I got to use this once on a commercial job replaceing the industrial AC units on the roof of a Carmax, was on one of the higher sections of roof and yelled down at a coworker when he said howd you get there and i replied with wasnt easy. It made me extremely happy but then sad cuz no one else had any clue.
Jack Burton is an independent trucker in the 1980s. When you first meet him, he is on his CB Radio talking to anyone who might be listening, and he doesn't have "a smaller car." His tractor is his only transportation and his home when he is on the road.
The point you totally missed about this movie is that Kurk Russel's character (Jack Burton), although ultimately the hero of the movie, is not the main “action-star” hero ---- he's just the goofy side-kick. The real “action star” hero of the movie was his friend 'Wang Chi'. Jack Burton was Wang Chi's side-kick...lol
I never agreed with the "Jack is the sidekick" theory. Jack is more like the reluctant protagonist or the unwilling narrator. At no point does Jack ever want to be the hero, he only wants to get his truck back, and get his money, and get out of town.
@@44excaliburYet, getting the truck back remains a side quest. The main plot of the story is rescuing Wang Chi's girlfriend from the villain. Jack is only the protagonist from his POV.
@@MadJustin7 But that's the point. Jack's POV is the audience's POV, and that's Jack's entire purpose in the movie, to be the eyes and ears of the audience who are just as confused as he is.
I’ve loved this movie since I was a kid. It’s funny because when you think about it, Jack isn’t the hero, Wang is. Jack is the sidekick who thinks he’s the hero. He’s cocky, very self confident, and a big mouth. But, you can’t help but like him and in the end he manages to kill the end boss.
Exactly! The funny part is non-Asian people who “don’t get it” because the white man suppose to be the hero and the little Asian guy is supposed to be the side-kick! 😂
and what makes Wang the hero and Jack the sidekick? Jack did way more than Wang did. What did Wang do outside of killing Lightening and taking out a few other guys? Jack was always the first in battle, he was the only one who tried to fight the LOD at the Airport while Wang stood there, Jack was the one who went undercover all by himself at the White Tiger while Wang stayed behind, Jack was the one who stood up to The Storms while they were being tortured, Jack also took at a large number of Wing Kong with his gun, and Jack was the one who killed Lopan which ultimately made Thunder self implode. That narrative of Jack being the sidekick is just ridiculous.
@@darrenobayashi6528 and what makes Wang the hero and Jack the sidekick? Jack did way more than Wang did. What did Wang do outside of killing Lightening and taking out a few other guys? Jack was always the first in battle, he was the only one who tried to fight the LOD at the Airport while Wang stood there, Jack was the one who went undercover all by himself at the White Tiger while Wang stayed behind, Jack was the one who stood up to The Storms while they were being tortured, Jack also took at a large number of Wing Kong with his gun, and Jack was the one who killed Lopan which ultimately made Thunder self implode. That narrative of Jack being the sidekick is just ridiculous.
@@retromania8269 Jack failed hilariously at virtually everything he bravely attempted to do (until the very end), while Wang did the bulk of the fighting.
@@Ranger1PresentsVirtualRealms lol that's the most absurd statement I've heard. Have you actually seen the movie? Lol. Jack did way more than Wang did. What did Wang do outside of killing Lightening and taking out a few other guys? Jack was always the first in battle, he was the only one who tried to fight the LOD at the Airport while Wang stood there, Jack was the one who went undercover all by himself at the White Tiger while Wang stayed behind, Jack was the one who stood up to The Storms while they were being tortured, Jack also took at a large number of Wing Kong with his gun, and Jack was the one who killed Lopan which ultimately made Thunder self implode. Jack might have been goofy but he accomplished 5 times the amount wang did. Not too mention Jack saved Wangs life at the airport by shoving him out of the way before he got ran over. Now what did Wang do again?
"Here's to the army and navy for the battles they've won. Here's to the Red, White and Blue whose colors never run." Wang Shi "May the wings of Liberty never lose a feather." Jack Burton
TRIVIA: Russell purposely put on a John Wayne voice for his as Jack Burton role, much like he channeled Clint Eastwood in 'Escape from new York'. It's important to note that Carpenter used known characters from Chinese mythology as the villains here, but to those of us in the West that are unfamiliar, it may seems strange. This movie is IMMENSELY entertaining and re-watchable, and may be my favorite Carpenter film.
Wow, when this movie came out in 1986 James Hong (Lo Pan) had been acting for roughly 35 years already...and this movie is now 38 years old...and James Hong, now aged 95, is still going strong having appeared in 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' last year and currently voicing Mr. Ping in Kung Fu Panda 4. James Hong has over 500 TV and film credits, the most of any actor living or dead.
Do you remember Carradine's old "Kung Fu" TV series in the '70s? I'd have to look it up on IMDB to be sure, but I could swear James Hong played about 7 or 8 different characters over the run of the series. Not a recurring character..but a *different* character every time! I actually shouted with joy when he showed up in the "Lo Pan Style" parody of the Gangnam song. Perfect example of a character actor's "..there's a script on my desk, I need to pay my bills.." attitude. Great, great man.
one of my favorite movies!!!! I was babysitting my niece and nephew 15 years ago. " hey , I got a movie with swords, big trucks, machine guns, magic, kung fu fights, fist fights, monsters and more!!!!" " There's no movie like that" deadpanned my 9 yo nephew ( now in the navy).... BOOOM Big Trouble in Little China!!!!!
When my son was about 12 or so, I got up one morning and decided I'm gonna watch BTiLC. My son gets up before I'm more than 15-20 minutes in, asks what I'm watching, I tell him, he asks if he can watch it with me, I say sure and start it from the beginning. He's enthralled almost immediately, when Egg does the lightning for the lawyer. A coworker of mine, a guy of similar age as myself who also loves BTiLC (we had talked about it many times at work) randomly texts me during the movie a selfie of him giving me the Chang Sing's little hand signal. I about died laughing.
I think the biggest division on attitudes about this movie comes down to whether you think "crazy and weird" is good or bad. Also, can you have fun watching a bunch of stuff that hasn't been fully explained yet, just going with the flow, or will you write it off as confusing and stupid? I feel like this isn't a movie for so-called "normies", in the boring, straight-laced sense.
My mom would take us to the town library on rainy days and this movie was a staple rental. When you think it can't get weirder, it just takes it to another level.
In a way, you’re right. I’m not a fan of romcoms (to not say I hate them) but I like action movies where the woman gets involved in the plot. For example, True Lies.
Yeah, may want to look at the Maxwell trial just recently. Not to mention the amount of single moms that pimped out their own daughters. Most people are generally good but the worst of us are not gender specific.
In the genre of Action/Adventure/Romance/Comedy/Horror/Kung Fu flicks, this is my favourite. The fact that he goes through the movie doing a bad John Wayne impression is just icing on the cake.
This movie is batshit insane, and that's like 90% of the fun. The part you're missing, and what helps the characterization make sense, is that Jack Burton THINKS he's the hero, but he's actually the sidekick. It's Wang who's the actual hero of the movie. It's also like a who's who of Chinese character actors in Hollywood. James Hong, who plays Lo Pan, is in pretty much everything. Most recently he's best known as the voice of Po's father in the Kung Fu Panda series. The Three Storms collectively were THE inspiration for Raiden in Mortal Kombat, but especially Lightning. Shang Tsung's appearance in the first game was inspired by Lo Pan.
Yes, this is a VERY important element of this film. Carpenter is making fun of the traditional hero by actually making what we perceive to be the “main character” actually the side kick. It’s like watching a Batman and Robin movie from Robin’s point of view. Jack is Robin. Wang is Batman in this movie. Jack thinks he is Batman. But no, Mr. Burton.
and what makes Wang the hero and Jack the sidekick? Jack did way more than Wang did. What did Wang do outside of killing Lightening and taking out a few other guys? Jack was always the first in battle, he was the only one who tried to fight the LOD at the Airport while Wang stood there, Jack was the one who went undercover all by himself at the White Tiger while Wang stayed behind, Jack was the one who stood up to The Storms while they were being tortured, Jack also took at a large number of Wing Kong with his gun, and Jack was the one who killed Lopan which ultimately made Thunder self implode. That narrative of Jack being the sidekick is just ridiculous.
@@gerstelbThis is the most important thing to know about the film: If you go into it understanding that, a LOT of the characterization and WTFery makes considerably more sense. It's so bizarre and confusing because Jack HIMSELF is confused and completely out of his element no matter how much he blusters.
@2apocalypsex I think I've watched every Sho Kosugi movie ever made. He's my absolute favorite movie ninja. What I love about pray for death is. It didn't have any magical beings, or over the top martial arts masters; as the main villain. Just an American Irish mob gangster enforcer. And he was one of the most evil villains I've seen in any movie.
@DeRockMedia those movies have a similar mystical aspect to them like Big Trouble in Little China, especially The Golden Child. After you give them a watch, type back in the comments if you liked them or not.
One of my favorite movies ever. I knew this would be a "What are they doing? Why are they doing that? Is that legal? Who was that? I'm confused!" reaction before I even clicked on it. Not disappointed.
I find it a bit annoying so many reactors start asking "what's happening", within seconds of the film starting - just let it play out for a short while!
@@Cheepchipsable Is it because standard Hollywood fare has Pavlovian-trained the audience to have the plot explained to them from minute #1? We live in a culture *obsessed* with breaking things into little bits of analysis so no one just lets things wash over them - right away it's "what does this mean?" I watch precious few "modern" movies anymore, as they are all about plot beats and plot points and plot reveals and plot twists - all style and action, no substance or atmosphere.
Exactly! I saw it opening weekend on a gigantic screen and it blew me away. But . . . there were less than a dozen people there and so when I heard it had bombed at the box office I was not exactly surprised. Also : this movie keeps getting better with each decade - a perfect little flick!
@@vincelang3779 I wish I could say I saw it in the theater, but I was a young kid and we were visiting family and at dinner we were discussing two movies to go see. My uncle, a strategy gamer and unapologetic geek said that he had heard that BTiLC was AMAZING, but sadly he was outvoted and I am ashamed to say that my vote was to see Sean Connery return as James Bond in the tepid, ersatz Bond-ish Never Say Never Again. I didn't realize the enormity of my mistake until renting this for pizza night years later and having to pick my jaw up off the floor at how much fun it was.
I've never seen someone so confused over such a straightforward movie. I don't recall a single person thinking it was a weird and or confusing movie when it came out.
This is what DnD players will recognise as The Bardic Knock, where the party Bard will try to get into a location or past some guards with a lie so obvious and over the top, that no one challenges it on the basis that NO ONE could be that bold as to try it.
Couple of things about this movie. Yes, this movie is supposed to be like a cartoon. And this is the most important, Jack is not the hero of this story, but he thinks he is. And he's confused about everything. And since we the viewer are following Jack, we are also confused about everything.
Yes, and once you realise that, the entire movie clicks and becomes amazing. I had to watch it a few times to really appreciate it. This is the type of film that gets better on repeat viewings.
The movie is subversive and satirical on so many levels: the idea is, what happens if you put a white macho action hero in a Chinese martial arts movie like Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon? The answer is that he ends up in world he can't understand and becomes the most incompetent person in the movie
Good guys walking down the street during a downpour. Chang Sing member: "Brave man likes the feeling of nature on his face." Egg Shen: "Wise man knows enough to get out of the rain!"
as a professional driver, I can confirm that driver do, in fact, like to talk into the CB to anyone who will listen. I have also driven BIG trucks down LITTLE streets many many times. Its part of the thrill of being a driver
I used to work in receiving. A skilled driver can drive a big truck backwards down a narrow street and make it look easy. Its a completely under-rated skill, as you of course know.
@@bretcantwell4921 I worked at a dock where they had to make a difficult backwards turn into it. Never failed to amaze me when a trucker did it on the first try.
That's a CB radio he's talking into. They used to be extremely common with truck drivers. He was talking to other truck drivers mainly, and whoever else had one installed in their car or had a receiver in their house.
Cassie, you weren't put on this Earth to "get it". Big Trouble In Little China is another masterclass of film making from John Carpenter. I have watched Big Trouble so many tomes I've lost count and it still makee me laugh out loud. Miracle is a fantastic movie, arguably Kurt Russell's greatest role. I was 14 in 1980 and remember well the Miracle on Ice. Watching the game with my dad we cheered and celebrated like we were there. The entire country felt like we played some part in it. Silly? Sure and we knew it but knowing couldn't lessen the pride of a nation.
John Carpenter's Big Trouble in Little China is a masterclass of perfect pacing. Not a single plot element is wasted, not a single line of dialogue is arbitrary, not a single scene is superfluous, not a single shot is out of place.
That breathless expository line summing up Lo Pan's whole history is hilarious...you can tell he's making fun of exposition dumps just from her delivery.
*Yeah. It's apparent you don't know how to watch movies.* While he loved the movie, John Carpenter described it as "ridiculous" and described Jack Burton as an "idiot" as he intended him to be. Kurt Russell had the character talking like a "blowhard" John Wayne. It's a screwball comedy, not a "masterclass."
"Not every movie is for every person." Truer words never spoken. I loved this movie when I first saw it in '89. I just got it. I convinced my sister to watch it with me the following year. Her take at the end? "That is the stupidest thing I've ever seen."
Hah, I don't think my wife is a fan either. She prefers The Goonies over this. My sister and I for some reason enjoy the flaming pile of trash that is Master of Disguise and her husband and my wife both think we're mad.
As someone with a deep and abiding love of this film, she's right. It is the stupidest film, in so many ways. It's an absolute train wreck. But it's a glorious train wreck of awesome.
For those that don't think Jack Burton was the sidekick, and Wang Chi was the leading man, you need only listen to the audio commentary with John Carpenter and Kurt Russell, where they say that was the intent of the movie, but no one got it. Kurt Russell: "I've never seen an American movie with the roles reversed like that. Where the sidekick was the leading man, and leading man was the sidekick, but didn't know it."
It's a simple quest story seen through the the perception of a squire who believes it's his story... The humour is excellently seeded throughout in just the right amount to keep the adventure and quest going as the main plot.
Till the era of mobile phones it was actually VERY common for truckers to have Radios, they could communicate with ANYONE who was on the same frequency. people could have whole conversations with it over large distances.(tho limited) People like Jack, doing what he's doing, is kinda the Precursor of Podcasts, some dude going on, telling stuff, with people listening to it (or not)
There was a guy in my area who lived on a mountain and had a powerful CB base station with a linear amplifier (illegal). He would do monologues and play records like a DJ. He even took requests! I don't think the FCC ever bothered him.
Which is honestly the entire point. Jack has been dropped into this conflict completely without context and is entirely in over his head, and that's exactly what the audience is supposed to feel.
About half of the reactors who are younger who watch this don't really get it or care for it. Fair enough. It's a weird movie, but I love it. My respect for at least making it through it and giving your honest thoughts (too many reactors fake liking stuff when they really don't like it imo). The grossness and weirdness of it comes from the horror background mixed with fantasy elements, and the campiness is all about making fun of cheesy action movies and comic book heroes. I grew up watching it and loving it as a kid, so I always kinda just enjoyed it for what it was, but I can understand how more "normal" and "well-adjusted" people wouldn't like it... The studio at the time didn't know what to do with it either. I think they had test screenings and you can imagine the reactions were probably even more bewildered than yours because audiences back then didn't know what to make of it either.
I've never heard anyone say, "It's okay." I remember watching this in theaters and raving about it so much that my Dad decided to watch it on his day off. He was not a fan and was not very happy with me. There are many movies I just don't understand the appeal, but this one is genius to me.
John Carpenter reveals in the extras on the dvd that it was originally supposed to be a western/chinese magic tale, but he updated it to be modern US. He also apologized to Dennis Dun (Wang Chi) for not letting him be the Star. It was supposed to be Dennis' break out movie role as an action hero. He unintentionally let Kurt Russell's Jack Burton get more attention than he was originally written for. The movie was to originally have been Wang Chi's rescue story of Mao Yin from Lo Pan with a bumbling American sidekick, Burton, along for the ride. It happened because he and Kurt had worked several films together before Big Trouble and their connection led to the focus being on Jack, not Wang.
I doubt it would be liked as much if Russell wasn't the focus. He delivers some of the best lines. Too bad he didn't do another cut of the film and have an alternative version on home release.
Also, I'm puzzled by one thing: I AM Donald C Dunco the only. How the Heck are there 2,538 other donduncos ANYWHERE else, much less on RUclips? ***shrugs***
The secret to "Big Trouble in Little China" is realizing Jack is the sidekick. It's like the camera followed Robin around all the time, with Batman saving the day off-camera. Also, this movie is just pure, don't-question-it fun. It reminds me a lot of "Ghostbusters" too, that same mix of supernatural shenanigans and dry humor. A classic that deserved better on its original release.
See, I never agreed with the "Jack is the sidekick" theory in Big Trouble in Little China. Jack Burton is more like the reluctant protagonist or the unwilling narrator. Jack doesn't want to be the hero, he only wants to get his truck back, and get his money, and get out of town. The only reason he gets involved is out of his loyalty to his friend, Wang Chi. But the only purpose Jack serves in the story is to be the eyes and ears of the audience, who are just as confused about what's going on as Jack is.
@44excalibur Not a theory. Been confirmed in an interview with Carpenter. “He’s definitely unique, there’s no doubt about that,” Carpenter says. “Jack is a character who doesn’t know he’s a sidekick. He thinks he’s the hero of the story but he’s not. He’s a sidekick.”
@@ASKMEABOUTMYGARDEN Jack would only be the sidekick if he actually wanted to do anything heroic, but he doesn't. He just wants his truck, his money, and then wants to leave. He's actually more of a reluctant narrator than a sidekick.
@@UrbanAnywhere I know that's what Carpenter said. The problem is that it's not consistent with Jack's behavior. A sidekick would want to join the hero in the adventures. Jack doesn't want to do anything heroic, he just wants to get his truck, his money, and get out of Dodge. Wang isn't actually revealed to be the hero until the end. Prior to that, he's just a guy trying to get his girlfriend back. Jack's more of a narrator than a sidekick, acting as the eyes and ears of the audience.
“What did I even watch?!?!” That’s the exact reaction I expected from you. I did not think you would like it. Absolutely out there and completely untraditional. Not everyone’s cup of tea and that’s fine. I, for one, love its quirkiness and the insane dialogue. The characters are outrageous.
I showed this to my native born Chinese girlfriend. She kept giggling every time they said “White Tiger” I asked her what was so funny - she said “white tiger” is Chinese slang for “shaved lady parts” 😂 I had watched this movie for 30+ years and never knew that. Heck, I don’t know if many other people knew either! Now you know! And FYI - She LOVED this movie!
It was said in discussions about this movie that the format was a kinda sneaky way to make a movie that actually had an asian lead character. Jack is the guy you see and hear but Wang is the one who gets things done. If you watch Escape From New York it’s a cool Kurt Russell movie and it will help you understand some of the one liners. I’m not saying that this movie was made on a budget but according to reviews of the movie almost two thirds of the budget was spent on the big fight scenario at the end of the movie. Just for a grin if you go to Kurt Russell on the internet the first picture looks like a slightly older version of the geek that Kurt dressed up as in the movie.
Jack is more like the reluctant protagonist or the unwilling narrator. At no point does Jack ever want to be the hero, he only wants to get his truck back, and get his money, and get out of town.
Jack's talking into a CB radio. Sort of like a walkie-talkie. Truckers used them to talk to each other, it was like a cross between a comments section and the radio. Jack was talking to whoever was listening.
Kurt's adoption of the John Wayne persona is wonderful. In the truck cab, "Who's he talking to?". He's broadcasting on CB (citizen's band) radio. Although pretty much a Trucker thing, CB was HUGE with the general public in the US during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
You know, sometimes you're not supposed to understand everything that's going on right away. Specifically in this movie the audience is MEANT to feel like a fish out of water, just like Jack. You're just along for the ride and you don't need to understand it. You can't take it too seriously either. It's absolutely nuts and you're just supposed to laugh at it.
As soon as I saw the tittle of this reaction I knew that "She is not going to appreciate this one :) For me it's awesome movie with goofy attitude. I wish Carpenter made more things like this".
I'm not sure I understand what you mean. It's a story as conventional as ever there was : boy loses his girl, boy goes to rescue his girl, faces dastardly villains, gets the help of a mentor figure, etc. The only difference is superficial, in that the "hero/sidekick" dynamic has been inverted for (mostly) comedic effect. This is NOT a criticism of the film; if anything it's why once you get over the inversion, the thing works perfectly.
A friend worked in a video store. He would take it home every night that a copy was left on the shelves. I must have rented it at least half a dozen times.
Kurt Russel is totally underated. He should get a lifetime achievement award. He has great range, is always very believable and entertaining in every role and has great range. He has also been doing it since the early 70s.
You are over thinking it. It's just a fun, crazy, action packed fantasy romp from the 80s. You are just supposed to sit back and enjoy the crazy fever dream that is Big Troublle.
I knew it was going to end up like this, but I am glad that this exists. I like reactors taking risks and watching a wide breadth of cinema. And this is definitely... uh... cinema.
Hey, Cassie. So sorry you didn't enjoy this. It's not often to have the star be the bumbling sidekick. Wang is really the hero. Did his girlfriend Miao Yin have any lines? Lo Pan, James Hong, still works when he wants to. Egg Shen gets Eddie Murphy's assistance in THE GOLDEN CHILD. Hey to Mr PIBb and the PIBblings
Shame, shame! It's not okay to dislike Big Trouble in Little China. It's a spoof on action movies and action heroes, where the guy who thinks he's the hero is actually a bumbling fool. It was all on purpose, an artistic choice. It's also my favorite Kurt Russell movie.
@@user-gv4cx7vz8tThe sorry retort of a person devoid of a sense of humor. Even missing the mark with humor still falls under the category of humor. It's the intent, not the success of the humor. Go look in the mirror and ask yourself why you have a hard time recognizing humor, why you get so butthurt over nothing. To help you out, this comment is NOT humor.
It actually makes Jack a bit out of sync & old fashioned too. CB radios were a massive thing in the 1970s but by the time this movie came out, they were uncool and a bit silly. Just one more funny quirk of Jack's character.
'Captain Ron' (1992) was another good comedy he was in. He plays a long hair 90's reggae'ish boat captain , and that's all you need to know to know you want to watch it.
If someone who hasn't seen this movie asks me to describe Big Trouble in Little China I just kinda of look at them, then say "you're just gonna have to watch it..."
"I don't understand the creatures. They were from the underworld but you could get to the underworld by just like going down an elevator in Chinatown." I've never seen a person so confused by an elevator and the reality of the movie's setting that these magical creatures inhabit the real world. Also, I love how the last scene scared the crap out of her. That brought a smile to my face... It was good to see that she couldn't understand why she didn't like Jack Burton and realized he was pretty much useless in the entire conflict (except for killing Lo Pan after he became flesh). I can see the obvious multiple reasons why she didn't comprehend that it was John Carpenter's intent to make Jack Burton, the visual epitome of a "leading man" hero character, into a glorified bystander with an inflated ego full of bluster while the minority "background" characters accomplished the vast majority of the tasks required to defeat the antagonists.
I always rejected that idea and I don't buy it. He is very much the hero of the movie, he is kicking ass plenty of times and he beats the bad guy at the end.
@@johnnyskinwalker4095 Well, you don't have to take my word for it. Just listen to the first 10 minutes of the John Carpenter/Kurt Russell movie commentary track on Shout Factory's 2019 Collector's Edition Blu-Ray disc to hear it directly from them both that Jack Burton was a useless buffoon throughout the events of the movie...
@@crossbones13 Sure but filmmakers say a lot of things. It simply not what I saw. I remember when I watched the last few seasons of Game of Thrones and at the end of every episodes the filmmakers were explaining things and it pissed people off and there was a disconnect between what they wanted to do what people felt. I think that the result should speaks for themselves. After the work is done, it belongs to the World and how people choose to view it when they got it is what matters. It was has always been weird to me to have filmmakers telling the viewers what it is. I have been watching Big Trouble many times since and I have never seen what John was saying. I think he is trying to be clever when he say that.
Victor Wong (Egg Shen) had to fly to Los Angeles to film that opening prologue right after attending the wake for his son Lyon who been assaulted and killed in Sacramento by a high school football player who yelled anti-Asian and h0m0ph0bic slurs at Lyon and his friends before running up behind Lyon as he tried to walk away and striking him in the head. The Da informed the Wong family that, because the killer was a juvenile, he would only receive a light sentence. The family asked the DA if the killing could be classified as a hate crime (because of the slurs yelled before the attack) so the killer could be tried as an adult, but the DA said it wasn't a hate crime because the killer and the victim were both minorities, and the killer ended up serving just 6 months.
An important thing to understand about this film is that Kurt Russel isn't he main character. He's the bumbling sidekick and this is a kung-fu 'swords and sorcery' legend told from that sidekick's POV.
and what makes Wang the hero and Jack the sidekick? Jack did way more than Wang did. What did Wang do outside of killing Lightening and taking out a few other guys? Jack was always the first in battle, he was the only one who tried to fight the LOD at the Airport while Wang stood there, Jack was the one who went undercover all by himself at the White Tiger while Wang stayed behind, Jack was the one who stood up to The Storms while they were being tortured, Jack also took at a large number of Wing Kong with his gun, and Jack was the one who killed Lopan which ultimately made Thunder self implode. That narrative of Jack being the sidekick is just ridiculous.
That's a shame she didn't like it. I never knew anyone who didn't love BTILC and it's one of my all-time favourite movies. But that's ok, I've had decades of love and nostalgia for it so it ain't the same for her, I get it.
This is not a movie you watch - it’s a movie you experience. This is truly John Caroenter’s magnum opus as far as I am concerned, and I love most of his movies.
Are you kidding me? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!! girl, I love u & respect your right to not like it but your crazy!😂 I dunno, maybe you gotta be an 80s kid to appreciate it.
“Egg, how’d you get up there??”
“Wasn’t easy!”
Just sums up this movie. Don’t overthink it, just roll with it. I love this movie so much.
Egg Shen the dusty old sorcerer - Lo Pan went to sorcerers private school for sure
Yes, this is definitely a movie which shouldn't be overthunk!
I got to use this once on a commercial job replaceing the industrial AC units on the roof of a Carmax, was on one of the higher sections of roof and yelled down at a coworker when he said howd you get there and i replied with wasnt easy. It made me extremely happy but then sad cuz no one else had any clue.
"If i am not back by dawn, call the president" is a quote by Snake Pliskin in Escape from New York
I love using that line.
@@atomcraft4067 Me too, and hardly anyone ever picks up on the reference
It should have been Jack Burton...
Even after 40 years, and two dozen viewings, Jack acting cool with lipstick on his face is still hilarious.
Only two dozen? You're slipping!
Jack Burton is an independent trucker in the 1980s. When you first meet him, he is on his CB Radio talking to anyone who might be listening, and he doesn't have "a smaller car." His tractor is his only transportation and his home when he is on the road.
The point you totally missed about this movie is that Kurk Russel's character (Jack Burton), although ultimately the hero of the movie, is not the main “action-star” hero ---- he's just the goofy side-kick. The real “action star” hero of the movie was his friend 'Wang Chi'. Jack Burton was Wang Chi's side-kick...lol
"Shut up Mister Burton! You were not put on this Earth to 'get it!'"
Love that line
2000 years and you can't find one broad to fit the bill?! C'mon Dave you must be doing something seriously wrong!
Are you crazy? Is that it?
"Now this really pisses me off to no end!"
"Shut up Mr. Burton! You were not brought upon this world to get it." This movie in a nutshell. Just go with it and you'll have a great time.
Big trouble in little china is an action movie where the main character is actually the comedic sidekick. Way ahead of its time.
I never agreed with the "Jack is the sidekick" theory. Jack is more like the reluctant protagonist or the unwilling narrator. At no point does Jack ever want to be the hero, he only wants to get his truck back, and get his money, and get out of town.
@@44excaliburYet, getting the truck back remains a side quest. The main plot of the story is rescuing Wang Chi's girlfriend from the villain. Jack is only the protagonist from his POV.
@@MadJustin7 But that's the point. Jack's POV is the audience's POV, and that's Jack's entire purpose in the movie, to be the eyes and ears of the audience who are just as confused as he is.
@@44excaliburThat's Carpenter's brilliance. The protagonist and the POV character are not the same person.
@@44excaliburJack is the sidekick..he's only the hero in his mind.
I’ve loved this movie since I was a kid. It’s funny because when you think about it, Jack isn’t the hero, Wang is. Jack is the sidekick who thinks he’s the hero. He’s cocky, very self confident, and a big mouth. But, you can’t help but like him and in the end he manages to kill the end boss.
Exactly! The funny part is non-Asian people who “don’t get it” because the white man suppose to be the hero and the little Asian guy is supposed to be the side-kick! 😂
and what makes Wang the hero and Jack the sidekick? Jack did way more than Wang did. What did Wang do outside of killing Lightening and taking out a few other guys? Jack was always the first in battle, he was the only one who tried to fight the LOD at the Airport while Wang stood there, Jack was the one who went undercover all by himself at the White Tiger while Wang stayed behind, Jack was the one who stood up to The Storms while they were being tortured, Jack also took at a large number of Wing Kong with his gun, and Jack was the one who killed Lopan which ultimately made Thunder self implode. That narrative of Jack being the sidekick is just ridiculous.
@@darrenobayashi6528 and what makes Wang the hero and Jack the sidekick? Jack did way more than Wang did. What did Wang do outside of killing Lightening and taking out a few other guys? Jack was always the first in battle, he was the only one who tried to fight the LOD at the Airport while Wang stood there, Jack was the one who went undercover all by himself at the White Tiger while Wang stayed behind, Jack was the one who stood up to The Storms while they were being tortured, Jack also took at a large number of Wing Kong with his gun, and Jack was the one who killed Lopan which ultimately made Thunder self implode. That narrative of Jack being the sidekick is just ridiculous.
@@retromania8269 Jack failed hilariously at virtually everything he bravely attempted to do (until the very end), while Wang did the bulk of the fighting.
@@Ranger1PresentsVirtualRealms lol that's the most absurd statement I've heard. Have you actually seen the movie? Lol. Jack did way more than Wang did. What did Wang do outside of killing Lightening and taking out a few other guys? Jack was always the first in battle, he was the only one who tried to fight the LOD at the Airport while Wang stood there, Jack was the one who went undercover all by himself at the White Tiger while Wang stayed behind, Jack was the one who stood up to The Storms while they were being tortured, Jack also took at a large number of Wing Kong with his gun, and Jack was the one who killed Lopan which ultimately made Thunder self implode. Jack might have been goofy but he accomplished 5 times the amount wang did. Not too mention Jack saved Wangs life at the airport by shoving him out of the way before he got ran over. Now what did Wang do again?
"Here's to the army and navy for the battles they've won. Here's to the Red, White and Blue whose colors never run." Wang Shi
"May the wings of Liberty never lose a feather." Jack Burton
Bars🔥🔥 This whole movie is nothing but great one liners.
TRIVIA: Russell purposely put on a John Wayne voice for his as Jack Burton role, much like he channeled Clint Eastwood in 'Escape from new York'.
It's important to note that Carpenter used known characters from Chinese mythology as the villains here, but to those of us in the West that are unfamiliar, it may seems strange.
This movie is IMMENSELY entertaining and re-watchable, and may be my favorite Carpenter film.
Wow, when this movie came out in 1986 James Hong (Lo Pan) had been acting for roughly 35 years already...and this movie is now 38 years old...and James Hong, now aged 95, is still going strong having appeared in 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' last year and currently voicing Mr. Ping in Kung Fu Panda 4. James Hong has over 500 TV and film credits, the most of any actor living or dead.
Don't forget Balls of Fury. Great flick about ping pong. It has the same feel as BTILC here.
James Hong is an absolute legend!
EEAAO was his first time to the Oscars....talk about underrated.
And the rest of us are not put on this Earth to "get it!" He was awesome in this.
Do you remember Carradine's old "Kung Fu" TV series in the '70s? I'd have to look it up on IMDB to be sure, but I could swear James Hong played about 7 or 8 different characters over the run of the series. Not a recurring character..but a *different* character every time! I actually shouted with joy when he showed up in the "Lo Pan Style" parody of the Gangnam song. Perfect example of a character actor's "..there's a script on my desk, I need to pay my bills.." attitude. Great, great man.
The biggest shock here was learning Cassie played Mortal Kombat as a kid!
There's a reason she was reminded of it. Raiden was based on the character from this movie.
@@stevensauer8539And Shang Tsung was inspired by Lo Pan.
I agree I was shocked as well
@@Doctor_Omega In the documentary "Insert Coin", they made reference to Raiden being based off Thunder from this movie.
Nooooo!
No she didn’t!
She-
THE GIRL CAN BARELY LOOK AT BLOOD SPEWING IN KILL BILL VOL 1 and you saying she played Mortal Kombat?? Yeah 😅
one of my favorite movies!!!!
I was babysitting my niece and nephew 15 years ago. " hey , I got a movie with swords, big trucks, machine guns, magic, kung fu fights, fist fights, monsters and more!!!!"
" There's no movie like that" deadpanned my 9 yo nephew ( now in the navy)....
BOOOM Big Trouble in Little China!!!!!
When my son was about 12 or so, I got up one morning and decided I'm gonna watch BTiLC. My son gets up before I'm more than 15-20 minutes in, asks what I'm watching, I tell him, he asks if he can watch it with me, I say sure and start it from the beginning.
He's enthralled almost immediately, when Egg does the lightning for the lawyer. A coworker of mine, a guy of similar age as myself who also loves BTiLC (we had talked about it many times at work) randomly texts me during the movie a selfie of him giving me the Chang Sing's little hand signal. I about died laughing.
@@jedirayden thats awesome!
@@jediraydenThere's nothing about this anecdote I didn't like.
You set him on the right path. Well done.
Important life lesson, right there!
This is one of those left field movies that you have no idea of what it was about, but you know you had a good time.
I think the biggest division on attitudes about this movie comes down to whether you think "crazy and weird" is good or bad. Also, can you have fun watching a bunch of stuff that hasn't been fully explained yet, just going with the flow, or will you write it off as confusing and stupid? I feel like this isn't a movie for so-called "normies", in the boring, straight-laced sense.
My mom would take us to the town library on rainy days and this movie was a staple rental. When you think it can't get weirder, it just takes it to another level.
Deep down, this is what guys wish every Romcom was like. 😂
Try the In-laws, original with Peter Falk or the modern with Michael Douglas. That's what a romcom should be.
In a way, you’re right. I’m not a fan of romcoms (to not say I hate them) but I like action movies where the woman gets involved in the plot. For example, True Lies.
You might like The Man From Snowy River and/or Romancing the Stone 😉
100% and I should know, I'm....a guy, so......yeah
Big Trouble in Little China is probably my favourite 80s movie, but my favourite romcom is probably Crazy, Stupid, Love.
11:45 "Women are doing this to women?!"
Oh, you sweet summer child!
Always have
I am surprised to hear that, male or female do horrible things to each other.
Yeah, may want to look at the Maxwell trial just recently. Not to mention the amount of single moms that pimped out their own daughters. Most people are generally good but the worst of us are not gender specific.
You don't think women are catty towards each other?
Wait till Diddys trial women have been Maddams or pimps for thousands of years!!
The confused look on the thumbnail is exactly what I imagined for this movie. lol
Yep, you could see this reaction coming a MILE away. Kind of the way I feel about it (the movie) to be honest. Always have.
A lot of visible uncomfortableness along the way too.
In the genre of Action/Adventure/Romance/Comedy/Horror/Kung Fu flicks, this is my favourite. The fact that he goes through the movie doing a bad John Wayne impression is just icing on the cake.
But it just works.
If you can, get your hands on the old DVD commentary with him and Carpenter. Good stuff!
This one gets quoted at work a lot. “Have you paid your dues? Yes sir, the check is in the mail!” 😂😂
This movie is batshit insane, and that's like 90% of the fun. The part you're missing, and what helps the characterization make sense, is that Jack Burton THINKS he's the hero, but he's actually the sidekick. It's Wang who's the actual hero of the movie. It's also like a who's who of Chinese character actors in Hollywood. James Hong, who plays Lo Pan, is in pretty much everything. Most recently he's best known as the voice of Po's father in the Kung Fu Panda series.
The Three Storms collectively were THE inspiration for Raiden in Mortal Kombat, but especially Lightning. Shang Tsung's appearance in the first game was inspired by Lo Pan.
Yes, this is a VERY important element of this film. Carpenter is making fun of the traditional hero by actually making what we perceive to be the “main character” actually the side kick. It’s like watching a Batman and Robin movie from Robin’s point of view. Jack is Robin. Wang is Batman in this movie. Jack thinks he is Batman. But no, Mr. Burton.
and what makes Wang the hero and Jack the sidekick? Jack did way more than Wang did. What did Wang do outside of killing Lightening and taking out a few other guys? Jack was always the first in battle, he was the only one who tried to fight the LOD at the Airport while Wang stood there, Jack was the one who went undercover all by himself at the White Tiger while Wang stayed behind, Jack was the one who stood up to The Storms while they were being tortured, Jack also took at a large number of Wing Kong with his gun, and Jack was the one who killed Lopan which ultimately made Thunder self implode. That narrative of Jack being the sidekick is just ridiculous.
Best weird movie ever made. I can rewatch it endlessly. It's a cheesy as it gets, big and bold, campy, creative, crazy, and fun.
Never forget that Jack, although the character is the one most on screen, is in fact a sidekick to Wang, who is the real hero of the story.
The central fact of Jack is that he’s a side character who thinks he’s the hero.
He's also asking a lot of questions for the audience, that almost never get answered. "What'll come out no more?!"
@@gerstelbThis is the most important thing to know about the film: If you go into it understanding that, a LOT of the characterization and WTFery makes considerably more sense. It's so bizarre and confusing because Jack HIMSELF is confused and completely out of his element no matter how much he blusters.
@@marinesinspace6253My favorite line of the movie.😂😂
Hey, dont forget about Egg!
Big Trouble in Little China, the golden child, the last dragon, and Ninja 3 the domination. My childhood memories.
Ninja 3 The Domination is a good one. Did you watch Pray For Death, with Sho Kosugi? That is one of my favorites from the 80's
Ninja 3 The Domination is a good one. Did you watch Pray For Death, with Sho Kosugi? That is one of my favorites from the 80's
havnt seen those other movies, writing them down to watch for later
@2apocalypsex I think I've watched every Sho Kosugi movie ever made. He's my absolute favorite movie ninja. What I love about pray for death is. It didn't have any magical beings, or over the top martial arts masters; as the main villain. Just an American Irish mob gangster enforcer. And he was one of the most evil villains I've seen in any movie.
@DeRockMedia those movies have a similar mystical aspect to them like Big Trouble in Little China, especially The Golden Child. After you give them a watch, type back in the comments if you liked them or not.
I think you understood it pretty well. "What did I just watch?!?" is exactly the right reaction.
youre right, i remember thinking the same as a kid but also loving it lol
One of my favorite movies ever. I knew this would be a "What are they doing? Why are they doing that? Is that legal? Who was that? I'm confused!" reaction before I even clicked on it. Not disappointed.
I find it a bit annoying so many reactors start asking "what's happening", within seconds of the film starting - just let it play out for a short while!
Actually, I am.
@@whimsofmim Whoa. She's awesome 95% of the time. This just isn't her type of humor.
@@Cheepchipsable Is it because standard Hollywood fare has Pavlovian-trained the audience to have the plot explained to them from minute #1? We live in a culture *obsessed* with breaking things into little bits of analysis so no one just lets things wash over them - right away it's "what does this mean?" I watch precious few "modern" movies anymore, as they are all about plot beats and plot points and plot reveals and plot twists - all style and action, no substance or atmosphere.
Don't feel bad if you did not understand it. It is like Loa Pan said "you were not put upon this earth to GET IT!"
To quote the GOAT, H.P. Lovecraft "Explain Nothing"....
That's so Meta, you kicked me out of the Matrix for 27 microseconds (according to the reports).
It's the perfect blend of a Western film, a classic Kung Fu film, a buddy cop film and a D&D campaign
Exactly! I saw it opening weekend on a gigantic screen and it blew me away. But . . . there were less than a dozen people there and so when I heard it had bombed at the box office I was not exactly surprised. Also : this movie keeps getting better with each decade - a perfect little flick!
@@vincelang3779 I wish I could say I saw it in the theater, but I was a young kid and we were visiting family and at dinner we were discussing two movies to go see. My uncle, a strategy gamer and unapologetic geek said that he had heard that BTiLC was AMAZING, but sadly he was outvoted and I am ashamed to say that my vote was to see Sean Connery return as James Bond in the tepid, ersatz Bond-ish Never Say Never Again.
I didn't realize the enormity of my mistake until renting this for pizza night years later and having to pick my jaw up off the floor at how much fun it was.
And Jack keeps making his saving throws and crit hits. There's only one explanation. HIS DIE ARE LOADED!!!
And the DM wanted to start a new campaign so he threw everything he could think of into the final boss battle!
And it had a trifle of John Wayne in it aswell
"Why the blue eyeshadow though?" Because Lo Pan slays, that's why
I've never seen someone so confused over such a straightforward movie. I don't recall a single person thinking it was a weird and or confusing movie when it came out.
I always get a good chuckle at Jack only carrying a phone as his "disguise" pretending he works for the phone company
I always laugh at that. 😂
Then again some you tubers went into building with ladders and got in. You be surprised.
This is what DnD players will recognise as The Bardic Knock, where the party Bard will try to get into a location or past some guards with a lie so obvious and over the top, that no one challenges it on the basis that NO ONE could be that bold as to try it.
I always thought that it was an homage to Bruce Lee's, who's character did basically the same thing in one of his movies?
Kim Cattrall is just so unbelievably pretty in this
This and in Mannequin
...But what about "Porky's"?
Didn't watch Sex in the City but she caught my eye in Star Trek VI.
She does not have green eyes in real life.
Turk 182 (1985) is where I first saw her. Yeah, she's a looker.
Couple of things about this movie. Yes, this movie is supposed to be like a cartoon. And this is the most important, Jack is not the hero of this story, but he thinks he is. And he's confused about everything. And since we the viewer are following Jack, we are also confused about everything.
And this is why its so brilliant.
Yes, and once you realise that, the entire movie clicks and becomes amazing. I had to watch it a few times to really appreciate it. This is the type of film that gets better on repeat viewings.
Thankyou! 😂
This film baffled me as a kid when it was released. And as an adult.
Well said.
The movie is subversive and satirical on so many levels: the idea is, what happens if you put a white macho action hero in a Chinese martial arts movie like Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon? The answer is that he ends up in world he can't understand and becomes the most incompetent person in the movie
The opening scene sets a tone of total, grave seriousness. Leaves the viewer unprepared for the onslaught of deadpan comedy that gets unleashed!
Probably one of my favorite movies of all time.
"You will come out no more!"
"What, huh? What'll come out no more?!"
My favorite part.
My favourite is "Everyone relax. I'm here"
Good guys walking down the street during a downpour.
Chang Sing member: "Brave man likes the feeling of nature on his face."
Egg Shen: "Wise man knows enough to get out of the rain!"
IT will come out no more
"Dyyammit..."
as a professional driver, I can confirm that driver do, in fact, like to talk into the CB to anyone who will listen. I have also driven BIG trucks down LITTLE streets many many times. Its part of the thrill of being a driver
I'm not entirely sure that Cassie knows what a CB is. No offense intended, she's just on the young side.
I used to work in receiving.
A skilled driver can drive a big truck backwards down a narrow street and make it look easy. Its a completely under-rated skill, as you of course know.
@@Ranger1PresentsVirtualRealmsConvoy would probably blow her mind.
@@johnabbottphotographyWe had a delivery dock between two buildings and I was amazed when big rig drivers could squeeze in there.
@@bretcantwell4921 I worked at a dock where they had to make a difficult backwards turn into it. Never failed to amaze me when a trucker did it on the first try.
My love for this movie is beyond words. Its impossible to accurately describe this movie, you just have to experience it.
I just said that in another comment! Before seeing yours!!
Indeed!
So true. It is a perfect movie. And perfectly fun.
That's a CB radio he's talking into. They used to be extremely common with truck drivers. He was talking to other truck drivers mainly, and whoever else had one installed in their car or had a receiver in their house.
"I thought they had to make Lo Mein drink the medicine." 😂
The scene where they're in the elevator after drinking the liquid courage cracks me up lol
"I've got a really positive attitude about this!"
@@rabbitandcrow "Is it hot in here? "
@@theluminary5324 They all got horny and some felt uncomfortable.
The ceiling-headshot is the coup de grace
*Chang Seng gang sign*
Cassie, you weren't put on this Earth to "get it".
Big Trouble In Little China is another masterclass of film making from John Carpenter. I have watched Big Trouble so many tomes I've lost count and it still makee me laugh out loud.
Miracle is a fantastic movie, arguably Kurt Russell's greatest role.
I was 14 in 1980 and remember well the Miracle on Ice. Watching the game with my dad we cheered and celebrated like we were there. The entire country felt like we played some part in it. Silly? Sure and we knew it but knowing couldn't lessen the pride of a nation.
John Carpenter's Big Trouble in Little China is a masterclass of perfect pacing. Not a single plot element is wasted, not a single line of dialogue is arbitrary, not a single scene is superfluous, not a single shot is out of place.
That breathless expository line summing up Lo Pan's whole history is hilarious...you can tell he's making fun of exposition dumps just from her delivery.
@@Corn_Pone_FlicksIt’s so good! I always have a big smile on my face throughout that whole scene🤣
Without a doubt, one of the greatest movies ever made.
@@corvuslight Agreed. I'm a bit sad it went over Cassies head, but it's not everyone's cup of tea.
*Yeah. It's apparent you don't know how to watch movies.*
While he loved the movie, John Carpenter described it as "ridiculous" and described Jack Burton as an "idiot" as he intended him to be. Kurt Russell had the character talking like a "blowhard" John Wayne. It's a screwball comedy, not a "masterclass."
"Not every movie is for every person." Truer words never spoken. I loved this movie when I first saw it in '89. I just got it.
I convinced my sister to watch it with me the following year. Her take at the end?
"That is the stupidest thing I've ever seen."
Hah, I don't think my wife is a fan either. She prefers The Goonies over this. My sister and I for some reason enjoy the flaming pile of trash that is Master of Disguise and her husband and my wife both think we're mad.
Time to disown her 😡
As someone with a deep and abiding love of this film, she's right. It is the stupidest film, in so many ways. It's an absolute train wreck. But it's a glorious train wreck of awesome.
This movie was ridiculous back when it came out and I've loved every minute of it as a kid.
For those that don't think Jack Burton was the sidekick, and Wang Chi was the leading man, you need only listen to the audio commentary with John Carpenter and Kurt Russell, where they say that was the intent of the movie, but no one got it. Kurt Russell: "I've never seen an American movie with the roles reversed like that. Where the sidekick was the leading man, and leading man was the sidekick, but didn't know it."
It's always better when the filmmakers don't explain their movies.
Russell had the big name draw but he wasn't the lead.
@@SurvivorBri But he was. The other dude didn't have as much screen time
I believe that was the intent, but it fell short. Jack Burton is no one’s sidekick. He fought/willed/charmed himself into the center role.
@@robertbouley7697 Agreed
This movie is absolute perfection. Jack Burton is the greatest side kick in movie history.
Thunder, Lightning and Rain, the THREE Storms.
It is WELL KNOWN that Lightning (James Pax) was the inspiration for Raiden (Raijin) in Mortal Kombat.
It's a simple quest story seen through the the perception of a squire who believes it's his story... The humour is excellently seeded throughout in just the right amount to keep the adventure and quest going as the main plot.
One of the all time best kids movies ever made!
No need to ask any questions just sit back and accept the crazy movie universe!
Till the era of mobile phones it was actually VERY common for truckers to have Radios, they could communicate with ANYONE who was on the same frequency.
people could have whole conversations with it over large distances.(tho limited)
People like Jack, doing what he's doing, is kinda the Precursor of Podcasts, some dude going on, telling stuff, with people listening to it (or not)
There was a guy in my area who lived on a mountain and had a powerful CB base station with a linear amplifier (illegal). He would do monologues and play records like a DJ. He even took requests! I don't think the FCC ever bothered him.
Not quite. Mobile CB has maybe a seven mile range.
@@user-gv4cx7vz8t Unless you're using a linear and/or modulator or talking skip, right?😁
I absolutely love that every single one of Jack's WTF moments was mirrored exactly by Cassie :D
Which is honestly the entire point. Jack has been dropped into this conflict completely without context and is entirely in over his head, and that's exactly what the audience is supposed to feel.
@@Ambaryerno I love that the only reason he got tangled up in this misadventure is because he was just trying to get the money from Wang
About half of the reactors who are younger who watch this don't really get it or care for it. Fair enough. It's a weird movie, but I love it. My respect for at least making it through it and giving your honest thoughts (too many reactors fake liking stuff when they really don't like it imo).
The grossness and weirdness of it comes from the horror background mixed with fantasy elements, and the campiness is all about making fun of cheesy action movies and comic book heroes.
I grew up watching it and loving it as a kid, so I always kinda just enjoyed it for what it was, but I can understand how more "normal" and "well-adjusted" people wouldn't like it... The studio at the time didn't know what to do with it either. I think they had test screenings and you can imagine the reactions were probably even more bewildered than yours because audiences back then didn't know what to make of it either.
One of the best movies ever!
Absolute classic. Wind, fire and all that kind of thing.
Kurt Russel acknowledged that it appeals to just a certain sense of humor.
I've never heard anyone say, "It's okay." I remember watching this in theaters and raving about it so much that my Dad decided to watch it on his day off. He was not a fan and was not very happy with me. There are many movies I just don't understand the appeal, but this one is genius to me.
And I can't think of anyone who would play this better than him.
I totally get the humor and the spoof, but it's not quite hilarious to me. Watched to get Cassie's take, but just as I remembered it.
@@wasgreg Agreed!
John Carpenter reveals in the extras on the dvd that it was originally supposed to be a western/chinese magic tale, but he updated it to be modern US. He also apologized to Dennis Dun (Wang Chi) for not letting him be the Star. It was supposed to be Dennis' break out movie role as an action hero. He unintentionally let Kurt Russell's Jack Burton get more attention than he was originally written for. The movie was to originally have been Wang Chi's rescue story of Mao Yin from Lo Pan with a bumbling American sidekick, Burton, along for the ride. It happened because he and Kurt had worked several films together before Big Trouble and their connection led to the focus being on Jack, not Wang.
I doubt it would be liked as much if Russell wasn't the focus. He delivers some of the best lines.
Too bad he didn't do another cut of the film and have an alternative version on home release.
Also, I'm puzzled by one thing: I AM Donald C Dunco the only. How the Heck are there 2,538 other donduncos ANYWHERE else, much less on RUclips? ***shrugs***
"We Chinese have lots of hells." -Wang Chi
I've got news for you, the box office would have been even lower with Dennis Dun as the lead.
Wang was always the hero in my eyes.
The secret to "Big Trouble in Little China" is realizing Jack is the sidekick. It's like the camera followed Robin around all the time, with Batman saving the day off-camera.
Also, this movie is just pure, don't-question-it fun. It reminds me a lot of "Ghostbusters" too, that same mix of supernatural shenanigans and dry humor. A classic that deserved better on its original release.
See, I never agreed with the "Jack is the sidekick" theory in Big Trouble in Little China. Jack Burton is more like the reluctant protagonist or the unwilling narrator. Jack doesn't want to be the hero, he only wants to get his truck back, and get his money, and get out of town. The only reason he gets involved is out of his loyalty to his friend, Wang Chi. But the only purpose Jack serves in the story is to be the eyes and ears of the audience, who are just as confused about what's going on as Jack is.
@44excalibur Not a theory. Been confirmed in an interview with Carpenter.
“He’s definitely unique, there’s no doubt about that,” Carpenter says. “Jack is a character who doesn’t know he’s a sidekick. He thinks he’s the hero of the story but he’s not. He’s a sidekick.”
@@44excaliburhe's the sidekick.
@@ASKMEABOUTMYGARDEN Jack would only be the sidekick if he actually wanted to do anything heroic, but he doesn't. He just wants his truck, his money, and then wants to leave. He's actually more of a reluctant narrator than a sidekick.
@@UrbanAnywhere I know that's what Carpenter said. The problem is that it's not consistent with Jack's behavior. A sidekick would want to join the hero in the adventures. Jack doesn't want to do anything heroic, he just wants to get his truck, his money, and get out of Dodge. Wang isn't actually revealed to be the hero until the end. Prior to that, he's just a guy trying to get his girlfriend back. Jack's more of a narrator than a sidekick, acting as the eyes and ears of the audience.
The John Carpenter music of this era is exactly what they imitated for Stranger Things. Eg the fight scene at 27:00.
“What did I even watch?!?!” That’s the exact reaction I expected from you. I did not think you would like it. Absolutely out there and completely untraditional. Not everyone’s cup of tea and that’s fine. I, for one, love its quirkiness and the insane dialogue. The characters are outrageous.
We really shook the pillars of heaven, didn't we, Wang?
"No horse shit, Jack."
This, the Thing, and Escape from NY are the best Carpenter films.
*Prince of Darkness*
I'd add They Live to that list.
Halloween.
They Live, Starman, Assault on Precinct 13.
"In the Mouth of Madness", The Fog, DARKSTAR
I showed this to my native born Chinese girlfriend. She kept giggling every time they said “White Tiger”
I asked her what was so funny - she said “white tiger” is Chinese slang for “shaved lady parts” 😂
I had watched this movie for 30+ years and never knew that. Heck, I don’t know if many other people knew either! Now you know!
And FYI - She LOVED this movie!
That made me laugh. Thank you!
this movie was one of the many inspirations for the first mortal kombat game from 1992.
It was said in discussions about this movie that the format was a kinda sneaky way to make a movie that actually had an asian lead character. Jack is the guy you see and hear but Wang is the one who gets things done. If you watch Escape From New York it’s a cool Kurt Russell movie and it will help you understand some of the one liners. I’m not saying that this movie was made on a budget but according to reviews of the movie almost two thirds of the budget was spent on the big fight scenario at the end of the movie. Just for a grin if you go to Kurt Russell on the internet the first picture looks like a slightly older version of the geek that Kurt dressed up as in the movie.
The more I watch it the more I realize Jack is a true sidekick
Jack is more like the reluctant protagonist or the unwilling narrator. At no point does Jack ever want to be the hero, he only wants to get his truck back, and get his money, and get out of town.
That was always the intention.
@@44excaliburhe's the sidekick.
The Dude just wanted his rug back.@@44excalibur
Yep it’s the best switch of the white savior trope in movies, and the fact it was written so long ago makes it very refreshing to see
Congratulations, You've just discovered one the greatest movies of our generation.
no
it's okay at best
5/10 tier
Jack's talking into a CB radio. Sort of like a walkie-talkie. Truckers used them to talk to each other, it was like a cross between a comments section and the radio. Jack was talking to whoever was listening.
Kurt's adoption of the John Wayne persona is wonderful. In the truck cab, "Who's he talking to?". He's broadcasting on CB (citizen's band) radio. Although pretty much a Trucker thing, CB was HUGE with the general public in the US during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
You know, sometimes you're not supposed to understand everything that's going on right away. Specifically in this movie the audience is MEANT to feel like a fish out of water, just like Jack. You're just along for the ride and you don't need to understand it. You can't take it too seriously either. It's absolutely nuts and you're just supposed to laugh at it.
As soon as I saw the tittle of this reaction I knew that "She is not going to appreciate this one :) For me it's awesome movie with goofy attitude. I wish Carpenter made more things like this".
thats whats sooo cool about Big Trouble in Little China...it doesnt suffer from conventional story telling. Really under rated flick
At the same time, it's easy to understand why it wasn't a box office champ.
I'm not sure I understand what you mean. It's a story as conventional as ever there was : boy loses his girl, boy goes to rescue his girl, faces dastardly villains, gets the help of a mentor figure, etc. The only difference is superficial, in that the "hero/sidekick" dynamic has been inverted for (mostly) comedic effect. This is NOT a criticism of the film; if anything it's why once you get over the inversion, the thing works perfectly.
You're trying to make sense of this chaos, and it's hilarious.
Exactly!
"Indeed!"
Can't forget about him in Tombstone as Wyatt Earp
James Hong kills it as David Lopan. Best villain ever!
This is one of those 80s gems that one picked up from the video store, then popped in in the VCR to watch the movie do movie things.
A friend worked in a video store. He would take it home every night that a copy was left on the shelves. I must have rented it at least half a dozen times.
I love it when I see that someone doesn't understand the spirit of the film, it takes on a different meaning.
fyi Lo Pan (James Hong) is the voice of Kung Fu Panda's father the duck (oops Goose;), Mr Ping.
He's a great actor with likely over 200 movie & TV credits.
He was also the host in the Chinese restaurant on "Seinfeld".
"Cartwright!"
The Evenlyn's father (Gong gong) in Everything, Everywhere, All At Once
Saw him at a comic con just last year and he came out in full Lo Pan costume and makeup. Insane!
Goose actually. Otherwise, facts!
"Where's the police?" This is San Francisco's Chinatown during the 1980s when the community policed itself for the most part.
Kurt Russel is totally underated. He should get a lifetime achievement award. He has great range, is always very believable and entertaining in every role and has great range. He has also been doing it since the early 70s.
You are over thinking it. It's just a fun, crazy, action packed fantasy romp from the 80s. You are just supposed to sit back and enjoy the crazy fever dream that is Big Troublle.
I knew it was going to end up like this, but I am glad that this exists. I like reactors taking risks and watching a wide breadth of cinema. And this is definitely... uh... cinema.
Another thing to keep in mind; this movie works on multiple levels, but sometimes the elevator buttons get stuck.
3:14 "Oh, he's who did The Thing?.....Uh-Oh!". 🤣 We love you 3000, Cassie,❤
8:14 "He flies? What is going on?" A common question in this movie.😉
Hey, Cassie. So sorry you didn't enjoy this. It's not often to have the star be the bumbling sidekick. Wang is really the hero. Did his girlfriend Miao Yin have any lines? Lo Pan, James Hong, still works when he wants to. Egg Shen gets Eddie Murphy's assistance in THE GOLDEN CHILD. Hey to Mr PIBb and the PIBblings
23:31 "You will not come out no more" always made me laugh and remember how crazy this movie is.
Shame, shame! It's not okay to dislike Big Trouble in Little China. It's a spoof on action movies and action heroes, where the guy who thinks he's the hero is actually a bumbling fool. It was all on purpose, an artistic choice. It's also my favorite Kurt Russell movie.
A matter of artistic choice, but not OK to dislike it? Who stuffed your shirt and put you in charge?
@@user-gv4cx7vz8t Someone has no concept of humor. How could you read the silly thing I wrote and not immediately know I was playing around?
@@DMichaelAtLarge I guess some humor just misses its mark.
@@user-gv4cx7vz8tThe sorry retort of a person devoid of a sense of humor.
Even missing the mark with humor still falls under the category of humor. It's the intent, not the success of the humor.
Go look in the mirror and ask yourself why you have a hard time recognizing humor, why you get so butthurt over nothing.
To help you out, this comment is NOT humor.
"Who's he talking to??" Jack Burton was podcasting before we had an internet. 😁👍
It actually makes Jack a bit out of sync & old fashioned too. CB radios were a massive thing in the 1970s but by the time this movie came out, they were uncool and a bit silly. Just one more funny quirk of Jack's character.
'Captain Ron' (1992) was another good comedy he was in. He plays a long hair 90's reggae'ish boat captain , and that's all you need to know to know you want to watch it.
If someone who hasn't seen this movie asks me to describe Big Trouble in Little China I just kinda of look at them, then say "you're just gonna have to watch it..."
You should complete the John Carpenter/Kurt Russel trilogy with Escape from New York. It is fantastic.
I think it might be a bit too grim and gritty for her. But it would be an interesting reaction.
I don't think she would like that either. It's very much a guys movie.
"I don't understand the creatures. They were from the underworld but you could get to the underworld by just like going down an elevator in Chinatown."
I've never seen a person so confused by an elevator and the reality of the movie's setting that these magical creatures inhabit the real world. Also, I love how the last scene scared the crap out of her. That brought a smile to my face...
It was good to see that she couldn't understand why she didn't like Jack Burton and realized he was pretty much useless in the entire conflict (except for killing Lo Pan after he became flesh). I can see the obvious multiple reasons why she didn't comprehend that it was John Carpenter's intent to make Jack Burton, the visual epitome of a "leading man" hero character, into a glorified bystander with an inflated ego full of bluster while the minority "background" characters accomplished the vast majority of the tasks required to defeat the antagonists.
At least she is in good company. The studio also didn't understand the character, which is why they made Carpenter put in that scene in the office.
@@hanng1242 I wouldn't exactly call studio executives "good" company...
I always rejected that idea and I don't buy it. He is very much the hero of the movie, he is kicking ass plenty of times and he beats the bad guy at the end.
@@johnnyskinwalker4095 Well, you don't have to take my word for it. Just listen to the first 10 minutes of the John Carpenter/Kurt Russell movie commentary track on Shout Factory's 2019 Collector's Edition Blu-Ray disc to hear it directly from them both that Jack Burton was a useless buffoon throughout the events of the movie...
@@crossbones13 Sure but filmmakers say a lot of things. It simply not what I saw. I remember when I watched the last few seasons of Game of Thrones and at the end of every episodes the filmmakers were explaining things and it pissed people off and there was a disconnect between what they wanted to do what people felt.
I think that the result should speaks for themselves. After the work is done, it belongs to the World and how people choose to view it when they got it is what matters. It was has always been weird to me to have filmmakers telling the viewers what it is. I have been watching Big Trouble many times since and I have never seen what John was saying. I think he is trying to be clever when he say that.
Victor Wong (Egg Shen) had to fly to Los Angeles to film that opening prologue right after attending the wake for his son Lyon who been assaulted and killed in Sacramento by a high school football player who yelled anti-Asian and h0m0ph0bic slurs at Lyon and his friends before running up behind Lyon as he tried to walk away and striking him in the head. The Da informed the Wong family that, because the killer was a juvenile, he would only receive a light sentence. The family asked the DA if the killing could be classified as a hate crime (because of the slurs yelled before the attack) so the killer could be tried as an adult, but the DA said it wasn't a hate crime because the killer and the victim were both minorities, and the killer ended up serving just 6 months.
That's more horrible than the monsters in the movie.
That DA's reasoning is disgusting and racist in itself. Inferring that minorities are incapable of being racist.
Of all the questions you had with this movie Cassie, I think the one that made me laugh hardest was the one about Lo Pan... "Why the blue eye shadow?"
An important thing to understand about this film is that Kurt Russel isn't he main character. He's the bumbling sidekick and this is a kung-fu 'swords and sorcery' legend told from that sidekick's POV.
and what makes Wang the hero and Jack the sidekick? Jack did way more than Wang did. What did Wang do outside of killing Lightening and taking out a few other guys? Jack was always the first in battle, he was the only one who tried to fight the LOD at the Airport while Wang stood there, Jack was the one who went undercover all by himself at the White Tiger while Wang stayed behind, Jack was the one who stood up to The Storms while they were being tortured, Jack also took at a large number of Wing Kong with his gun, and Jack was the one who killed Lopan which ultimately made Thunder self implode. That narrative of Jack being the sidekick is just ridiculous.
IT'S A WICKED SEND UP OF EVERY LOW BUDGET KUNG FU ACTION FLICK WHILE HE DOES A RIDICULOUS IMPERSONATION OF JOHN WAYNE. HILARIOUS
That's a shame she didn't like it. I never knew anyone who didn't love BTILC and it's one of my all-time favourite movies. But that's ok, I've had decades of love and nostalgia for it so it ain't the same for her, I get it.
This is not a movie you watch - it’s a movie you experience. This is truly John Caroenter’s magnum opus as far as I am concerned, and I love most of his movies.
We'll have to agree to disagree on his Magnum Opus. It was The Thing, but your opinion is right for you and I respect that.
@@dondunco2538 I absolutely love The Thing, don’t get me wrong, and if it weren’t for BTILC, I could agree with you. :)
Are you kidding me? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!! girl, I love u & respect your right to not like it but your crazy!😂 I dunno, maybe you gotta be an 80s kid to appreciate it.
You are taking this movie too seriously, Its a comedy with a lot of one liners and an incredible story line based on the impossible.