Review of The Great Wall (2016) by Steve O — 26 Feb 2017
This was actually a pretty good war movie. Strong Elements of Chinese art, spiritual, and military culture. Matt Damon is not the hero in the movie per se, cooperation and trust are. Mutual respect, trust, sacrifice, warrior ethos, working together toward a common goal, are strong themes.
It is a sweeping spectacle across a seemingly vast cgi landscape. The monster villain could be seen as a defeat or die enemy metaphor. The military is defensive by nature of the wall's purpose. It is a military of restraint and responsibility.
The outsiders enter as a talented mercenaries but reckless with no moral code. Seeing their overwhelming threat and their selfless dedication to protection of their homeland and defeat of an enemy that can endanger the world beyond, Damon finds a common mission.
A strong military ethos of sacrifice, clear headed problem solving, quick and decisive action is what eventually saves the day. The Royal family and court are mocked as incompetent and feckless. The movie opens and closes as a buddy story but this is more a vehicle to get Matt Damon in and out of the kingdom, and exit from its benevolent, wise, fearless female military leader.
No love interest just mutual respect for the wisdom of the warrior class and their noble fight.
This review of The Great Wall (2016) was written by Steve O on 26 Feb 2017.
The Great Wall has generally received mixed reviews.
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