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Mongol - The Rise To Power Of Genghis Khan [2008]


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Genghis Khan: the Early Years
Review date: 2008-11-09 Rating: 8 out of 10

Mongol is the first part of a trilogy of films on the life of Genghis Khan by Russian director Sergei Bodrov. With that in mind, you shouldn't be surprised when the film ends suddenly with Genghis' rise to power, as two more films are expected in the next few years.
It is also a wise decision on behalf of Bodrov to make a trilogy considering that other attempts at condensing the Khan's life into a two or three hour slot have failed so miserably in the past (Howard Hughes/John Wayne's 1956 film the Conqueror being the most notable).

This first half starts with Genghis as a nine-year-old boy, then called Temujin (spelt Temudgin in the film's subtitles) as he sets off with his father to choose a bride from a rival tribe, the Merkits. Along the way he makes an unexpected choice by selecting a girl called Borte, receiving a luxurious black sable coat in return as a dowry.
This choice will have a huge effect on Temujin's life, as it sets in motion a series of events that will see his father assassinated, his right as tribal leader usurped, his bride abducted, and himself captured, humiliated, and enslaved.
Defying the odds, and with almost supernatural support from the Mongols' chief deity, Temujin strikes back against his betrayers in a final gigantic battle against the assembled tribes of Mongolia. With his enemies defeated, Temujin rises to become the Great King, Genghis Khan, of all the Mongols.

The film does follow the basic outline of Genghis' early life, but it mostly plays fast and loose with the facts. Sometimes this works to the film's benefit, but at other times it doesn't. For instance, much of the story is simplified, as the constant struggles between the various tribes would have been to confusing for the viewer. At other times, the choices seem to be confusing. According to most sources Genghis was captured only once in his life, but several scenes in this film consist of Genghis being captured and later escaping only to be re-captured and enslaved again. This repetitive storyline does begin to grate at times, considering it isn't really necessary to further the plot or character development, and it's a strange addition considering most of these events never took place.

Worst of all it seems that much of the interesting events of the Khan's rise to power are omitted so that more of these chase and capture scenes can be included. It gets to be so frequent that at times it feels like you are watching a medieval version of Prison Break.
The ending also feels rushed in my opinion, as Temujin with the help of Borte, escapes from a Tangut prison, only to rush off in anger when he hears that the tribes of Mongolia have fallen into anarchy and lawlessness. The next time we see him, he has assembled a large army. No back-story is given to how he has achieved this, or how he's gone from penniless outlaw to powerful Warlord. This is the film's biggest failure in my opinion, as this should have been the back-story of the film.

That said, the film makes up for this with its great acting, its bloody battles and its wonderful cinematography. Japanese actor Tadanobu Asano (famous for his samurai roles in films like Zatoichi) makes a convincing Khan. He's good at portraying the ruthless warlord who executes and carves his way through his enemies, but he also shows the human side to the man, including his deep love for Borte and his illegitimate children.
Honglei Sun also throws in a brilliant performance as Jamukha, a drink sodden warrior and Genghis's blood brother.
Bodrov also does a good job of portraying the Mongolian landscape, with its vast and empty steppe, his rolling hills and its flowing lakes and rivers.

Overall this is a good film that has a few flaws in its storyline. It might not be completely accurate, but it does have plenty of entertaining scenes. It's also a nice change from the recent flow of Hollywood epics with their emphasis on ancient European history. Medieval Mongolia has never been so brilliantly re-created on screen before, and fans of these types of movies will enjoy it. This film isn't for everybody, and war and action fans might be disappointed if they expect nothing but bloody battles from start to finish, but there's plenty here to fascinate movie fans if they give it a chance.

DVD Features:

No. of disks - 1.
Region: 2.
Rating: 15 for strong battle violence.
Sound: Mongolian language in 5.1 and 2.0.
Subtitles: English only.
Picture: 2:35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen.
Running time: 2 hours approx.
Special features: Making of Mongol Documentary (Russian with English subtitles) plus Mongol trailer. Running time 38 Mins approx.


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Reviews


A Ripping Yarn!!
Review date: 2008-10-28 Rating: 8 out of 10

What a brilliant film! If you like stunning locations, great photography and awesome fight sequences then this is a film for you! From the get-go you know you're in for a treat. The opening shot pans through a spectacular set to the lead character who you instantly know is going to be a tough nut to crack...well, the guy IS Ghengis Khan!

No previous knowledge of the life of Ghengis is required...you will be harshly educated. You'll learn about yurts! You'll see offal enjoyed as a breakfast! See Mongolian forms of punishment!

The film moves at great pace through his eventful and grim life and, frankly, I'd watch this sort of film just for the photography. It really is a stunning piece of cinema to look at. You may have to do this if you mistakenly buy the DVD in the original Mongolian dialogue! Make sure it has English subtitles!

If you like action and drama I recommend this film. 8/10.

Part 1?
Review date: 2008-10-22 Rating: 8 out of 10

This was a great movie, beautifully shot, telling a story that not many people know. I have to say that the story is different to the story I had read about the start of his life, but maybe there is a lot of speculation? My main issue is the lack of action, so I hope this is only part 1 about his rise to power, and hope the chinese wars follow....

if only all films looked so beautiful
Review date: 2008-10-19 Rating: 10 out of 10

Hands up if you are weary of murky blue cinematography in films today, are you bored by endless CGI effects and incoherent editing in action sequences. do you long for proper movies? well Mongol is a breath of fresh air from the majestic steppes. It is a ravishing movie to look at. The spectacular landscape is definitely the star of the show. Not even Peter Jackson's New Zealand comes close to this mighty wilderness. Oh this film is a joy to watch. It's well acted and directed. Few films can be called 'classic' these days but I believe Mongol can be given that title.

Superb
Review date: 2008-10-17 Rating: 10 out of 10

I can't believe I almost didn't buy this film after reading poor reviews.
It's breathtaking - and passes in what seems about 15 minutes.
I sincerely hope there are sequels.

I am puzzled by complaints about not a lot of battles - there are several exquisitely crafted fight scenes. I usually don't enjoy battles - but these were almost poetic.

Believe the positive reviews - it's as good as they say.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Tadanobu Asano
Khulan Chuluun
Odnyam Odsuren
Sun Honglei

Creators:
Tadanobu Asano (Primary Contributor)
Odnyam Odsuren (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Universal Pictures UK
Manufacturer: Universal Pictures UK
EAN: 5050582568332
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2008-09-29
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 120 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2008

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