On this day, November 7, 1986, Tai-Pan, directed by Daryl Duke and based on James Clavell’s epic novel, premiered in theaters. Starring Bryan Brown, Joan Chen, and Kyra Sedgwick, the film tells the story of a Scottish merchant navigating the volatile world of Hong Kong trade in the 19th century. With an impressive $25 million budget, Tai-Pan aimed to bring Clavell’s sweeping historical drama to life but garnered only $2 million at the box office. Despite the modest returns, the film offered a visually rich portrayal of adventure and ambition during a pivotal era in Hong Kong’s history.
Who remembers Tai-Pan? Did you find the film captured the spirit of Clavell’s novel?
Who remembers Tai-Pan? Did you find the film captured the spirit of Clavell’s novel?