“The Great Wall” is a 2016 action-adventure film directed by Zhang Yimou and starring Matt Damon, Jing Tian, Pedro Pascal, Willem Dafoe, and Andy Lau. The movie follows William Garin (Matt Damon), a European mercenary, who travels to China with his companions in search of black powder. During their journey, they encounter the Great Wall of China and discover that it is not only a barrier against invaders but also against an army of monsters known as Taotie.
The movie has received mixed reviews from both audiences and critics. Some have praised the stunning visual effects and the action sequences, while others have criticized the lack of character development and cultural appropriation.
Visually, the film is a masterpiece. The attention to detail in the production design and costumes is impressive, and the use of color is visually striking. The scenes of battle between the army of China and the Taotie are well-executed and thrilling to watch. The use of slow motion and aerial shots adds to the grandeur of the action sequences.
However, the film falls short in terms of character development. The characters are one-dimensional and lack depth, making it difficult to connect with them emotionally. Matt Damon’s character, in particular, feels out of place in the setting and culture of China. The plot also feels predictable, and the pacing could have been improved to make the story more engaging.
One of the most significant criticisms of the film is the cultural appropriation. The movie has been accused of perpetuating the “white savior” trope, where a white protagonist saves people of color from danger. This trope has been used in many Hollywood movies, and “The Great Wall” is no exception. It is unfortunate that the film did not take the opportunity to showcase Chinese culture and heroes in a positive light.
Overall, “The Great Wall” is a visually stunning movie with thrilling action sequences. However, the lack of character development and cultural appropriation hold it back from being a truly great film. If you enjoy action movies with impressive visual effects, then “The Great Wall” is worth a watch. But if you are looking for a more meaningful and authentic representation of Chinese culture, then you may want to look elsewhere.
