This epic story recounts the early life of Genghis Khan who was a slave before going on to conquer half the world, including Russia, in 1206.
"Hi, I'm Genghis Khan; I've just moved in next door and was wondering, if it's not too much trouble; could I borrow some sugar, please?" is a line that definitely doesn't feature in Sergei Bodrov's 'Mongol'. Part one of a proposed trilogy chronicling the rise to power of fearsome Asiatic Warrior-King Temudjin a.k.a. 'Genghis Khan' ('Universal Leader') played with aplomb by Japan's Tadanobu Asano, who some may remember as Hattori Genosuke in Takeshi Kitano's 'Zatoichi-The Blind Swordsman'. It's worth noting the trilogy structure so as to expect a slow build up and detailed characterisation, leading up the inevitable conquests which, no doubt, will be the focus of later instalments. 'Mongol' is unique in that it takes what occidental scholars have called a revisionist approach to Genghis Khan's life, but a lot of these facts, revelations to the west, are well known in other parts of the world; even amongst those who consider the Mongol invasions to be amongst the most calamitous to ever befall their lands. Russian director Sergei Bodrov adopts a tone & style not dissimilar to his underrated Central Asian epic 'Nomad' (co-directed by Talgat Temenov & Ivan Passer) which featured heroic 18th century Kazaks awaiting a unifying leader to stem the Jungar incursion, incidentally, their prophesised Warrior-King; Mansur Ablai Khan, was a descendant of the great Khan himself. 'Mongol' depicts the narrative timeline as it would've been if one were living amongst the tribes: ages known only through guesswork, progression & success determined by the size of an army or horses gathered. Genghis Khan's just laws stated that a Mongolian warrior must do no harm to women or children nor betray his Khan; the latter would hold true for enternity, the former, alas, would not. With sequels (tentatively titled 'The Great Khan' & 'Golden Horde') on their way, 'Mongol: The Rise To Power Of Genghis Khan' is a gripping & exhilarating introduction to what's sure to become one of the best historical epics ever made.
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Historical epic that covers the early life of the legendary Mongolian leader Genghis Khan (Tadanobu Asano). The first part of a planned trilogy, the film focuses on the future ruler's brutal childhood, as he suffers starvation and slavery, through to the battle that would cement his power. Inspired by a poem translated from the Chinese that supposedly tells of Khan's formative years, director Sergei Bodrov ('Prisoner of the Mountains') offers a multidimensional portrait of the conqueror, focusing on the deep relationship he had with his beloved Borte (Khulan Chuluun) who was not only his wife but his most trusted advisor.
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