🎬 Movie Review: The Great Wall 2 (2025)
“The walls we build are only as strong as the enemies we face.”
The 2025 sequel to The Great Wall (2016) brings back the towering, action-packed spectacle with an even bigger, bolder adventure that pushes the boundaries of imagination. Directed by Zhang Yimou, The Great Wall 2 is a visual feast that fuses ancient history with mythological creatures and modern cinematic flair. The sequel picks up years after the events of the first film, where the Wall’s defenses were shattered by the massive wave of T’ou-til, the deadly monsters that once ravaged China’s borders.
Matt Damon returns as William Garin, now a seasoned leader of the elite force tasked with guarding the Great Wall, which has since been rebuilt to defend against even greater threats. When a new monstrous enemy—more powerful and intelligent than the T’ou-til—emerges from the depths of the Earth, the Wall’s defenses are once again tested, but this time, it’s not just about fighting for survival; it’s about reclaiming the very heart of the Empire.
Visually, The Great Wall 2 is an awe-inspiring spectacle. The action sequences are grander, featuring sweeping landscapes of China’s ancient fortresses and claustrophobic battle scenes within the Wall itself. The new monsters—known as the Tianlong—are terrifyingly realized, with massive serpentine bodies, fearsome claws, and the ability to manipulate the elements. The choreography of battles, combining close-quarter combat with massive strategic defense, feels like a living, breathing warzone.
The character development is stronger this time around, with William Garin struggling to overcome his past failures while contending with his new role as a protector of not just China, but the world itself. Tian Jing also returns as Lin Mae, a fierce warrior whose determination drives the plot forward as she forms an unexpected alliance with the neighboring kingdoms. Their chemistry works well, balancing the historical aspects with emotional stakes that tie the action together.
However, the film’s pacing occasionally stumbles, as moments of character reflection get overshadowed by the overwhelming action sequences. Some might feel the movie leans too heavily into its spectacle, leaving character motivations underdeveloped in the process. The enemies, while visually stunning, occasionally feel like mere plot devices rather than fully realized threats.
Final Verdict: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
The Great Wall 2 is a visually stunning, high-adrenaline follow-up that doubles down on monster battles, epic warfare, and emotional stakes. While the pacing may feel uneven at times, it remains an exciting and grand sequel that fans of the original—and action movie lovers—will surely enjoy.
