Like most films that are far ahead of their time, Big Trouble In Little China was critically panned, ignored by audiences, and collected dust on video store shelves for years. But then, around the mid-90's, a funny thing happened. "Hong Kong" cinema, postmodern sensibilities, Eastern philosophies and martial arts become "cool." Suddenly, lo and behold, fans and critics alike began to rediscover Big Trouble In Little China, and what what seemed dumb, odd or just plain inexplicable back in 1986 was now suddenly brilliant. I thoroughly believe that if Big Trouble In Little China was released today, in our post-Matrix and Crouching Tiger world, it would be a huge hit.
Though marketed at the time as a rousing big-budget adventure starring he-man Kurt Russell, he's actually cast against type here as a goofy, reluctant action hero. The plot is rather wacky, so I won't try to explain it. In fact, it shouldn't be explained, because plots of movies like this aren't really supposed to matter anyway. Russell finds himself thrust into the underground of Asian mysticism (think Chinatown crossed with Jackie Chan and Mr. Wizard's World), and with the aide of a trusty sidekick, must rescue the beautiful Kim Cattrall from the clutches of an evil Asian sorcerer. Yes, this movie is not deep. If features lots of guys running around with lampshades on their head, shooting electricity out of their fingers. The film is also filled with way-ahead-of-its-time kung fu action, and if you find yourself saying "Hey, that reminds me of The Matrix!" just remember that Big Trouble did it first. Sadly, Carpenter's foresight of the coming influence of Asian culture and tradition on American cinema continues to go by largely underappreciated.
So, what was it about Big Trouble that initially left audiences disinterested? Perhaps the film was just a tough sell back in 1986? Perhaps fans expected a more macho Kurt Russell and were disappointed? Who knows? But what I love about Big Trouble is how sweet and good-natured it is. Unlike so many recent chop-socky efforts, or (heaven help us) the XFL, the film does not revel in pain, sadism or torture. It isn't really even really cartoon violence, but more pure visceral action and adventure. Russell is very funny, even wimpy, and all the actors just seem to be having a grand old time. It is hard not to love the infectious spirit of Big Trouble In Little China, one of the genuine sleepers of the 80's. If you've never seen it, don't let it pass you by on DVD. Or I'll personally come over to your house and kick your ass.
