You know, opinions are opinions and no-one is right and no-one is wrong but if you don’t like Big Trouble in Little China then you are dead to us. John Carpenter’s majestic masterpiece is so full of good moments that making a list like this is pointless.
It’s the number one movie that whenever it is on TV, we have to watch it to the end no matter which point we came in at. It’s full of great action, sharp humour and some magnificent individual performances. It’s also THE BEST FILM EVER MADE. Here’s why.
1. “Son of a bitch must pay”
How’s that for a fucking line? Kurt Russell’s portrayal of a typical tough guy is full of phony toughness and played as a parody but when he says lines like that, you have to believe!
2. Dennis Dunn. The little fella never practiced martial arts before taking the role of Wang. However, you wouldn’t know as he kicks and flips his way through the baddies. The martial arts action in this movie is spot on and before Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon came along and blew the illusion with all its overblown wire work, the action here was mindblowing.
3. David Lopan. The eight foot tall truck-chickening demon is truly badass with his ability to shoot light out of his gob but his best moment is in his elderly form when he takes the piss out of a recently-captured Kim Cattrall.
4. The Three Storms. Oh man…. all of them are badass. Especially Lightning who went on to influence Lord Raiden in the Mortal Kombat games. The electricity effects on that guy still look amazing. We’re not sure how useful Thunder’s special ability is though.
5. “Have you paid your dues, Jack?”
YES SIR, THE CHEQUE IS IN THE MAIL.
6. Jack’s face when he has to jump into the hole. Afraid?
7. The scene in the lift.
Jack Burton: Feel pretty good. I’m not, uh, I’m not scared at all. I just feel kind of… feel kind of invincible.
Wang Chi: Me, too. I got a very positive attitude about this.
Jack Burton: Good, me too.
Wang Chi: Yeah!
[pause]
Jack Burton: Is it getting hot in here, or is it just me?
8. The Chang Sing. Do the hand signal to someone who grew up in the ’80s. If they look at you funny, they aren’t worth knowing. Or they are Wing Kong and need hitting with machetes.
9. “Who are these people? Friends of yours, huh? Now this really pisses me off to no end!”
Lopan again. Amazing.
10. Like I told my ex-wife, I never drive faster than I can see. And besides, it’s all in the reflexes.
There we have it. You may not agree it’s the best movie ever but it’s the best kung fu, romantic comedy, ghost story mash up ever. That’s for damn sure. John Carpenter at his very best!
16 thoughts on “Ten reasons why Big Trouble in Little China is the best film ever made.”
Nicely done young Richard. I like the nod to- what Kurt Russell called- “the drugs lift” where everyone but Egg Shen looks stoned as a bastard.
Six demon bag.
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BTILC is one of my all time favorite movies and mostly perfect.
My favorites are Jack’s bad fighting. Jackie Chan’s VERY brief cameo (is it a cameo when you’re an unknown extra?) . Thunder’s bad English.
Any scene with Kim Catrall. She’s plucky and gorgeous. Jacks moccasin boots (will never catch on).
Lopan’s sudden demise.
What a great movie.. I need to dig out that dvd and watch the *&%$ out of it.
Thanks for a great blog, mate.
Thanks buddy!
Best line:
Wang: It’s just myths and legends, Jack; I didn’t want to insult your intelligence.
Jack: Go ahead Wang, insult me!
What the hell is Gracie Law doing here?
The part where Jack fires his gun in the air and a chunk of ceiling falls down and knocks him out was always my favourite part.
“You know what ol Jack Burton would say at a time like this…”
Lopan: “who?”
“Jack Burton!!! Me!!… ol Jack Burton would say…” looks at Wang as he flips into the room “what the hell….”
Greatest movie ever is a stretch! But it always makes my top 10. Bring back Kurt for the sequel and not a Rock redo. Stop the madness and leave the Jon carpenter classics alone!!! And don’t get me started about The Thing prequel. Best horror movie ever made and then that insult comes along. Great list BTW
Please tell me tell me what kind of
Weapon that Thunder use in the movie Big Trouble in Little China?
“Shut up Mr Burton! You were not brought upon this world to get it!” Greatest movie of all time!!!
The reason why Big Trouble in Little China is the best movie ever made is the scene at right about the End when Margo asks Jack, “God, aren’t you gonna even kiss her goodbye?” And the camera shows us Grace looking all Chinatown sultry and Jack simply answers, “nope.”
Best Movie Ever.
“We really shook the Pillars of Heaven”
Chinese have alot of hells