Matt Damon epic delivers spectacle but not soul.
-The Guardian
Which movie counts as a good movie? Usually, it’s the one that satiates our mood and taste at the point we need it. However, when it comes to me, some of the films that left an indelible mark on me are those that transport me to another world.
I did review season 4 of Panchayat, a popular Indian web series, but The Great Wall is going to be the first movie I am going to review as part of my blog. I can’t exactly say why I decided to review it. It must be due to the unique feeling that transpired in me after watching it. Let’s see what those feelings are.
Title: The Great Wall
Year of Release: 2016
Makers: Matt Damon, Jing Tian, Pedro Pascal (lead casts), Yimou Zang (director), Carlo Bernad, Doug Miro, Tony Gilroy (writers).
Genre: Action and Adventure
IMDB: 5.9/10
Running Time: 1 hr 45 minutes (approx)
Where to watch: Netflix (subscription), Prime Video and Zee5 (rent)
The Great Wall of China has always fascinated me. The mystery surrounding the wall has kept historians curious for a long time. Extending to several kilometres over a difficult terrain, the majestic wall has been a subject for numerous content creators. Time and again, it has been portrayed in books, blogs, YouTube videos, web series and movies. Unlike the other movies, which discuss the strategic importance of the wall briefly, The Great Wall is solely based on it.
The reason listed at the beginning linked me to this movie, but it’s the two things that kept me glued to it. The first is the American film industry and cast working in conjunction with the Chinese. And the second, employing ancient myths of Tao Tei, a monster creature, as a central plot of the movie. The movie runs for 1hr 45 minutes, where each second is packed with action, defence strategies and warfare, where the wall should be protected at any cost from Tao Tei, the invaders. Black powder, a devastating explosive, and magnet form a crucial part of the plot.
The Great Wall, on one hand, showcases the victory of good over evil, whereas on the other hand, it attempts to establish the supremacy of Americans to save the World, as they claim to do in most of the movies. The reality, as we know, is completely different.
The movie didn’t perform as expected on an International level and received mixed reviews, most of which are negative. The reasons commonly cited are the lack of a strong plot and the promotion of the “white saviour” trope as listed above. The idea of Chinese working with Americans didn’t quite appease the citizens of both countries, possibly due to nationalist or political propaganda.
Nonetheless, I feel that The Great Wall has much to offer, along with a cinematic experience, if you view it from a fresh perspective. Preconceived notions and politics often taint the reception of an Art. Go, watch and decide by yourself. I am equally excited to hear your views.
©Shashank
P.S. Views expressed are personal and do not constitute endorsement of any kind.
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