Film · 2016

The Great Wall

Name: The Great Wall
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Released: 2017-02-03
Duration: 103 min
Rating: 6
Cast: Matt Damon, Jing Tian, Willem Dafoe, Andy Lau, Pedro Pascal

Original titleThe Great Wall (Cháng Chéng)

Directed by Zhang Yimou · starring Matt Damon, Jing Tian and Willem Dafoe

1 h 43 min
12
Action · Adventure · Fantasy
China USA
Released in the UK 16 February 2017

5.6 AverageMovieNCo
6.0 Users23 votes
5.3 Critics4 reviews

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Synopsis

Directed by acclaimed Chinese director Zhang Yimou ('House of Flying Daggers', 'Under the Hawthorn Tree'), this movie is a great production between the United States and People's Republic of China focused on the mysteries that hides the Great Wall of China, one of the most impressive monuments of world history. Set in the fifteenth century in ancient China, a period of coexistence between British soldiers and the Chinese people on par with the Great Wall is built. As the building progresses, two soldiers realize that it not only serves to protect themselves from the threat of the Mongols, but also, when night falls, escape something inhuman and more dangerous. With Zhang Yimou in the direction, the film will feature an international cast led by Matt Damon. Also starring Willem Dafoe will, Andy Lau, Pedro Pascal, Jing Tian, Lu Han and Eddie Peng. The script is run by Tony Gilroy ('Michael Clayton' and 'Jason Bourne' trilogy), Chris Brancato ('Hannibal ', 'Narcos') and Doug Miro ('The Sorcerer's Apprentice').

Where to watch The Great Wall

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Available now in the UK:

Availability checked on 8 November 2026.

The essentials

Runtime: 103 min1 hour and 43 minutes
Budget: €150mChina Film Group Corporation
Box office: $44.8min US
Rating: 12Suitable for 12 years and over

How long is The Great Wall?: 1 hour and 43 minutes (103 minutes).
When was The Great Wall released in the UK?: It was released in the UK on 16 February 2017.
Who directed The Great Wall?: Zhang Yimou.
Who is in The Great Wall?: It stars Matt Damon, Jing Tian, Willem Dafoe and Andy Lau.
Where can I watch The Great Wall?: In the UK it is available to rent on Apple TV and Prime Video.
How much did The Great Wall make?: It took $44.8 million in US. It cost €150 million.

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Videos and trailers

All 2 videos

'The Great Wall' Second Trailer 2:218 October 2016

1:26 Trailer'The Great Wall' Trailer

Photos and posters

All 48 photos

+40 photosand 4 posters

Reviews

All 4 reviews

6.0 23 votes

104 %
99 %
89 %
713 %
622 %
≤543 %

What the critics say average 5.3 from 4 outlets

6.0 The GuardianHelen Roxburgh It won?t be remembered as Zhang?s best film, but the director?s artistic touch is on display in his long panoramic sweeps and artful use of colour. Simultaneously futuristic and historic, the visual… Read
6.0 Screen DailyLisa Nesselson Viewers are in good hands ? if they?re not too demanding ? as Zhang Yimou puts the easily distinguishable characters through their paces Read
5.0 VarietyMaggie Lee Director Zhang Yimou capably gives period fantasy-action 'The Great Wall' the look and feel of a Hollywood blockbuster, but his signature visual dazzle, his gift for depicting delicate relationships… Read

Box office

Weekend by weekend

Budget €150m
US $44.8m
UK £4.2m

Soundtrack

All 2 songs

At the BorderVocal Zhao Mu, Yang, Melody, Leehom Wang Spotify
Bridge of FateVocal, Leehom Wang, Weiwei Tan Spotify

Trivia

Bryan Cranston

Bryan Cranston was considered to join the film but Willem Dafoe was chosen for his role.
Luhan

Luhan is a former member of a K-pop boy band. He left EXO (the band) in October of 2014.
Strong critics

The film has received strong critics due to its 'whitewashing'. One of the commentaries was expressed by Constance Wu, who in other times had already talked about Hollywood's racism.
Edward Zwick

Edward Zwick ('The Last Samurai', 'Love & Other Drugs') was set to direct at one point, with Henry Cavill to play the major role.