Detailed Summary
Jack Burton’s Arrival in Chinatown
The film begins with truck driver Jack Burton (Kurt Russell) arriving in San Francisco’s Chinatown. After winning a gambling bet with his friend Wang Chi (Dennis Dun), Jack agrees to accompany Wang to the airport to pick up Wang’s fiancée, Miao Yin (Suzee Pai), who has just arrived from China.
The Kidnapping of Miao Yin
At the airport, Miao Yin is kidnapped by the Lords of Death, a Chinatown gang. They intend to sell her to the evil sorcerer Lo Pan (James Hong), who needs a girl with green eyes to break an ancient curse. Jack and Wang give chase, leading them deeper into the underworld of Chinatown.
Entering the Mystical Underworld
Jack and Wang find themselves in the middle of a gang war and eventually in the lair of Lo Pan. The mystical and dangerous world beneath Chinatown is revealed, filled with strange creatures, martial arts, and supernatural forces. They team up with lawyer Gracie Law (Kim Cattrall), bus driver Egg Shen (Victor Wong), and others to rescue Miao Yin and stop Lo Pan.
Lo Pan’s Ritual
Lo Pan plans to marry Miao Yin to regain his physical form and become immortal. Meanwhile, he also captures Gracie Law, who also has green eyes, to sacrifice her during the ritual. Jack, Wang, and their allies infiltrate Lo Pan’s fortress, battling through his minions and supernatural defenses.
The Final Showdown
The climax features an epic showdown in Lo Pan’s lair. Jack accidentally kills Lo Pan by throwing a knife into his forehead, breaking the curse and saving both Miao Yin and Gracie. With Lo Pan defeated, the heroes escape the collapsing lair.
Movie Ending
The film ends with Jack declining to settle down with Gracie, preferring to continue his life on the road. He drives off into the night, unaware that one of the mystical creatures from Lo Pan’s lair has hitched a ride on his truck, leaving the door open for more adventures.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “Big Trouble in Little China” does not have any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
This film is a blend of action, comedy, and fantasy with heavy influences from martial arts and supernatural horror genres.
Cast
- Kurt Russell as Jack Burton
- Dennis Dun as Wang Chi
- Kim Cattrall as Gracie Law
- James Hong as David Lo Pan
- Victor Wong as Egg Shen
- Kate Burton as Margo Litzenberger
- Suzee Pai as Miao Yin
Film Music and Composer
John Carpenter, the director, and Alan Howarth composed the score, blending synthesizers with traditional Chinese instruments. This unique sound enhances the film’s mystical atmosphere and action-driven energy.
Filming Locations
- San Francisco, California: The film’s primary setting is Chinatown in San Francisco, though much of it was recreated on sound stages in Los Angeles. The urban backdrop is essential for the blend of modern and mystical elements.
- Los Angeles, California: Various interior scenes and special effects shots were done on sound stages in Los Angeles.
These locations helped create the atmospheric and otherworldly feel of the film, blending familiar cityscapes with fantastical elements.
Awards and Nominations
“Big Trouble in Little China” did not receive major awards or nominations upon its release, but it has since become a cult classic, appreciated for its unique blend of genres and memorable characters.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Kurt Russell’s Character: Jack Burton is intentionally depicted as a hero who stumbles through the adventure, often clueless, offering a fresh take on the classic action hero.
- Budget Constraints: The film had a relatively modest budget for its ambitious special effects, leading to creative solutions by the production team.
- John Carpenter’s Vision: Carpenter wanted to mix Chinese mythology with Western cinema, creating a unique film that stands out in his filmography.
Inspirations and References
- Chinese Folklore and Mythology: The film draws heavily on Chinese myths, including the concept of a sorcerer like Lo Pan and the underworld setting.
- Wuxia Films: The martial arts choreography and fantastical elements are inspired by traditional Chinese wuxia films.
- Western Influence: Jack Burton’s character is a parody of the typical American action hero, adding a humorous twist to the genre.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
While no widely known alternate endings exist, a few deleted scenes didn’t make it into the final version. These scenes included extended action sequences and additional interactions between Jack and Gracie.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The film is not based on a book, but it has inspired various comic book adaptations and expanded lore in other media. The comics explore further adventures of Jack Burton, delving deeper into the world introduced in the film.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Jack’s Arrival in Chinatown: Setting the tone for the entire film with a mix of humor and action.
- The Gang War in the Alley: The first major action scene where mystical elements are introduced.
- Lo Pan’s Lair: The final showdown with Lo Pan, featuring martial arts, magic, and Jack’s accidental heroics.
Iconic Quotes
- “It’s all in the reflexes.” – Jack Burton
- “You were not put upon this world to get it!” – Jack Burton
- “We really shook the pillars of heaven, didn’t we, Wang?” – Jack Burton
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Chinese Characters: The Chinese characters on Jack’s truck translate to “Born to Truck,” adding a little humor for those who can read them.
- Lo Pan’s Backstory: Lo Pan’s character and curse draw inspiration from various real Chinese legends, though the film heavily fictionalizes these elements.
Trivia
- Kurt Russell originally believed the movie would fail and was later astonished by its rise to cult status.
- They rushed the movie into production to get it out before Eddie Murphy’s “The Golden Child,” which had a similar theme.
- John Carpenter considers this one of his favorite films despite its initial lackluster performance at the box office.
Why Watch?
“Big Trouble in Little China” is a wild, fun ride that combines humor, action, and fantasy in a way that few other films do. Its blend of Eastern and Western cinematic influences, coupled with Kurt Russell’s charismatic performance, makes it a must-see for fans of cult classics.
Director’s Other Movies
- Halloween (1978)
- The Thing (1982)
- Escape from New York (1981)
- They Live (1988)
- In the Mouth of Madness (1994)
Recommended Films for Fans
- The Golden Child (1986)
- Army of Darkness (1992)
- Ghostbusters (1984)
- The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984)
- Escape from New York (1981)
