Big Trouble

Big Trouble

Year: 1986

Runtime: 93 min

Language: English

Director: John Cassavetes

Comedy

In this hilarious caper, struggling insurance salesman Leonard Hoffman finds himself entangled in a scheme concocted by the manipulative Blanche Rickey to solve their financial woes. As they navigate a web of deceit and desperation, their paths converge in a wildly entertaining tale of big trouble and bigger laughs.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Big Trouble yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Big Trouble (1986)
Trace every key event in Big Trouble (1986) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Airport Kidnapping

Truck driver Jack Burton and his friend Wang Chi arrive at San Francisco International Airport to pick up Wang's fiancée, Miao Yin. However, their plans take a dark turn when a Chinese street gang, known as the Lords of Death, kidnaps Miao Yin, taking her deep into Chinatown with the intention of selling her as a sex slave.

San Francisco International Airport
2

Chinatown Gang Battle

Jack and Wang pursue the Lords of Death into the shadowy alleys of Chinatown, where they stumble into a violent gang battle. The Chang Sing gang are in the midst of a funeral procession when they are attacked by the Wing Kong gang, resulting in a fierce and chaotic confrontation.

Chinatown
3

Encounter with Lo Pan

In the midst of the chaos, Jack inadvertently runs over the Wing Kong's leader, the sorcerer Lo Pan, but he remains unharmed. Jack is temporarily blinded by Lo Pan's glowing eyes, leaving him vulnerable, and Wang steps in to assist his friend amidst the unfolding turmoil.

Chinatown
4

The Dragon of the Black Pool

After their truck is stolen by the Lords of Death, Wang takes Jack to his family-owned restaurant, 'The Dragon of the Black Pool'. Here, they meet Gracie Law, a lawyer, along with their friends Eddie Lee and Egg Shen, who concoct a daring plan to infiltrate the brothel where Miao Yin is believed to be held captive.

The Dragon of the Black Pool Restaurant
5

Infiltration of the Brothel

Disguised and determined, Jack enters the brothel to gather information and search for Miao Yin. However, chaos ensues when the Three Storms - powerful magicians working for Lo Pan - break into the brothel, distracting Jack and causing Miao Yin to be taken once again.

Brothel in Chinatown
6

The Wing Kong Exchange

Back at Gracie's apartment, the group learns that Miao Yin has been taken to the Wing Kong Exchange. With Wang's help, Jack bravely infiltrates this sinister establishment, but they quickly find themselves trapped in a lift that begins to fill with water, heightening their sense of danger.

The Wing Kong Exchange
7

Meeting Lo Pan

Jack and Wang are brought before Lo Pan, who appears as a frail elderly man. He reveals his twisted intentions for Miao Yin, claiming she is safer with him than anywhere else, revealing his malevolent plan to marry her in order to lift a 2,000-year-old curse placed upon him.

Lo Pan's lair
8

Breaking Free

Wang and Jack manage to escape from their restraints despite being taken back to their cell. In a desperate attempt to rescue the imprisoned girls, they put on a ruse to regain control of the situation, leading to a set of daring and chaotic events where Jack aims to save his friends.

Lo Pan's lair
9

Gracie's Capture

As the heroes break free, Gracie is captured by one of Lo Pan's monstrous creatures and taken to him. In a shocking twist, both Gracie and Miao Yin are forced to wield a weapon called 'The Burning Blade', as Lo Pan prepares for a twisted ceremony to marry both women.

Lo Pan's lair
10

Epic Showdown

When the battle commences, Jack tries to join the fight but is knocked out by falling debris, leaving Wang to duel Rain in a breathtaking sword fight. Meanwhile, Jack tries to confront Lo Pan directly and throws a knife at him which becomes pivotal in their clash against the dark sorcerer.

Lo Pan's ceremony site
11

Thunder's Downfall

In a desperate turn of events, the enraged Thunder, unable to protect his master Lo Pan, begins to inflate uncontrollably due to his shame, ultimately exploding in a dramatic conclusion. This moment highlights the chaos and turmoil surrounding Lo Pan's malevolent plans.

Lo Pan's lair
12

Narrow Escape

As Lightning attempts to trap Jack, Wang, Gracie, and Miao Yin in a collapsing corridor, Egg Shen cleverly intervenes, providing a rope for them to escape. In a show of courage, Egg throws down a heavy statue, crushing Lightning and ensuring their getaway.

Lo Pan's lair
13

Return to Safety

With Lo Pan defeated and his dark influence dissipated, Jack and his friends flee back to 'The Dragon of the Black Pool'. The brewing friendship among the characters strengthens as they celebrate their victory over the supernatural evil that had threatened them.

The Dragon of the Black Pool Restaurant
14

A New Journey

As the dust settles, Egg Shen decides to take a vacation, hinting at the need for self-care after such a harrowing ordeal. Jack, ready to hit the open road once more, unknowingly carries with him a stowaway, one of the remaining creatures, setting the stage for further adventures ahead.

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:36

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