Gung Ho

Gung Ho

Year: 1986

Runtime: 111 min

Language: English

Director: Ron Howard

DramaComedy

When an American auto plant faces closure, a Japanese company takes over, implementing new and innovative management styles. Factory worker Hunt Stevenson finds himself caught between his colleagues’ skepticism and the unfamiliar corporate culture. He must learn to adapt and bridge the gap between American work ethic and Japanese business practices to save the plant and the jobs of everyone involved.

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Timeline – Gung Ho (1986)

Trace every key event in Gung Ho (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

Factory Closure

The automobile factory in rural Pennsylvania remains shut down for an astonishing nine months due to an economic downturn. The local community faces significant hardships as families rely on the factory for their livelihoods.

Pennsylvania
2

Acquisition by Assan Motors

A glimmer of hope arises when a Japanese corporation, Assan Motors, acquires the factory. However, the company requires convincing from local stakeholders to resume operations, creating a crucial opportunity for intervention.

Pennsylvania
3

Hunt's Journey to Japan

Hunt Stevenson, portrayed by Michael Keaton, travels to Japan to present a compelling case to Assan's management. His efforts are vital in persuading the Japanese executives to consider reopening the factory and investing in the community.

Japan
4

Factory Reopening

The Assan Motors team travels to America, leading to the reopening of the factory. Despite the celebration, workers are dismayed to discover that their wages will be significantly lower than what they had previously earned.

Pennsylvania
5

Cultural Clash

As operations commence, a profound culture clash emerges between the American workers and Japanese management. The management's strict regimens and high productivity expectations quickly frustrate the local workforce, leading to increased tension.

Pennsylvania
6

Unpaid Overtime

Unpaid overtime becomes the norm under the new management, as the focus on output intensifies. Workers feel the pressures mount as their well-being is overshadowed by the management's relentless pursuit of productivity.

Pennsylvania
7

Baseball Game Incident

During a company baseball game meant to foster team spirit, tensions escalate markedly. A contentious incident culminates in a worker intentionally colliding with a Japanese manager, highlighting the growing divide between the two cultures.

Pennsylvania
8

Production Ultimatum

As the labor situation becomes increasingly fraught, Japanese management threatens to close the factory unless Hunt can ensure the production of 15,000 automobiles in a month. This ultimatum sets the stakes sky-high, pushing everyone to the limit.

Pennsylvania
9

Workers' Skepticism

Hunt shares the ultimatum with the workers, but they respond with skepticism about reaching such a lofty goal. In an attempt to reassure them, he falsely claims a smaller raise would take effect if they produce 13,000 vehicles instead.

Pennsylvania
10

Commitment to the Goal

Reluctantly, the workforce agrees to strive for the ambitious 15,000 production goal. However, as they face grueling hours and numerous challenges, doubts begin to creep in regarding the feasibility of this target.

Pennsylvania
11

Decision to Protest

After reaching the 13,000 vehicle threshold, discontent and frustration compel the workers to protest against management. Hunt finds himself torn between his commitments and the growing anger of his fellow workers.

Pennsylvania
12

Hunt's Crisis

Facing potential factory closure and the wrath of the community, Hunt reveals that he oversold their capabilities to management. The pressure mounts as his reputation drastically shifts from that of a hero to a scapegoat.

Pennsylvania
13

Team Unity

In the face of mounting challenges, the American workers rally to address differences with the Japanese management before a key factory inspection. This newfound unity helps bridge cultural divides and enhance collaboration.

Pennsylvania
14

Successful Inspection

During the Japanese executive's factory inspection, the focus shifts from output to the spirit of collaboration. The executive is pleasantly surprised by the cooperation displayed between the American and Japanese teams.

Pennsylvania
15

New Agreement Formed

Following consultations, management agrees to ease their stringent standards while committing to raise wages. The workers, in turn, show willingness to comply with expectations, setting a positive trajectory for future operations.

Pennsylvania

Last Updated: October 28, 2024 at 17:40

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Gung Ho Summary

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