Mongol (2008) Synopsis:
The story recounts the early life of Genghis Khan who was a slave before going on to conquer half the world including Russia in 1206.
Mongol (2008) Movie Review:
An autobiographical film thrives on interpersonal conflict and hardship, and Genghis Khan's life story certainly had it in spades. Proving the old adage that what doesn't kill you will make you stronger, the young Temudgin (Genghis Khan's personal name) became a man of almost inhuman determination, patience and strength, who forged a vast empire and kicked the collective behinds of the known world.
From Kazakhstan, and filmed in Mongolian and Mandarin, "Mongol" focuses primarily on Temudgin's childhood and early obscurity. As the child of his tribe's khan, Temudgin's privileged life ended with the death of his father by poison. His mother and siblings are subsequently abandoned by the tribe to the mercy of nature and enemies. The focal point of Temudgin's life is his beautiful wife Borte (Khulan Chuluun), who, as befits the partner of the future conqueror, displays the same kind of stoicism and brutal practicality as her husband.
Appropriately, "Mongol" is epic, filled with grand sweeping vistas of a land of almost mythic beauty, richly coloured in a way that resembles the film "300", but a lot less stylised. The Temudgin depicted is every inch the classical hero, deadly with a sword (or blunt instrument) but quite human, different to his traditional reputation. Tadanobu Asano does a great job as the titular character, broadcasting charisma like a beacon. Every detail is gorgeous, from the costume design, to the battle scenes.
"Mongol" isn't really historically accurate, with some creative license taken to illustrate the theme of conflict and heroism of the people and the period. This isn't necessarily a bad thing - the man himself was already the subject of legends during his lifetime, and the ancient records do not distinguish fact from fiction. But the conflict and trials that Temudgin goes through can get repetitive, as if to belabour the point. Some parts are confusing, progressing from one point to another without any clear logic or time frame, leaving one feeling a bit rushed and dissatisfied. Probably not so surprising, considering how much there is to cover within the limits of a two-hour film.
"Mongol" is flawed, but it is a good-looking film. The exploits of this legendary figure of history makes for some good viewing.
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Mongol (2008) review written by: Eden Law
12th October, 2008 
