The film begins with William Garin (Matt Damon) and Pero Tovar (Pedro Pascal), two European mercenaries traveling to China in search of the legendary black powder, a substance with explosive properties. Their journey takes a dangerous turn when they are captured by the Nameless Order, a secretive military group tasked with defending the Great Wall. Commanded by General Shao (Zhang Hanyu) and Strategist Wang (Andy Lau), the Nameless Order is highly trained and disciplined, organized into specialized units with distinct combat roles.
William and Tovar soon learn that the Wall is not merely a political or territorial boundary—it is the last line of defense against a horde of monstrous creatures called the Tao Tei. These beasts, which emerge every sixty years from their hive-like lair, threaten to overrun the world. The Tao Tei, led by a queen, are intelligent and relentless, testing the limits of the Nameless Order’s courage and strategy.
As the Tao Tei launch their attacks, William earns the trust of Commander Lin Mae (Jing Tian), a brave and skilled leader in the Nameless Order. His sharpshooting skills and sense of honor compel him to join the fight, transforming him from a self-serving mercenary to a hero willing to risk everything to protect humanity.
The film builds toward a climactic battle as the Tao Tei breach the Wall and head toward the capital. The Nameless Order devises a daring plan to infiltrate the Tao Tei’s hive and destroy the queen, whose death would render the rest of the creatures powerless. The mission demands sacrifice, teamwork, and unwavering resolve.
The Great Wall blends breathtaking visuals with action-packed sequences, showcasing the grandeur of the Wall and the intricate combat techniques of the Nameless Order. At its heart, the film is a story of redemption, courage, and unity, as people from different cultures come together to confront an existential threat.
