The positioning of the film is very clear from start to finish. It is a typical commercial film. It is a film with a strong Chinese style. It conveys Chinese culture and values. The theme of the film is about the growth and transformation of people. It is a standard Hollywood story template, but it is commendable. The film not only talks about the growth and transformation of the protagonist William himself, but also emphasizes the role of the collective. Resisting gluttons is not a battle of one person. The process of mutual influence and cooperation has been reproduced. After all, it is a story that happened in China. China has not just become A landmark or background stage, William will still be baptized by the culture of collectivism and the sacrifice of the Five Armies. The director subtracted from the story, seeking to de-personalize it as a whole, without any redundant repetitions and expressions, and the story and rhythm are smooth.
The theme of "The Great Wall" can be summed up in five words: trust, responsibility, loyalty, passion, sacrifice. This is a huge gap with the values represented by the European mercenary played by Matt Damon. The Chinese spirit has saved the world. In addition to the background of the story, many details of the film can reflect Zhang Yimou's persistence in the inheritance of Chinese culture.
On the whole, "The Great Wall" is still a very Zhang Yimou film. The typical Zhang Yimou elements such as crowded tactics, panoramic vision, majestic Chinese landscape, Qinqiang, big drums, and the saturated colors of red and green are reflected in the movie. It's so vivid and vivid. The magnificent palace, the scene where a thousand arrows are fired, and the presence of a large number of soldiers in a square formation presents a sense of ritual, as well as the sense of sight of the opening ceremony of the Olympics. With the appearance of the solitary Northwest Danxia landform in the desert, the audience can feel Zhang Yimou's strong personal style.
"The Great Wall" will not be credited as Zhang Yimou's best film, but the director's artistic style is reflected in his panoramic long shots and creative application of colors. There is both a sense of history and a sense of the future, and the visual spectacle supports this film.
