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Big Trouble in Little China

Big Trouble in Little China is a 1986 American fantasy action-comedy film directed by John Carpenter and starring Kurt Russell, Kim Cattrall, Dennis Dun, and James Hong.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Big Trouble in Little China is a 1986 American fantasy action-comedy film directed by John Carpenter. It stars Kurt Russell, Kim Cattrall, Dennis Dun, and James Hong. The story follows truck driver Jack Burton as he enters a supernatural underworld beneath San Francisco’s Chinatown to rescue a kidnapped woman and confront the sorcerer Lo Pan.

Plot

The film follows Jack Burton and his friend Wang Chi as they attempt to rescue Wang’s kidnapped fiancée from Lo Pan and his followers. Their search leads them into a hidden supernatural world beneath San Francisco’s Chinatown.

Production

Big Trouble in Little China was directed by John Carpenter and written by Gary Goldman, David Weinstein, and W.D. Richter. It was produced by Larry J. Franco and released by 20th Century Fox.

Reception and legacy

The film was not a major box-office success on release, but it later developed a strong cult following. It is widely remembered for its action-comedy tone, special effects, and distinctive blend of Western and Chinese-inspired fantasy imagery.

Cultural significance

The film is often cited as an influential genre mix that helped define a particular style of action-fantasy comedy. It has remained popular with audiences and is frequently referenced in discussions of cult cinema.

Key facts

  • The film was released in 1986 and has become a cult classic.
  • It centers on Jack Burton, a truck driver who becomes involved in a battle with supernatural forces in Chinatown.
  • James Hong plays David Lo Pan, the ancient sorcerer who drives the plot.
  • The film combines martial arts, fantasy, horror elements, and comedy.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of film is Big Trouble in Little China?
It is a 1986 American action-comedy fantasy film with martial arts and supernatural elements.
Who directed Big Trouble in Little China?
The film was directed by John Carpenter.
Who stars in the film?
The main cast includes Kurt Russell, Kim Cattrall, Dennis Dun, and James Hong.
What is the film about?
It follows truck driver Jack Burton as he helps rescue a kidnapped woman and confronts an ancient sorcerer beneath Chinatown.
Is Big Trouble in Little China considered a cult film?
Yes. It gained a strong cult following after its release.

References

  1. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/big_trouble_in_little_china
    Supports: Director, cast, distributor, genre, release year, runtime, and basic film details.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090728/
    Supports: Plot summary, cast, and setting in San Francisco's Chinatown.
  3. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/big-trouble-in-little-china-1986
    Supports: Critical description of the premise, characters, and supernatural setting.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Trouble_in_Little_China
    Supports: General overview, cast, release year, and plot summary.