Gung Ho 1986 Ron Howard Michael Keaton Gung Ho is a 1986 American comedy film directed by Ron Howard and starring Michael Keaton. The story portrayed the takeover of an American car plant by a Japanese corporation. Plot: When a Japanese car company buys an American plant, the American liaison must mediate the clash of work attitudes between the foreign management and native labor. Trivia: Bill Murray and Eddie Murphy turned down the lead role. Mimi Rogers's second film role, and her big break. A