“The Great Wall” (2016) starring Matt Damon & Pedro Pascale / Z-View

The Great Wall (2016)

Director: Yimou Zhang

Screenplay: Carlo Bernard, Doug Miro, Tony Gilroy story by Max Brooks, Edward Zwick, Marshall Herskovitz

Stars: Matt Damon, Tian Jing, Willem Dafoe, Andy Lau and Pedro Pascal.

Tagline: One of mankind’s greatest wonders. 1700 years to build. 5500 miles long. What were they trying to keep out?

The Plot…

In ancient China, William Garin (Damon) and Pedro Tovar (Pascal) lead a group of mercenaries on a mission to get gunpowder.  One night the group is attacked by a strange beast.  Only William and Tovar survive.  The next day they reach the Great Wall.  There they are taken prisoner as spies by the Nameless Order.  The Nameless Order are a trained army that stand guard at the Wall.

As William and Tovar are being questioned the call to battle is sounded.  The Wall is being attacked by thousands of monsters like the one who wiped out William’s group.  Although the Wall is fortified by soldiers using various weapons, several of the creatures make it to the top.  William and Tovar join the fight.  The monsters are driven back, but at the cost of many lives.

Because of their bravery William and Tovar are no longer prisoners.  They are free to leave.  As the Nameless Ones prepare for the next monster attack, Tovar steals kegs of gunpowder and makes his escape.  Garin is unaware of Tovar’s actions.

As the monsters prepare another attack, the Nameless Ones and Garin ready themselves for a fight to the death.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Great Wall was an epic production.  Over 100 translators were needed to provide instructions to the cast and crew.

Although most of the filming took place in China, they weren’t allowed to film on the Great Wall.

I enjoyed the inventive machinery and methods used to fight the monsters.

I went in with low expectations for The Great Wall.  It’s a fun movie if you’re looking for light adventure.

The Great Wall (2016) rates 3 of 5 stars.