The Great Wall (2016)
Zhang Yimou's visually spectacular monster epic pits European mercenaries against an ancient, terrifying horde at China's most iconic landmark.
The Great Wall - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Great Wall
- Release Year: 2016
- Directed by: Zhang Yimou
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 1h 43m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin, English, Spanish
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 16, 2016 (China), February 17, 2017 (United States - PG-13), February 17, 2017 (United Kingdom - 12A), January 12, 2017 (Germany - 12), January 11, 2017 (France - 12), February 3, 2017 (India), February 16, 2017 (Australia - M), February 23, 2017 (Brazil - 12), February 23, 2017 (Italy - T), February 17, 2017 (Spain - 12), February 15, 2017 (South Korea - 12)
- Alternative Titles: グレートウォール (JP), 그레이트 월 (KR), Tử Chiến Trường Thành (VN), The Great Wall 3D (US), A Grande Muralha (BR), 長城 (HK), 長城 (CN), Το Σινικό Τείχος (GR)
- Production Companies: Universal Pictures, Atlas Entertainment, Le Vision Pictures, China Film Group Corporation, Legendary Pictures, Legendary East
- Production Countries: China, United States of America
The Great Wall - Plot
European mercenaries searching for black powder become embroiled in the defense of the Great Wall of China against a horde of monstrous creatures.
The Great Wall - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the spectacle of Zhang Yimou's epic monster siege unfold:
1700 years to build. 5500 miles long. What were they trying to keep out?
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The Great Wall - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Zhang Yimou
Main Cast
- Matt Damon
- Jing Tian
- Willem Dafoe
- Andy Lau
- Pedro Pascal
- Zhang Hanyu
- Lu Han
- Lin Gengxin
- Eddie Peng Yu-Yan
- Huang Xuan
Writers
- Max Brooks
- Marshall Herskovitz
- Edward Zwick
- Carlo Bernard
- Doug Miro
Producers
- Jon Jashni
- Peter Loehr
- Charles Roven
- Thomas Tull
- Wang Hong
The Great Wall - FAQs
What is The Great Wall about?
The Great Wall follows two European mercenaries, William and Tovar, who travel to China in search of black powder and stumble upon a massive secret: the Great Wall was built to hold back a terrifying horde of monsters called the Tao Tei. They join the elite Chinese army in a desperate battle to defend humanity.
Is The Great Wall based on a true story?
Not quite. The Great Wall uses the real historical landmark as its backdrop but spins a fictional monster-siege story around it. The film imagines a fantastical reason for the Wall's construction, blending historical aesthetics with pure creature-feature fantasy rather than depicting actual historical events.
Where can you stream The Great Wall?
You can stream The Great Wall on HBO Max or through the HBO Max Amazon Channel and Cinemax Amazon Channel. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
Why was The Great Wall controversial upon release?
The film sparked debate over casting Matt Damon as the lead in a story set in China, with critics raising concerns about Hollywood whitewashing. Director Zhang Yimou defended the choice, explaining that Damon's character is a foreign mercenary — not a savior — and that the Chinese heroes drive the story.
Who are the main actors in The Great Wall?
The cast is a genuinely international mix. Matt Damon and Pedro Pascal lead as European mercenaries, while Jing Tian commands the screen as the formidable Commander Lin Mae. Andy Lau, Zhang Hanyu, Lu Han, Lin Gengxin, Eddie Peng Yu-Yan, and Huang Xuan round out a strong ensemble of Chinese stars.
Who directed The Great Wall and what is their background?
Zhang Yimou directed The Great Wall. He's one of China's most celebrated filmmakers, known for visually stunning epics like Hero and House of Flying Daggers, as well as directing the spectacular opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The Great Wall marked his English-language debut.
What are the Tao Tei creatures in The Great Wall?
The Tao Tei are the film's central monsters — a massive, swarming horde of reptilian creatures that attack the Great Wall every 60 years. They operate as a hive mind controlled by their queen, making them nearly impossible to stop individually. The film's entire premise revolves around the Chinese army's elaborate defenses against them.
How did The Great Wall perform at the box office?
The Great Wall earned around $332 million worldwide against a $150 million production budget. While it underperformed in North America, it was a significant hit in China, where it debuted at number one. The film's commercial success was largely driven by its Chinese audience and international markets.
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