The Great Wall (2017)

User Review

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  TheMovieDiorama

  5 / 10

  The Great Wall literally is what you expected it to be. A CGI-fuelled action epic that has a by-the-numbers plot and no characterisation. You know what? I actually enjoyed this. I just wanted to be entertained whilst stuffing my face with homemade popcorn (which were delicious by the way...), and it did that. A collaboration between film heavyweights Hollywood and China where the results determine the future of marketing films, domestic against worldwide. The results were fine, but I can't see it happening again. The Great Wall of China was built to protect its lands, not just from human invaders, but from mythical beasts known as the Tao Tieh. Two European mercenaries are captured and prove their skills in the aid of defending China. This is a Zhang Yimou blockbuster, if you've seen his previous films then you'll know he is big on style. Gloriously vibrant colours to create memorable scenes, he does the exact same here. The green of the Tao Tieh against the red fires and grey architecture, he turns films into spectacles. The costume design was magnificent and easily the highlight of the technical aspects. Each unique group, where they have specialised skills, of The Nameless Order wear differing coloured armour to differentiate themselves. The commanding offices wore unique breastplate symbols and helmets which really enhanced the ancient Chinese setting that Yimou created. It reminded me of the video game 'Dynasty Warriors' so I can see there is continuity and consistency in the attire of Chinese military orders. The story is as formulaic as one might expect. Defend the wall from waves of enemies until they take out the Queen. It's uninspired unfortunately. Matt Damon's accent was all over the place and the "feelings" between his character and Commander Lin felt forced for the sake of emotional investment...to which there was none. The excessive dependence on visual effects meant that occasionally the CGI looked slightly rushed, particularly the human CGI. Although on the whole, it's a functional entertaining blockbuster.

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