The Great Wall (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie takes place at the Great Wall of China and the Capital City, the political heart of the empire. The Great Wall serves as the primary battleground against the Tao Tie monsters, while the Capital City represents the strategic center where key decisions are made.

• great wall of china
• capital city
• setting
• ancient china

The story is set during the Renzong Emperor's reign, a period marked by military conflicts and foreign interactions in China. This was an era when the Great Wall functioned both as a defense mechanism and a symbol of imperial power against outside threats.

• renzong emperor
• historical era
• time period
• ancient china

The Nameless Order is an elite group of warriors tasked with defending the Great Wall against the Tao Tie. General Shao leads them initially, with Commander Lin taking command after Shao's death. These warriors represent skilled soldiers dedicated to protecting the empire.

• nameless order
• general shao
• commander lin
• warriors

The film explores three core themes: heroism, as characters rise to face overwhelming odds against the Tao Tie; betrayal, which creates tension through characters like Ballard and Tovar; and survival, as characters struggle against the relentless monster attacks using ingenuity and determination.

• heroism
• betrayal
• survival
• themes

William Garin is an Irish mercenary played by Matt Damon who becomes trapped within the Great Wall. He transforms from a opportunistic treasure seeker into a reluctant hero, using his quick thinking and combat skills to earn respect among the Nameless Order while facing tests of loyalty and betrayal.

• william garin
• matt damon
• mercenary
• protagonist

Pero Tovar is a Spanish companion to William Garin, played by Pedro Pascal. He is characterized by his skeptical nature and adventurous spirit. His friendship with Garin is tested by betrayal, highlighting themes of loyalty and trust amidst dire circumstances.

• pero tovar
• pedro pascal
• spanish
• companion

Ballard is an English character played by Willem Dafoe who has survived years of captivity. His experience and skepticism make him a crucial link to the outside world. His decisions create tension and intrigue, affecting the dynamics of trust among the characters.

• ballard
• willem dafoe
• english
• captivity

The Tao Tie are monstrous creatures that threaten the Great Wall and the land beyond. They represent the supernatural danger central to the film's conflict, driving the narrative's tension and the characters' struggle for survival against overwhelming forces.

• tao tie
• monsters
• creatures
• threat

Heroism is portrayed through characters like William Garin and Pero Tovar who rise to face impossible odds. Their bravery and battle skills highlight courage in danger, with characters making sacrifices to protect comrades and the greater good.

• heroism
• courage
• bravery
• sacrifice

Betrayal plays a critical role through characters like Ballard and Tovar, whose decisions lead to significant consequences. This theme affects trust among the group and creates tension, adding complexity to the narrative and testing the characters' loyalties.

• betrayal
• trust
• loyalty
• treachery

The Great Wall serves as both a physical defense against the Tao Tie and a symbol of imperial power and unity. It represents the barrier between civilization and the supernatural threat, making it central to the film's conflict and themes of protection against overwhelming forces.

• great wall
• defense
• symbolism
• empire