Did Mortal Kombat Steal From Big Trouble in Little China? Unraveling the Threads of Inspiration

The question of whether Mortal Kombat “stole” from Big Trouble in Little China is a complex one, ultimately settling more on heavy inspiration rather than outright plagiarism. While there are undeniable similarities in thematic elements, character archetypes, and plot points, these similarities fall within the realm of homage and creative borrowing, typical of genre storytelling. Mortal Kombat undeniably owes a significant debt to Big Trouble in Little China (BTLC), but it transformed those borrowed elements into something distinctly its own, building a globally successful franchise in the process. It would be more accurate to say that Mortal Kombat drew heavily upon the film’s rich tapestry of Chinese mythology and martial arts fantasy, weaving it into a new and brutal narrative.

Tracing the Threads: Similarities Between the Two

Let’s delve into the specific parallels that fuel this debate. The most obvious link is the overall tone and setting. Both Big Trouble in Little China and the early Mortal Kombat games (especially the first) are steeped in a fantastical interpretation of Chinese mythology and martial arts traditions. The Mortal Kombat tournament itself, with its mystical warriors battling for the fate of realms, echoes the hidden world of magic and ancient forces lurking beneath the surface of BTLC’s Chinatown.

Consider these specific points:

• The Mystical Tournament: Both narratives feature a central event involving powerful warriors competing in a mystical tournament to decide the fate of something significant. In Mortal Kombat, it’s the fate of Earthrealm; in Big Trouble in Little China, it’s about reclaiming Miao Yin and preventing Lo Pan’s dark ambitions.

• Ancient Evil: Both narratives are fueled by the resurgence of a powerful, ancient evil force. In Mortal Kombat, it’s Shang Tsung and eventually Shao Kahn; in Big Trouble in Little China, it’s the immortal sorcerer Lo Pan.

• Elemental Powers: Both universes feature characters wielding elemental powers. Raiden controls lightning in Mortal Kombat, while the Storms (Thunder, Rain, and Lightning) serve Lo Pan in Big Trouble in Little China.

• The Damsel in Distress: Though a somewhat problematic trope, both narratives feature a central female character who becomes a key object of desire or a pawn in the larger conflict. Sonya Blade, Kitana, and Jade in Mortal Kombat, and Miao Yin in Big Trouble in Little China.

• The Chosen One: While not as overt as in some narratives, characters like Liu Kang in Mortal Kombat and arguably Jack Burton in Big Trouble in Little China exhibit elements of the “chosen one” archetype, destined to play a pivotal role in overcoming the looming threat.

Beyond Coincidence: Inspiration or Imitation?

It’s crucial to distinguish between inspiration and imitation. While the similarities listed above are undeniable, they don’t necessarily constitute outright theft. Mortal Kombat takes these familiar tropes and molds them into something distinct through its unique gameplay mechanics, character designs, and ultraviolent fatalities. The core elements are there, but they’re presented within a different context and with a different purpose.

Furthermore, Big Trouble in Little China itself drew inspiration from various sources, including Hong Kong action cinema and Chinese folklore. To accuse Mortal Kombat of stealing from Big Trouble in Little China is, in a way, ignoring the interconnected nature of creative inspiration and the way ideas evolve and transform over time.

The Games Learning Society explores these kinds of complexities in game design and their cultural impact. You can learn more by visiting https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to discover how games borrow, transform, and contribute to the cultural landscape.

The Verdict: Homage, Not Highway Robbery

Ultimately, the relationship between Mortal Kombat and Big Trouble in Little China is one of homage and creative borrowing. Mortal Kombat undoubtedly drew inspiration from BTLC’s unique blend of martial arts, mythology, and humor, but it took those elements and created something new and exciting, establishing its own distinct identity within the fighting game genre. To accuse it of outright stealing would be an oversimplification of a more nuanced relationship, where influence and adaptation play a significant role.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the main similarities between Mortal Kombat and Big Trouble in Little China?

The main similarities lie in their shared thematic elements: a mystical interpretation of Chinese mythology, a tournament setting, the presence of ancient evil forces, characters wielding elemental powers, and the inclusion of a “damsel in distress” figure.

2. Is there a specific character in Mortal Kombat that is directly copied from Big Trouble in Little China?

No, there isn’t a direct, one-to-one copy of any specific character. However, characters like Raiden share similarities with the Storms from Big Trouble in Little China in their use of elemental powers, particularly lightning. Shang Tsung also shares some characteristics with Lo Pan, acting as the main antagonist with mystical powers.

3. Did John Carpenter, the director of Big Trouble in Little China, ever comment on the similarities?

There is no publicly available record of John Carpenter specifically addressing the similarities between Mortal Kombat and Big Trouble in Little China. However, Carpenter has often spoken about his influences and inspirations, suggesting he understands the nature of creative borrowing.

4. Did Ed Boon and John Tobias, the creators of Mortal Kombat, acknowledge Big Trouble in Little China as an inspiration?

While not always explicitly stated, interviews and behind-the-scenes accounts suggest that Big Trouble in Little China was definitely on the creators’ radar during the development of Mortal Kombat. They were fans of martial arts films and genre fiction in general, and BTLC would naturally fall within their sphere of influence.

5. Why did Mortal Kombat choose to borrow from Big Trouble in Little China and other similar sources?

The creators of Mortal Kombat were aiming to create a fighting game with a unique and exciting theme. Drawing inspiration from martial arts films, mythology, and genre fiction allowed them to create a rich and engaging world with memorable characters and storylines. The goal was to evoke a sense of wonder and adventure.

6. Is it ethical for video games to borrow ideas from movies?

Borrowing ideas is a common practice in all forms of art and entertainment. It becomes unethical when it crosses the line into outright plagiarism, meaning directly copying without attribution. Mortal Kombat borrowed thematic elements and character archetypes, but it transformed them into something new and original, making it a case of inspiration rather than theft.

7. How does inspiration differ from plagiarism in the context of creative works?

Inspiration involves drawing on existing ideas and themes to create something new and unique. Plagiarism, on the other hand, involves directly copying someone else’s work without giving credit or adding any original contribution. Inspiration is transformative; plagiarism is replicative.

8. Did other fighting games draw inspiration from similar sources as Mortal Kombat?

Yes, many fighting games draw inspiration from martial arts films, mythology, and genre fiction. Street Fighter, for example, features characters and storylines influenced by various sources, including Bruce Lee films and Eastern philosophies. This cross-pollination of ideas is a common occurrence in the fighting game genre.

9. What makes Mortal Kombat unique despite its similarities to Big Trouble in Little China?

Mortal Kombat‘s unique selling points include its brutal fatalities, its distinct character designs, its ever-expanding lore, and its innovative gameplay mechanics. These elements help it stand out from other fighting games and solidify its position as a unique and influential franchise.

10. Has Mortal Kombat influenced other games or movies?

Yes, Mortal Kombat has had a significant influence on other games and movies. Its success helped popularize the fighting game genre, and its over-the-top violence and mature themes influenced the development of other games. It has also spawned numerous film adaptations, animated series, and comic books.

11. Is Big Trouble in Little China considered a cult classic?

Yes, Big Trouble in Little China is widely considered a cult classic. While it wasn’t a massive commercial success upon its initial release, it has gained a large and dedicated following over the years due to its unique blend of action, comedy, and fantasy.

12. Could Big Trouble in Little China be rebooted or remade as a video game?

Given the current trend of adapting movies into video games, it’s certainly possible that Big Trouble in Little China could be rebooted or remade as a video game. The film’s rich setting and colorful characters would lend themselves well to a variety of game genres, such as action-adventure or fighting games.

13. Where can I learn more about the influence of mythology and folklore on video games?

You can learn more about the influence of mythology and folklore on video games by researching game design principles, reading academic articles on game studies, and exploring online resources dedicated to video game history and culture. The Games Learning Society offers many resources to learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

14. How has the Mortal Kombat franchise evolved since its initial release?

The Mortal Kombat franchise has evolved significantly since its initial release. The graphics and gameplay have improved dramatically, the roster of characters has expanded, and the storylines have become more complex and intertwined. The series has also embraced new technologies, such as online multiplayer and downloadable content.

15. What is the future of Mortal Kombat and its relationship to its influences?

The future of Mortal Kombat is likely to involve continued innovation in gameplay, graphics, and storytelling. While the franchise will undoubtedly continue to draw inspiration from various sources, it will also strive to maintain its unique identity and push the boundaries of the fighting game genre. The evolution will be interesting to watch.