The Great Wall, a $150 million fantasy epic directed by Zhang Yimou and released in 2016, tells the story of European mercenaries who discover themselves caught in a centuries-old conflict against monstrous alien creatures defending China's famous defensive structure. When the film arrived, much of the conversation centred on its significance as a major Hollywood-China collaboration and debates surrounding its casting choices, which overshadowed critical examination of the film's narrative and craft.

Zhang's directorial approach transforms the premise into a visually distinctive spectacle by treating action sequences as choreographed theatrical performances rather than chaotic combat. Soldiers move in synchronised formations across the Wall in brightly coloured battalions, with wide cinematographic framing emphasising geometric composition and visual harmony created through colour, movement, and spatial arrangement. Matt Damon and co-star Pedro Pascal share chemistry in their roles as mercenary partners, with Damon delivering a grounded performance as a character whose survival instincts gradually shift toward heroism—a narrative arc reminiscent of the mythical storytelling anticipated in Christopher Nolan's upcoming The Odyssey.