The Great Wall (2016)
Directed by Zhang Yimou, “The Great Wall” is a historical fantasy epic that intertwines myth and history. The film follows William Garin (Matt Damon), a European mercenary, and his loyal companion, Pero Tovar (Pedro Pascal), as they venture to China in pursuit of black powder. Their quest takes an unexpected turn when they are captured by the Chinese army stationed at the Great Wall.
To their astonishment, they discover that the Wall’s purpose extends beyond repelling human invaders; it serves as a colossal barrier against the monstrous Taotie, fearsome creatures that threaten to devastate the land. As the creatures launch relentless attacks, Garin and Tovar join forces with Commander Lin Mae (Jing Tian) and the elite soldiers to defend humanity. The film blends spectacular action sequences with themes of bravery, unity, and sacrifice against a fantastical backdrop.