Review of Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan (2007) by Roger W — 24 Dec 2008

Good pieces don't necessarily come together to form a good 'whole'. Yes - the landscapes are beautifully captured, yes - the story of the orphaned young slave gives insight into the fabric of a great leader; yes - there is some great acting (especially of the co-stars); yes - the events seem to be close to the known history; but no - for me it is not a convincing movie.

No - the splashing bloodshed is not necessary to understand that the 12th century was a fierce time when people disagreed; no - the excursions into the phantasy genre do not strengthen the grip on the characters and their actions; no - the description of a time without cell phones and Internet does not require to have us sit through a 'slow' movie; no - many of the actions and behaviors are not convincing or even telling; no - modern movie animation does not necessarily generate breathtaking battles like in "Gladiator" or "Hero"; no - one must not see "Mongol" to learn about the life and times of Genghis Khan or get a little kick ino one's life.