MONGOL (MA15+)

HIGHLY ACCLAIMED!
ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATED!
Best Foriegn Film of the Year...

Director:
Sergei Bodrov

Screenwriters:
Arif Aliyev
Sergei Bodrov

Starring:
Eduardo Verástegui
Tammy Blanchard
Manny Perez
Ali Landry

Plot Summary:
The story recounts the early life of Genghis Khan who was a slave before going on to conquer half the world including Russia in 1206.

Genre:
Drama

Duration:
2 hours

Origin:
Russia / Mongolia / Kazakhstan

Language:
Mongolian (English Subtitles)

Reviews:

Highlights from the Review by
DAVID STRATTON. AT THE MOVIES.
****4 STARS.

Genghis Khan is thought to have lived from 1162 -1227 and his fame as the conqueror of a great deal of the then known world,has sparked other movies in the past but none as good as this one.

Russian director Sergei Bodrov has made a magnificent epic which evokes some of the greats of the past, including LAWRENCE OF ARABIA.

Filming on locations in Mongolia itself, with a pan-Asian cast led by Japanese actor TADANOBU ASANO as the adult Temudjin, Bodrov has created a sweeping spectacle which, because of its fascinating subject matter – the formative years of one of the world’s most extraordinary figures – is more than the sum of hundreds of horsemen galloping across the steppes.

Although Bodrov is, in this part of the story at least, content to portray the fearsome warrior as a basically decent man of honour, there are hints of the ruthless conqueror to come, especially in the bloody battle that climaxes Part One of a promised trilogy.

Highlights from the Review by
MARGARET POMERANZ, AT THE MOVIES.
**** 4 STARS.

I loved this film.... because it just draws you into this world so strongly.

The performances are great. The design is great... this world is created that you can step into, totally believing it, and I love that in a film.
..... there's no written history of Genghis Khan... he's demonised in history and Bodrov has done this research and relied on this ancient poem to sort of like try and recreate something that is, you know - that cuts the demonising and looks at this young many growing up and why he possibly became embittered later on in life.

It's really an experience, and it's a big screen experience.

Variety Magazine Review Highlights:
This Central Asia-set historical epic boasts breathtaking landscapes, bloody battles, and unique traditions.

Encompassing shifting tribal alliances, a love story for the ages and a sworn friendship transformed into enmity, “Mongol” traces the formative years of legendary warrior Genghis Khan. Spanning his life from age 9 in 1172 through 1206, when the feuding nomadic clans united under his leadership, this Central Asia-set historical epic from Russian helmer Sergei Bodrov (“Nomad”) boasts breathtaking landscapes, dazzling cinematography, bloody battles and unique traditions.

Shot on locations in Kazakhstan and the Chinese province of Inner Mongolia, pic captures the nomadic lifestyle of the 12th century and the harsh climate and varying terrain of the Mongolian steppe, a place where a man’s not a man without a horse. It also introduces a strong, resourceful female character: Borte, first wife and lifelong adviser to the man born as Temudgin.

Vivid lensing by Sergey Trofimov and Rogier Stoffers lends needed momentum to the sprawling tale, particularly during the horse-mounted chases and battle sequences.

Spectacular production design by artist Dashi Namdakov and handsome folkloric costumes by Karin Lohr keep the pic easy on the eyes. Lush score by Tuomas Kantelinen is hauntingly supplemented with the ethno-folk stylings of Mongolian band Altan Urgan.

Review highlights by Louise Keller
URBAN CINEFILE.

Vast landscapes, savage battles, sparring blood brothers and a poignant love story form the essence of Sergei Bodrov¹s spectacular epic, among whose achievements are its extraordinary sense of place and time. Meticulously researched, this exploration of the background of legendary 12th century Mongol warrior Genghis Khan focuses on aspects of his life that history books fail to reveal. Perhaps most surprising is the relationship between
the Khan (formerly known as Temudgin) and the bride he chooses for himself, aged nine, which influences his entire life. With its stand-out music score comprising an explosive combo of musical styles, Mongol never fails to be fascinating, if occasionally frustrating, as it cinematically opens a window into the traditions, culture and faith of a mostly unknown time and place.

This is a film of contrasts ­ visually and emotionally. Cinematically there are arid deserts, grassy plains, rugged mountains, while matters of the heart are playful, sensual and moving. As expected, the battle scenes show all the signs of the barbaric culture of the day with explicit violence. But it is the heart of the man who would be Khan that remains with us, as a man with vision, tolerance and wisdom, and one who recognizes the difference between his brother and his enemy.

Trailer: