Big Trouble in Little China (M) PRESENTED IN 35MM FILM

Big Trouble in Little China (M, 1986) 40th Anniversary Presented in 35mm Film by The Revival House Perth

Truck driver Jack Burton (Kurt Russell) is a confident, talkative man who believes he can talk or fight his way out of any situation. When his friend Wang Chi (Dennis Dun) asks for help rescuing his fiancée Miao Yin (Suzee Pai) from kidnappers in San Francisco's Chinatown, Jack agrees without fully understanding what he's getting into. What begins as a simple rescue mission plunges Jack and Wang into a supernatural underworld ruled by the ancient sorcerer David Lo Pan (James Hong), an immortal being who needs to marry a green-eyed woman to break his curse and reclaim his physical form. As Jack stumbles through kung fu battles, encounters with secret societies, and magical confrontations far beyond his comprehension, he discovers that the world contains far more mystery and danger than his straightforward American sensibility can process. With help from the tough, capable Gracie Law (Kim Cattrall), a Chinese-American lawyer, Jack must navigate this hidden realm and stop Lo Pan's sinister plans.

Director John Carpenter crafts a wildly entertaining action-comedy that celebrates the fish-out-of-water hero who survives through charm and determination rather than competence. Kurt Russell's performance is perfectly calibrated—Jack is supremely confident in his own abilities while remaining completely out of his depth, creating comedy through the contrast between his bravado and his actual incompetence. The film's action sequences blend Carpenter's kinetic direction with innovative special effects, from sword-wielding monsters to magical battles that defy physics. James Hong delivers a delightfully theatrical performance as David Lo Pan, playing the villain with gleeful menace and surprising charm. The supporting cast—including Dennis Dun as the earnest Wang Chi and Kim Cattrall as the resourceful Gracie—brings personality to their roles. Alan Howarth and John Carpenter's synth-heavy score adds to the film's campy, B-movie charm while the Chinatown setting provides exotic visual texture.

Original format and audio experience of this film faithfully reproduced by The Revival House. Presented in 35mm film unless noted otherwise.

When: Friday, August 14th at 7:20PM
Where: The Revival House at the Como Theatre
Rating: M (The content is moderate in impact)