The film is set in ancient China, where European mercenaries William (Matt Damon) and Tovar (Pedro Pascal) find themselves at the Great Wall. They soon discover that the wall is not just a defensive structure but a barrier protecting China from the Tao Tei, mythical creatures that attack every 60 years.
Throughout the movie, William and Tovar assist the Chinese military, the Nameless Order, in defending the wall against the Tao Tei. William earns the trust of Commander Lin Mae (Jing Tian) and Strategist Wang (Andy Lau) despite initial suspicions.
In the climax, during the massive battle against the Tao Tei, William and Lin Mae devise a plan to kill the Queen, the creature controlling the others. They decide to use black powder explosives to destroy the Queen when she returns to the capital, where she lays her eggs.
William and Lin Mae infiltrate the Tao Tei’s nesting ground, and in a final confrontation, William kills the Queen by stabbing her with a spear. The explosion caused by the black powder destroys the nesting area and also kills William. Lin Mae, mourning the loss of William, honors his sacrifice as the Nameless Order successfully repels the Tao Tei invasion.
In the aftermath, Tovar survives and is seen escaping with a bag of stolen black powder, suggesting that he plans to use the valuable substance for personal gain. Lin Mae, with the help of her soldiers, rebuilds the Great Wall and prepares for the next wave of Tao Tei attacks.
The film ends with the acknowledgment that individuals from different backgrounds and cultures can come together for a common cause. While William sacrificed himself, his actions helped protect China and inspired respect and admiration from the Nameless Order.
“The Great Wall” received mixed reviews, with praise for its visuals and action sequences but criticism for its plot and characterization. The ending emphasizes themes of sacrifice, unity, and the ongoing struggle to protect against external threats.