Review of Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan (2007) by Nathan R — 15 May 2009

Mongol - Oscar-nominated epic with some impressive battle sequences and a strong performance from Tadanobu Asano, though there are some dull stretches in the middle and the script is occasionally frustrating.

Bodrov orchestrates some impressive battle sequences and some thrilling fight scenes â?? Temudgin's spear-chucking skills, for example, are extremely impressive. He also gets terrific performances from his child actors, particularly from Odnyam Odsuren (as young Temudgin) and Bayartsetseg Erdenebat as the beguilingly blue-eyed Borte, who captures Temudgin's heart with her tradition-defying ways.

In addition, Tadanou Asano has a quietly impressive presence as Temudgin and he's ably matched by newcomer Khulun Chuluun as Borte, while Honglei Sun has an intriguing role as Temudgin's friend and rival.

The main problem with the film is that it drags considerably in the middle section and often feels repetitive, with Temudgin escaping from slavery at least twice and the various battles blurring into each other.

Similarly, the script is occasionally frustrating, not least because the story ends just as it's really getting interesting. n short, Mongol is an impressively shot, superbly acted epic that delivers some superb sequences but is let down by an occasionally repetitive script and some dull pacing.

Worth seeing, though.