Review of Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan (2007) by Byron B — 05 May 2013

Bodrov has overseen an epic tale of Genghis Khan's early life. I wish the trilogy, or at least one sequel combining part two and three, could be completed. Odnyam Odsuren plays the young Temudgin. The music and cinematography carry you away to the twelfth century.

We see Temudgin traveling with his father (Ba Sen), picking his future wife Borte (Khulan Chuluun), befriending the bossy Jamukha (Honglei Sun), and making a persistent enemy in Targutai (Amadu Mamadakov).

After constantly being enslaved in yokes and rope and then escaping, Tadanobu Asano takes over as Temudgin. Whether in a romantic "honeymoon" scene once he is reunited with his wife or a tense scene arguing with Jamukha or an action packed scene with scimitars slashing, Asano's face and eyes don't let you look away.

His many escapes from captivity are exciting. His surprisingly modern relationships with his wife and kids add a human aspect. His mindful strategy is appealing. The mass of extras and horses for the final battle scene is something to see.

This is just the beginning of Genghis Khan as he reclaims his father's tribe and sets down laws for a united Mongolia.