Director Yimou Zhang’s The Great Wall is a bold
spectacle that evokes the feel of past Hollywood blockbusters.
That’s not to put it down. It is actually refreshing to witness the
simple story of European adventurers (Matt Damon and Pedro Pascal), who brave
the Asian continent to find the mysterious “black powder” that explodes in fire
and find themselves involved in an apocalyptic war between the Chinese and
giant lizard-like beasts that are trying to destroy their kingdom.
Production Designer John Myhre and Costume Designer Mayes
C. Rubeo along with Cinematographers Stuart Dryburgh and Xiaoding Zhao, have
created scenes of the Chinese army and the battles with the beasts that are not
only thrilling, but absolutely breathtaking.
These alone are well worth the price of admission.
Tian Jing as the army’s female Commander, Hanyu Zhang as
the General and Andy Lau as the Strategist are perfectly cast and Damon and
Pascal play off each other, admirably.
The
Great Wall is fun to watch and I hope it survives the critical wags,
who can’t appreciate an old-fashioned adventure film.
I believe everyone involved should be proud of their work
and give it a 4 out of 5.
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