cursed with immortality. Hong's performance is delightfully campy, with Lo Pan's outlandish costumes and makeup adding to the film's overall surrealness.
The supporting cast is no less impressive, with Victor Wong bringing a sense of gravitas to the role of Egg Shen and Yun Fat Chow, Peter Kwong, and James Pax providing formidable antagonists as the Three Storms. The over-the-top characters and performances add to the film's overall sense of fun and make it a joy to watch from start to finish.
In conclusion, Big Trouble in Little China is a beloved classic that has aged like a fine wine. It's a film that defies categorization, blending elements of action, comedy, and supernatural horror with a unique sense of style and humor. It's a film that doesn't take itself too seriously, but it's impossible not to take it seriously as a classic of the genre. If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor and watch it â you won't be disappointed.
Big Trouble in Little China is a 1986 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 53.