The Big Brawl 1980
"Where the only rule is to stay alive."
Jackie Chan headlines this high-energy martial arts romp set against the neon-lit streets of 1980s Chicago, where a scrappy Asian-American fighter is dragged into a shadowy underground tournament of brutal street battles.
Director: Robert Clouse
Cast
Jackie Chan
Jerry Kwan
Mako
Herbert
Kristine DeBell
Nancy
José Ferrer
Dominici
Rosalind Chao
Mae
Chao-Li Chi
Kwan
H.B. Haggerty
Kiss
Ron Max
Leggetti
David Sheiner
Morgan
Lenny Montana
John
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Big Brawl (1980) about?
The film follows a young Asian-American martial artist who gets pulled into a high-stakes, illegal street-fighting tournament where the rules are nonexistent and the stakes are life or death. Forced to participate against his will, he must navigate brutal opponents, shady organizers, and his own limits to come out on top.
Who directed The Big Brawl?
Robert Clouse, the filmmaker behind the legendary *Enter the Dragon*, helmed *The Big Brawl* (1980), bringing a mix of grit and humor to this early Jackie Chan showcase.
Who stars in The Big Brawl?
The film stars Jackie Chan in the lead role, alongside Mako as a cunning mentor, Kristine DeBell as the love interest, José Ferrer as the sinister tournament organizer, and Rosalind Chao in a key supporting part.
Is The Big Brawl (1980) worth watching?
While it doesn't boast the polish of Chan's later films, *The Big Brawl* (1980) is a cult favorite for its raw energy, inventive fight scenes, and early glimpse of Chan's charisma. Fans of 1980s martial arts cinema will find plenty to enjoy.
How long is The Big Brawl?
The movie runs for 95 minutes, offering a tight, action-packed runtime perfect for a single viewing session.
🎥 Trailer
About The Big Brawl (1980) — Jackie Chan's Early Martial Arts Classic Explored
Jackie Chan headlines this high-energy martial arts romp set against the neon-lit streets of 1980s Chicago, where a scrappy Asian-American fighter is dragged into a shadowy underground tournament of brutal street battles.
Robert Clouse, the director behind the iconic Bruce Lee classic *Enter the Dragon*, crafts a film that blends lightning-fast combat with slapstick humor, capturing the raw spirit of early martial arts cinema. At its core, *The Big Brawl (1980)* explores themes of justice, underdog triumph, and the blurred line between sport and survival, all wrapped in a gritty yet playful aesthetic. The result? A pulse-pounding adventure that's as heartfelt as it is action-packed, with Chan's signature mix of acrobatics and charm on full display.
