Mongol (Bodrov, 2007): Kazakhstan

Sergei Bodrov’s Mongol, visually tells us the story of the legendary warrior Genghis Kahn. Shown at the Arlington Theater during the Santa Barbara Film Festival, Brodrov paints an elaborate portrait of a more compassionate leader than is historically documented. With breathtaking cinematography, the epic tale is filmed in some of the most beautiful landscapes of Asia and Europe. Mongol is most definitely a must see, not for historical educational purposes, but simply because it is an incredible work of art.

The film begins with a young Temudgin (Genghis Kahn), at the age of nine, his father is taking him to choose a bride from the Merkit clan. On the way, they stop at a neighboring tribe and he meets Borte, who he chooses as his bride instead. It is this choice that alters the path of his life. On their return, Temudgins father, the Kahn, is poisoned by his enemies. Temudgin is the rightful Kahn, but the position is seized by the ruthless clan member Esugei. It is tradition that Mongol’s can’t kill children until they reach a certain height so young Temudgin is enslaved until he reaches that height. He runs away and meets Jammukah. An heir to the Kahn from another tribe, the become blood brothers. Eventually brought back to slavery only to once again escape. Once grown, Temudgin seeks out his chosen bride, Borte. This romance weaves itself into the remainder of the story, serving as the drive for the soon to be Kahn. As Temudgin pursues his domination of the countryside and eventually half of the known world, he must overcome serious obstacles to reach his ultimate status.

The film has moments which absolutely captivated me through the use of the extreme long shot. Bodrov’s emphasizes the amount of open space in such a way that overwhelmed me with a tranquil and settling feeling. Aesthetically, Mongol reminded of Chinese films like Hero, or Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, yet it lacked the elaborately choreographed martial arts. In its replacement, we have epic battle scenes that seemed to be on the scale of a more bloody Hollywood film. While the movie is essentially the story a young Genghis Kahn, the plot is driven by romance. Borte, played by a beautiful Khulan Chuluun, has an incredibly strong female role. In a time and place when women had little to no power, Borte strongly influences Temdgin in all that he does, making a strong statement about gender.

Mongol is most definitely a must see. Whether you are going to see an action film, a historical epic, a romance, or simply and incredible work of art, Mongol will satisfy your desire for a full two hours. And if that is not a good enough reason, then think about how may opportunities you will have to see a passionate and just Genghis Kahn? I would imagine it couldn’t be very high number.