Review of "The Great Wall"

"The Great Wall" is a visually stunning but narratively uneven film directed by Zhang Yimou. Here's a breakdown of its strengths and weaknesses:

Strengths:

• Spectacular visuals: The Great Wall itself is a character, brought to life with vibrant colors and sweeping landscapes. The action sequences are well-choreographed and exciting, showcasing the unique skills of the Chinese army.
• Eastern-Western fusion: The film attempts to blend Western action tropes with Chinese mythology, offering a fresh perspective for some viewers.
• Technical aspects: The costumes, set design, and special effects are impressive, creating a believable world.

Weaknesses:

• Plot and characters: The story is fairly basic, focusing on monster battles rather than character development. Matt Damon's performance is competent but some find him to be a stereotypical Western hero in a Chinese story (tropes of "white savior").
• Historical accuracy: The film takes liberties with history, with some questioning the fantastical creatures and the portrayal of the Great Wall's purpose.
• Dialogue: The script can be clunky at times, especially with the mix of accents.

Overall:

"The Great Wall" is a fun popcorn flick if you're looking for dazzling visuals and action sequences. However, those seeking a deeper story or nuanced characters might be disappointed.

Here are some additional points to consider:

• Reviews were mixed: Critics found the film to be entertaining but forgettable, with some criticizing the portrayal of the Western characters (https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_great_wall_2017).
• Audience reception was more positive: Many viewers enjoyed the action and visuals, despite the plot weaknesses (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2034800/).

Ultimately, whether you enjoy "The Great Wall" depends on your expectations. If you want a visually stunning monster movie, it might be worth a watch. But if you crave a complex plot and well-developed characters, you might want to look elsewhere.