The film also draws heavily on classic Japanese and Chinese cinema, but much more of a respectful homage than a send up or rip off like some films become when they look to the past for ideas.Ī common problem during filming was interference from the studio bosses, and this was an issue that hampered the film long after cameras finished rolling. Of course, there is a climactic battle scene, which really is a fantastic set piece, played in equal measures for thrills and laughs. As the pair get pulled deeper into the mystical world inhabited by the evil sorcerer and his three elemental bodyguards, the greater the action and fantasy elements become.
#GOING POSTAL MOVIE DIRECTOR FREE#
Russell’s character is (at first) unwillingly drawn into the plot when his friend (who owes him money after a night of gambling) witnesses his fiancé get kidnapped by some thugs and needs help to free her. The storyline delves deeply into Chinese culture and mysticism, with the central theme being about an ancient evil sorcerer attempting to break a 2000 year old curse, set to the backdrop of an ongoing gang feud between two rival factions on the streets of modern day San Francisco. The film takes place in and around San Francisco’s China Town, with a lot of familiar faces in minor roles, and any Hong Kong martial arts film fans are sure to see at least a few people they recognise. Starring long time Carpenter collaborator Kurt Russell as the ‘hero’ Jack Burton, with excellent support from newcomer Dennis Dun as restaurant owner (and expert martial artist) Wang Chi, the gorgeous Kim Cattrall as the feisty civil rights Lawyer Gracie Law, and a wonderfully over the top turn by the always good James Hong as the dastardly David Lo Pan. The film combined elements of action, comedy, fantasy and horror into a really entertaining classic adventure story, where good triumphs over evil and everybody lives happily ever after (well sort of). It was a bit of a departure for Carpenter, having been known for his tense thrillers and classic horror pictures. However, the film gained cult status in the years that followed, eventually earning its money back through video and DVD sales, and was so successful in the end that a sequel was proposed, with a rough script drafted, but sadly the idea never went any further. Made for a not inconsiderable $25,000,000 in 1986, it failed miserably at the box office, recouping less than half of the total outlay worldwide.
This wont be a particularly impartial review, as I would count Big Trouble in Little China as one of my all time top ten favourite films. A genuine talent when it comes to the cinematic arts, he has not only directed over 30 features, he has also written, composed, produced and acted in many more. His earlier films were generally low budget affairs, relying on young fresh acting talent, and good use of limited special effects along with his signature eerie electronic musical scores, in fact he seemed to produce less favourable movies when big studios started throwing lots money at him. He is undeniably one of the masters of the horror genre, having pioneered the slasher flick, and made one of the best early science fiction/horror films (the Thing). For every Halloween and Escape from New York, there is a Ghosts of Mars and a Village of the Damned. “Big Trouble in Little China” by warpafx is licensed under CC BY 2.0Īs a director, John Carpenter is very much hit and miss when it comes to critical acclaim and box office success.
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