While the visuals are still incredibly striking and his use of color is remarkable, this is not the kind of lavish period drama we have gotten used to from Yimou Zhang over the years. In many ways, вЂњThe Great WallвЂќ is a departure from ZhangвЂ™s other movies, and the subject matter seems strangely restrictive for such a visionary filmmaker. Together, the outsiders make plans to steal the black powder and escapeвЂ¦ but with a horde of intelligent monsters at your doorstep, that is easier said than done. But as the imperial strategist (Andy Lau) points out, now that they know of the existence of the monsters, they will no longer be allowed to leave-a sentiment that is confirmed by Ballard (Willem Dafoe), another European who was forced to spend years among the Chinese. Their skills impress the Chinese and instead of being imprisoned or killed, they now enjoy ShaoвЂ™s hospitality. Strange creatures that attack by the thousands cause havoc even among the disciplined and experienced army of General Shao (Hanyu Zhang), giving the Europeans the opportunity to show their own prowess, while saving some lives in the process. When they are captured at the Great Wall, their fate seems sealed, but just at that moment, a horde of monsters attacks the wall. In the end, only William (Matt Damon) and Tovar (PedroPascal) are left of the group. But China is a hostile country at the time with feuds raging among different warlords from all sides, and the mercenaries find themselves under attack and chased by different factions almost constantly.

Director Yimou Zhang has been an icon for many lovers of Hong Kong cinema and he has built a reputation among American audiences as well with films such as вЂњHero,вЂќ вЂњHouse of Flying DaggersвЂќ and вЂњCurse of the Golden Flower.вЂќ Now, adding true Hollywood star power with Matt Damon in the lead, Zhang is at it again, bringing us the epic fantasy action spectacle, вЂњThe Great Wall.вЂќДЄ group of European mercenaries is traveling China in search for the mystical black powder, a powerful explosive they have heard stories of.

The great wall movie