“The Great Wall” (2016), directed by Zhang Yimou, is a visually stunning fantasy-action film set in ancient China. Featuring Matt Damon, the movie merges Chinese mythology with Hollywood action elements, creating a distinctive blend of historical epic and monster flick.
The narrative tracks William (Matt Damon) and Tovar (Pedro Pascal), two European mercenaries on a quest for gunpowder in China. Their journey leads them to the Great Wall, where they are apprehended by the enigmatic Nameless Order, a military faction safeguarding the wall against a cryptic menace. This threat materializes as an army of monstrous, lizard-like creatures named the Taotie, which emerge every six decades to wreak havoc on humanity. Trained for years to combat these beings, the Nameless Order enlists William in their fight for survival.
A central theme of the film is the clash of cultures and the eventual enlightenment that stems from collaboration. Initially a self-serving outsider, William gradually imbibes the virtues of loyalty, honor, and teamwork from the Nameless Order. His transformation finds resonance in his evolving bond with Commander Lin Mae (Jing Tian), a formidable warrior spearheading the resistance against the Taotie. Together, they devise strategies to confront the Queen Taotie, who commands the horde.
Visually, “The Great Wall” is a spectacle, featuring rich color schemes and intricate battle sequences. Zhang Yimou’s distinct aesthetic is evident in the stylized formations and vibrant armor of the Nameless Order. However, the film elicited mixed reviews, with some lauding its action and visuals while others critiqued its thin storyline and shallow character development. Despite the divided opinions, “The Great Wall” remains a daring exploration of East-West collaboration, offering a fantasy-driven reinterpretation of one of the world’s most renowned landmarks.
