A film that has sharply divided audiences and critics alike is set to grace television screens tonight. The 2016 fantasy action movie 'The Great Wall', featuring Hollywood heavyweights Matt Damon and Pedro Pascal, will air on Film4 at 9pm on Friday, 16 January. Described by some as 'the best-looking stupid movie you'll see all year', it promises a spectacle that is as visually stunning as it is narratively contentious.
A Plot of Monsters and Mercenaries
The story transports viewers to medieval China during the Song Dynasty. Damon and Pascal play William and Tovar, European mercenaries on a quest for the lucrative secret of gunpowder. Their journey leads them to the iconic Great Wall, where they are captured by the Nameless Order. This elite, secret army has a singular, monumental purpose: to defend humanity from hordes of ravenous, otherworldly monsters known as the Taotie.
Thrust into this ancient conflict, the self-interested William undergoes a transformation. Immersed in the values of honour and sacrifice upheld by the Chinese warriors, he evolves into an unlikely hero. The film's climax hinges on a daring plan to use a special magnetic arrow to target the queen of the beasts, aiming to stop the invasion for good. The entire cinematic experience lasts for one hour and forty-four minutes of large-scale battle sequences and cultural collision.
Audience Reactions: From Love to Loathing
The critical reception for 'The Great Wall' has been a study in extremes. On review aggregator sites like Rotten Tomatoes, opinions are fiercely polarised, creating a fascinating split between viewers who adored it and those who absolutely despised it.
Many fans have rallied to the film's defence, praising its sheer entertainment value. "This is a cool action film about good vs evil and the consequences of greed and I thoroughly enjoyed it," wrote one supporter. Another argued the criticism was overblown, stating, "This movie is extremely over hated, its full of action and thrilling moments and has amazing production value."
The sentiment that it's perfect for an undemanding, fun night in is common. One review advised: "It’s a really entertaining movie for a Friday night — don’t listen to the posh critics... Perfect if you just want to lay back, relax, and enjoy a bucket of buttery popcorn." Others appreciated its relentless pace, noting it delivers action from the very first scene and rarely lets up, making it a "fantastic afternoon with drinks and snacks."
The Other Side of the Wall: Critics and 'Cringe'
However, the film has an equally vocal cohort of detractors. For some, the blend of historical setting with alien monsters, despite a massive budget and A-list cast, failed to convince. One scathing viewer labelled it "to this date the worst movie I've watched," criticising its plot as both "wacky" and "unoriginal."
A recurring critique is a perceived lack of self-awareness. The movie's earnest attempt at epic grandeur, coupled with its unconventional premise, struck some as unintentionally funny or "cringe." As one person put it, the film tries "that hard to be epic and cool without self-awareness." Yet, even this critic found a silver lining, suggesting the movie is "excellent material to rant about."
Ultimately, 'The Great Wall' stands as a bold, expensive gamble that refused to play it safe. Whether you view it as a thrilling, visually spectacular ride or a nonsensical misfire, its arrival on Film4 tonight offers a chance to judge for yourself. Tune in at 9pm to see where you stand on one of cinema's most divisive blockbusters.
