Big Trouble

Big Trouble

Year: 1986

Runtime: 93 min

Language: English

Director: John Cassavetes

Comedy

Leonard Hoffman, a down-on-his-luck insurance salesman, becomes involved with the cunning Blanche Rickey in a risky plan to alleviate their financial difficulties. Their scheme quickly spirals into a chaotic situation filled with deception and unexpected twists. As they attempt to navigate the complicated web they're caught in, they find themselves facing increasingly absurd and hilarious challenges, leading to a wildly entertaining story of misadventure.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Big Trouble (1986)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Big Trouble (1986). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film's events take place in contemporary times, reflecting the 1980s urban environment. This period is marked by the blending of diverse cultures in cities like San Francisco, showcasing the challenges and dynamics of immigrant communities.

Location

Chinatown, San Francisco

Chinatown in San Francisco is the oldest and one of the largest Chinatowns outside of Asia, known for its vibrant culture, markets, and traditional foods. The area showcases a rich tapestry of Chinese heritage and offers a unique blend of history and modernity. It's a bustling locale that serves as a backdrop for the thrilling events in 'Big Trouble'.

🏙️ City 🇺🇸 USA

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:08

Main Characters – Big Trouble (1986)

Meet the key characters of Big Trouble (1986), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jack Burton (Kurt Russell)

Jack Burton is a brash and confident truck driver who finds himself unwittingly drawn into a supernatural battle. Despite his tough exterior, he shows moments of vulnerability and humor throughout his escapades. Jack's adventurous spirit and unwavering loyalty to his friends propel the story forward.

🚚 Truck Driver 😎 Hero 🦸 Adventure-Seeker

Wang Chi (Dennis Dun)

Wang Chi is a resourceful and brave martial artist, deeply invested in rescuing his fiancée, Miao Yin. His determination and knowledge of Chinese culture help guide Jack through the intricacies of Chinatown. Wang's character showcases loyalty, bravery, and a profound connection to his heritage.

🥋 Martial Artist 💖 Loyal 🌟 Resourceful

Lo Pan (James Hong)

Lo Pan is the film's main antagonist, a sorcerer cursed to remain in a ghostly form until he can marry a special girl. His character embodies the conflict between ancient powers and modern protagonists. Lo Pan's sinister charm and magical prowess make him a compelling villain in the story.

🧙‍♂️ Sorcerer 😈 Villain 🔮 Cursed

Gracie Law (Kim Cattrall)

Gracie Law is a smart and assertive lawyer who teams up with Jack and Wang in their quest. She represents the force of justice and independence, often standing her ground in the face of danger. Gracie's character adds depth to the narrative, showcasing resilience and sharp wit.

👩‍⚖️ Lawyer 💪 Strong-willed 🧠 Intelligent

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:08

Major Themes – Big Trouble (1986)

Explore the central themes of Big Trouble (1986), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Adventure

The film embodies the spirit of adventure, as the characters navigate the dangerous underworld of Chinatown. The quest to rescue Miao Yin draws them into an exhilarating journey filled with supernatural challenges and thrilling confrontations. Themes of camaraderie and bravery shine through as they face formidable enemies.

👹 Supernatural

Supernatural elements play a pivotal role, with powerful magicians and mythical creatures influencing the course of the story. The character of Lo Pan embodies ancient curses and mystical powers, elevating the conflicts beyond mere physical confrontations. This theme intertwines with folklore and legend, enriching the narrative landscape.

⚖️ Justice

The quest for justice drives the characters' actions, as they aim to thwart Lo Pan's malicious plans and save Miao Yin. The film highlights the struggle against corrupt forces and the importance of standing up for what is right. It emphasizes the characters' moral dilemmas amidst chaos and conflict.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:08

Unlock the Full Story of Big Trouble

Don't stop at just watching — explore Big Trouble in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Big Trouble is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Big Trouble Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Big Trouble, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Big Trouble Summary

Big Trouble Timeline

Track the full timeline of Big Trouble with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Big Trouble Timeline

More About Big Trouble

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Big Trouble: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Big Trouble

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