🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Robert Clouse
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime, Martial Arts
- Release year: 1980
- Runtime (length): 1h 35min
- IMDb rating: 5.7/10 (6.1K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Jackie Chan must fight a bunch of wrestlers in Texas to save his brother’s fiancee from the mob, but mostly just ends up roller skating.
🍿 The Big Brawl: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to Jerry Kwan
The film introduces Jerry Kwan, a young Asian-American man living in 1930s Chicago. Jerry is skilled in martial arts, a talent he uses to protect his father’s restaurant from local gangsters. However, his father disapproves of his fighting.

Forced into the Brawl
Jerry’s fighting skills attract the attention of Dominici, a powerful mob boss. Dominici forces Jerry to participate in a brutal, winner-takes-all fighting competition known as the Battle Creek Brawl. Jerry is reluctant, but Dominici uses underhanded tactics to ensure his compliance.

Training and Preparation
With no choice, Jerry begins training for the Battle Creek Brawl with the help of his uncle Herbert, a martial arts master. They travel to Texas, the site of the competition, where Jerry prepares to face a variety of formidable opponents. The training montages showcase both serious discipline and comedic moments.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Jerry Kwan (Jackie Chan): A skilled young martial artist forced to compete in a brutal street-fighting competition.
- Dominici (José Ferrer): A ruthless mob boss who coerces Jerry into fighting for his own gain.
- Herbert (Mako): Jerry’s wise uncle and martial arts master who provides guidance and training.
- Nancy (Kristine DeBell): Jerry’s girlfriend who supports him through the challenges he faces.
- Mae (Rosalind Chao): Jerry’s brother’s fiancee whose kidnapping sets the events of the plot into motion.
- Billy Kiss (H.B. Haggerty): Dominici’s imposing champion fighter, known for his unique finishing move.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Herbert: “When you pick up a meat cleaver, you better be ready to use it.” – Herbert imparts wisdom, cautioning Jerry about the seriousness of fighting.
- Dominici: “I want that boy in the brawl.” – Dominici expresses his desire to have Jerry fight for him in the Battle Creek Brawl.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: $8,527,743
- Worldwide Gross: $8,527,743
💥 The Big Brawl Reviews
Personal Review
I remember watching this as a kid, and while it’s not peak Jackie Chan, it’s still a fun ride. The roller skating scene is so random, but kind of awesome, and Mako is great as his uncle. It’s got that cheesy 80s vibe that I love, and it’s interesting to see Jackie trying to make it in America. Its entertaining to see the American setting mixed with Jackie’s skill.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Jackie Chan fans”
- “Martial arts movie enthusiasts”
- “Viewers interested in 1980s action comedies”
- “Fans of films set in the 1930s”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Martial arts violence”
- “Mild language”
- “Brief suggestive content”
Professional Reviews
- ScreenRant: “Although the fight scenes are somewhat diluted compared to Chan’s Hong Kong films, the film still delivers entertaining action. Chan’s acrobatic skill shines even with the limitations. Its lighter tone and engaging stunts create a movie thats enjoyable, if not perfect, for Jackie Chan enthusiasts.
- FandomWire: “While Chan’s martial arts skills are undeniable, “Battle Creek Brawl” showcases his adaptability more than his peak performance. The movie emphasizes Chan’s transition to American cinema. A key factor is the adaptation to the Western film industry. This movie underscores the challenges he overcame on his journey to Hollywood stardom.
- IMDB: “As his first American movie, its not too bad, and definitely better than his second attempt in America with “The Protector”, but I would expect a lot more from Jackie, and the director Robert Clouse (who also directed Enter the Dragon).
Audience Reactions
The action-comedy blend makes it a fun, if not perfect, Jackie Chan flick.: Viewers appreciate the film’s entertaining action and stunts, despite it not being Chan’s best work.
The roller skating scene, while bizarre, adds a unique charm.: Fans enjoy the movie’s mix of slapstick humor and action.
Overall Consensus: An entertaining, if flawed, early attempt by Jackie Chan to break into the American market, marked by cheesy charm and decent action sequences.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “This was Jackie Chan’s first attempt to break into the American film market as a leading man.”
- “Jackie Chan reportedly disliked the film, feeling he had little control over the action choreography.”
- “The film was directed by Robert Clouse, who also directed Bruce Lee’s ‘Enter the Dragon’.”
- “Early Hong Kong prints removed the romance scenes between Nancy and Jerry”
- “Jimmy Wang Yu helped Chan with his Triad problems”
🖥️ How to Watch The Big Brawl?
Currently, ‘Battle Creek Brawl’ is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your local listings for availability on other streaming services or for potential broadcast schedules.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Big Brawl, you might like these similar films:
- Enter the Dragon (1973): Directed by the same director, Robert Clouse, and features martial arts action.
- Rumble in the Bronx (1995): Another Jackie Chan movie that brought him into the American mainstream with his signature action-comedy style.
- Bloodsport (1988): Features a martial arts tournament with fighters from around the world.
🛒 The Big Brawl Related Products
- Jackie Chan’s First Strike [Blu-ray]: Experience Jackie Chan in action with the high-definition Blu-ray version of “First Strike.” Features high-octane stunts and iconic fight choreography. A valuable addition to any Jackie Chan fan’s collection, offering hours of entertainment and a showcase of his unique martial arts style.
- Jackie Chan: My Story: Get an in-depth look at Jackie Chan’s life and career with his autobiography, “I Am Jackie Chan: My Life in Action.” This book provides insights into his early life, struggles, and ultimate success in the film industry. Offering a personal account of his journey. Learn about the man behind the martial arts legend.
- Enter the Dragon [Blu-ray]: Relive the action-packed experience of Bruce Lee’s iconic film, “Enter the Dragon,” on Blu-ray. Featuring martial arts and high-definition visuals. It offers an immersive experience that brings the classic film to life. The original movie director directed this film also.
- Martial Arts Training Equipment: Boost your martial arts training with a heavy punching bag. Designed for durability and resistance, this punching bag helps improve strength and technique. Perfect for martial artists of all levels who want to enhance their skills.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Big Brawl features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Opinions vary, but many consider it a decent, though not top-tier, Jackie Chan film. While it showcases his martial arts skills and comedic timing, some criticize the choreography and plot. It’s generally considered better than ‘The Protector,’ his other early American film.
Battle Creek Brawl was primarily filmed in Floresville, Texas, USA.
Jackie Chan has expressed his dislike for the film because he had limited creative control over the action sequences. He felt the choreography didn’t showcase his skills effectively and differed from his Hong Kong style.
🔥 Bonus Content
#jackiechan #action #super #hero #icon
Check out this rare interview clip of a young Jackie Chan promoting ‘The Big Brawl’! It’s fascinating to see his early thoughts on action and filmmaking – plus, he shows off some moves. You can also see him speaking english!
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