In 2016, the world of cinema was treated to  The Great Wall , a production that combined elements of fantasy, action and adventure.

Starring  Matt Damon , the  film  directed by  Zhang Yimou  brought a unique approach to the story of the construction of the Great Wall of China, mixing historical facts with fictional elements.

In this article, we will explore the key aspects of this  moving film  and evaluate whether it is worth watching.

Synopsis of The Great Wall

The Great Wall  is set in China during the Song Dynasty and tells the story of two Western mercenaries, played by  Matt Damon and Pedro Pascal , who travel east in search of gunpowder.

However, they are eventually captured by soldiers from the Great Wall, who reveal themselves to be China’s protectors against an even more imminent threat: hordes of ferocious monsters known as Tao Tei, who attack every 60 years.

The protagonists find themselves at the center of the battle to defend humanity from the invasion of these brutal creatures.

Cast

The cast of  The Great Wall  is led by renowned actor  Matt Damon , whose character, William Garin, is instrumental in the fight against the creatures.

Pedro Pascal , known for his performance in  Game of Thrones , plays Garin’s companion, Tovar.

Jing Tian  takes on the role of Lin Mae, a commander of the Chrysanthemum Corps, responsible for defending the Wall.

The cast also includes  Willem Dafoe, Andy Lau and Zhang Hanyu .

Is it worth watching?

Although  The Great Wall  has received mixed reviews, it is undeniable that the production offers an impressive visual spectacle.

Zhang Yimou ‘s direction   brings to life the vibrant colors, elaborate battle choreography, and majestic settings of medieval China.

The combination of fantasy elements with fast-paced action is sure to captivate fans of the genre.

Curiosities

One of the most interesting curiosities about the  film  is the way it mixes history and mythology.

Although the monstrous creatures are a figment of the imagination, the  film  sheds light on the ingenuity of the Great Wall’s construction, highlighting its historical and cultural importance.

Furthermore,  The Great Wall  is one of the most expensive film productions ever made in China, with a budget of approximately $150 million dollars.

Critical Consensus

The film divided critics’ opinions. While some praised the visual grandeur and exciting action, others pointed out the lack of depth in the characters and a predictable plot.

On review aggregator  Rotten Tomatoes , the film has an approval rating of around 35%, with the general consensus being that  The Great Wall  is a dazzling action film that lacks narrative substance.

Conclusion

Ultimately,  The Great Wall  is a cinematic experience that delivers striking visual spectacle and thrilling action scenes.

However, it’s important to approach the film with the right expectations. If you’re looking for a deep, complex narrative, you may be a little disappointed.

On the other hand, if you are willing to get involved in an epic adventure with colossal monsters, fearless heroes and impressive battles, you will certainly find entertainment in this film.

The combination of Matt Damon ‘s talent  , director Zhang Yimou’s unique vision, and the rich Chinese culture results in a film that, despite its flaws, offers a visually and emotionally moving experience.

Ultimately,  The Great Wall  is a reminder of the power of cinema to transport audiences to imaginative and epic worlds, even if sometimes at the expense of deeper narrative nuance.

Where to watch?

The Great Wall  is available on  Netflix .

Watch the trailer: