Originally envisioned as a Western and subsequently retooled by W. D. Richter (whose cult bona fides were well-established with 1984’s The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension), Big Trouble in Little China is John Carpenter’s tribute to classic kung fu cinema.

Although a box office failure, it has since developed a cult following thanks to its bizarre and hilarious story of a truck driver (Kurt Russell) who subsequently discovers that the sorcerers, demons, and kung fu masters of Chinese myth are very real. Russell gives a career-best performance as the cocky Jack Burton, whose nonstop swagger constantly gets him in way over his head — he’s both the hero and the comic-relief sidekick at the same time — as he confronts the evil sorcerer Lo Pan (played by the legendary James Hong).

Filled with exotic depictions of Chinese culture, Big Trouble in Little China could have easily fallen into racist stereotypes. Thankfully, Carpenter handily sidesteps all of that. The result is one of his best films, a hilarious action comedy that still feels unique after forty years. May the wings of liberty never lose a feather, indeed. (Note: The original DVD had one of the best commentaries I’ve ever heard. Carpenter and Russell, who are good friends in real life, drink away as they watch the film, which leads to some really fun stories and recollections.)