The Big Brawl (1980)
August 18, 1980Release Date
Plot.
Where to Watch.
Currently The Big Brawl is available for streaming online, rent, buy or watch for free on: Tubi TV, Plex, Amazon Video, fuboTV, Crackle, The Roku Channel, Freevee, Shout! Factory TV, Plex Player
Streaming in:🇺🇸 United States
Cast & Crew.
Media.
Details.
Release DateAugust 18, 1980
StatusReleased
Running Time1h 35m
Content RatingR
Budget$6,000,000
Box Office$8,527,743
Genres
Wiki.
The Big Brawl (Chinese: 殺手壕, also released as Battle Creek Brawl) is a 1980 martial arts action comedy film, which marked Jackie Chan's first attempt to break into the American movie Hollywood market. A joint Hong Kong and American co-production, it was directed by American filmmaker Robert Clouse and featured much of the crew from Enter the Dragon (1973). The film co-stars Mako, Kristine DeBell and José Ferrer.
The film is set primarily in Chicago, Illinois in the 1930s (although it was shot in Texas) and follows Chan's character, a Chinese American martial artist, as he single-handedly takes on the Mafia.
While a moderate success in North America and Hong Kong, The Big Brawl was a box office disappointment as it performed below expectations in these markets, though it went on to have more success in other Asian and European markets. The film's disappointing performance in North America, however, led to Chan being advised to try supporting roles such as the Chinese racing car driver in The Cannonball Run. Chan later made another attempt to break into the American market with 1985's The Protector, which performed worse than this film. It was not until 1995 with Rumble in the Bronx that a Chan film showcasing his signature humor and stunt-work was a major hit in American theaters.