Written by Dora Doss
Modified & Updated: 05 Mar 2024
Reviewed by Sherman Smith
The Golden Child is a classic 1986 movie that has captivated audiences with its unique blend of action, comedy, and fantasy. Starring the legendary Eddie Murphy, the film tells the story of a social worker tasked with finding a mystical child who possesses immense powers to save the world from darkness.
This movie, directed by Michael Ritchie, not only showcases Eddie Murphy’s comedic brilliance but also delves into the realms of ancient folklore and supernatural elements. With its memorable characters, thrilling adventure, and witty dialogue, The Golden Child has become a beloved cult favorite over the years.
In this article, we will explore 34 fascinating facts about The Golden Child, uncovering behind-the-scenes secrets, trivia, and interesting tidbits that will enhance your appreciation for this cinematic gem.
Key Takeaways:
- “The Golden Child” is a 1986 movie starring Eddie Murphy, blending comedy, action, and fantasy. Despite mixed reviews, it became a box office hit and gained a dedicated fan base over the years.
- Eddie Murphy’s charismatic performance, stunning visuals, and a mix of comedy and adventure make “The Golden Child” a timeless and entertaining classic, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
The Golden Child was released on December 12, 1986.
The movie was released in theaters during the holiday season, hoping to attract large audiences and capitalize on Eddie Murphy’s rising popularity as a comedic actor.
Eddie Murphy played the role of Chandler Jarrell.
Murphy’s charismatic and witty performance added humor and charm to the movie, making it a memorable role for the actor.
The Golden Child was a box office success.
Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the movie grossed over $79 million worldwide, making it a financial success for Paramount Pictures.
The Golden Child was primarily filmed in Nepal and California.
The exotic landscapes of Nepal and the vibrant streets of California provided visually stunning backdrops for the movie’s adventurous scenes.
Charles Dance portrayed the main antagonist, Sardo Numspa.
Dance’s portrayal of the evil sorcerer added a sense of danger and mystery to the movie, creating a compelling conflict between him and Eddie Murphy’s character.
The Golden Child features elements of fantasy and mysticism.
The movie incorporates Tibetan mythology and folklore, introducing viewers to a world filled with magical creatures, prophecies, and ancient rituals.
The Golden Child has a memorable theme song.
The song “Love Goes On” by Ashford & Simpson was featured prominently in the movie and became a hit on the Billboard charts.
The movie was written by Dennis Feldman.
Feldman’s script merged elements of comedy, action, and fantasy to create a unique and entertaining story.
The Golden Child received an Academy Award nomination for Best Makeup.
The movie’s impressive makeup and special effects helped bring the supernatural elements to life on the big screen.
The Golden Child has gained a cult following over the years.
Despite mixed reviews upon release, the movie has developed a dedicated fan base who appreciate its blend of action, comedy, and fantasy.
The movie features Eddie Murphy’s signature comedic style.
Murphy’s quick wit and comedic timing bring levity to the action-packed storyline, making for an entertaining watch.
The Golden Child was Eddie Murphy’s first foray into the fantasy genre.
Prior to this movie, Murphy was primarily known for his roles in comedies and had not explored the realm of fantasy and mysticism.
The movie’s plot involves the search for a powerful magical dagger.
The dagger is a key element in the story, as it has the power to heal the Golden Child and defeat the evil sorcerer.
The Golden Child showcases stunning visual effects.
The movie’s use of practical and visual effects adds to the overall sense of wonder and enhances the fantastical elements of the story.
The Golden Child features a mix of comedy and action-packed sequences.
The movie balances comedic moments with intense action scenes, keeping the audience engaged throughout.
The film’s tagline is “Eddie Murphy is the chosen one.”
This tagline highlights Eddie Murphy’s role as the hero destined to save the Golden Child from the clutches of evil.
The Golden Child was released during the peak of Eddie Murphy’s career.
Murphy’s popularity soared in the 1980s, and the movie capitalizes on his star power and comedic talent.
The Golden Child’s success paved the way for more fantasy comedies.
Following the movie’s release, other similar films combining fantasy and comedy elements were produced, inspired by its success.
The Golden Child was nominated for a Stinker Award for Worst Picture.
Despite its box office success, the movie received negative attention from some critics and was recognized in the Stinker Awards.
The Golden Child was one of the highest-grossing movies of 1986.
Its box office success solidified Eddie Murphy’s status as a bankable star in Hollywood.
The Golden Child was inspired by Tibetan mythology.
The movie incorporates elements of Tibetan culture, mythology, and spirituality, adding depth to its fantasy world.
The Golden Child was Eddie Murphy’s first collaboration with director Michael Ritchie.
The duo would later work together again on the movie “Bowfinger” in 1999.
The Golden Child features memorable one-liners.
Eddie Murphy delivers several memorable lines throughout the movie, adding to its comedic appeal.
The movie’s production faced challenges due to the location shooting in Nepal.
The crew had to deal with various logistical issues and adapt to the local environment during filming.
The Golden Child has a runtime of 94 minutes.
The movie’s concise runtime keeps the pacing tight and ensures an engaging viewing experience.
The Golden Child includes elements of adventure and quest narratives.
Chandler Jarrell’s journey to find the Golden Child follows the classic hero’s journey structure, adding depth to the storyline.
The movie’s original script was much darker in tone.
The original draft of the script had a darker and more serious tone, but it was later rewritten to incorporate more comedic elements.
The Golden Child’s release coincided with the height of the action-comedy genre.
The 1980s saw a surge in action-comedy films, and The Golden Child added its own twist to the genre.
The Golden Child features a diverse cast.
Alongside Eddie Murphy, the movie includes actors such as Charlotte Lewis, Victor Wong, and Charles Dance, representing a variety of backgrounds.
The Golden Child’s soundtrack was composed by Michel Colombier.
Colombier’s score adds to the movie’s mythical atmosphere, enhancing key moments and building tension.
The Golden Child was a departure from Eddie Murphy’s previous roles.
The movie allowed Murphy to showcase his versatility as an actor by taking on a character involved in a mystical and otherworldly adventure.
The Golden Child was released at a time when Hollywood was exploring fantasy films.
Fantasy movies such as “The NeverEnding Story” and “Legend” were popular during the 1980s, and The Golden Child was part of this trend.
The Golden Child’s script went through several revisions.
The script underwent multiple changes to fine-tune the story and characters, resulting in a more balanced blend of comedy and fantasy.
The Golden Child left a lasting impact on Eddie Murphy’s career.
The movie’s success further solidified Murphy’s status as a versatile actor capable of tackling different genres, paving the way for future projects.
In conclusion, “The Golden Child” is an entertaining and unique movie that combines action, comedy, and fantasy elements. With Eddie Murphy’s comedic talents, a thrilling storyline, and stunning visuals, it has become a cult favorite among fans. Despite its initial mixed reviews, the movie’s box office success and enduring popularity show its lasting impact on the world of cinema. So, if you’re looking for a fun and adventurous watch, don’t miss out on “The Golden Child”!
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Golden Child is a unique and captivating movie that has left a lasting impact on cinema. With its engaging storyline, brilliant performances, and stunning visuals, it continues to be a beloved film among fans. The movie’s blend of comedy, adventure, and fantasy creates an unforgettable viewing experience. Its success can be attributed to the brilliant direction by Michael Ritchie, the exceptional acting by Eddie Murphy, and the imaginative storytelling. Whether you’re a fan of comedy, action, or fantasy, The Golden Child is sure to entertain and enchant you.
FAQs
1. When was The Golden Child released?
The Golden Child was released on December 12, 1986.
2. Who directed The Golden Child?
The movie was directed by Michael Ritchie.
3. Who is the lead actor in The Golden Child?
Eddie Murphy plays the lead role in The Golden Child.
4. What genre does The Golden Child fall into?
The Golden Child is a comedy-adventure fantasy film.
5. Can you give a brief plot summary of The Golden Child?
The Golden Child follows a social worker named Chandler Jarrell, played by Eddie Murphy, who is tasked with finding and protecting a young Tibetan boy with mystical powers from an evil sorcerer.
6. What is the running time of The Golden Child?
The Golden Child has a running time of approximately 94 minutes.
7. Did The Golden Child receive any awards or nominations?
The movie received a nomination for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration at the 59th Academy Awards.
8. Is The Golden Child based on a book?
No, The Golden Child is an original screenplay written by Dennis Feldman.
9. Where was The Golden Child filmed?
The movie was primarily filmed in California, USA, with some scenes also shot in Nepal.
10. Is The Golden Child suitable for all ages?
The Golden Child is rated PG-13 and may not be suitable for very young children due to some intense and scary scenes.
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