Growing up Genghis

Mongol is an epic adventure about
the legendary conqueror

by MARK SLUTSKY

By all accounts, Genghis Khan was a leader as powerful, and as fascinating, as any of the other conquerors of antiquity. The Mongol tribesman conquered almost all of Asia, and his presence can still be felt there today in the most surprising of ways: a 2003 genetic study claimed that eight per cent of all Asian men are direct descendants of G.K. Hollywood has put him onscreen many times (even John Wayne played the guy), but a new film, Mongol, brings the legend back home.

Russian director Sergei Bodrov helms the massive international co-production, financed in Russia and Germany and filmed (and cast) in Mongolia, Kazakhstan and China, with a Japanese actor, Tadanobu Asano (The Taste of Tea, Zatoichi) in the lead role. But despite its international pedigree, Mongol avoids the awkwardness found in so many co-pros of its kind; it’s a highly entertaining epic adventure and (very loose) history lesson.

The film is the first part of a proposed trilogy, and as such only covers the warrior’s early life. Temudjin (as was his given name—“Genghis Khan” was an honorific he earned later in life) is the son of a tribal chief who falls on hard times when his father is poisoned.

Shlepped around by his enemies, sold into slavery and generally maltreated, the stoic young would-be Khan is loyal to his bride, Borte (Khulan Chuluun) and his blood brother Jamukha (Honglei Sun). But his ambitions clash with Jamukha’s, and it becomes apparent that there’s only room on the steppes for one king Khan.

Mongol is an epic in the old style. It’s a sweeping tale of romance, conquest, revenge and friendship, told against a beautiful landscape. There’s lots of fighting and a few massive battles, and while CGI must have been used, it doesn’t stick out, which is a welcome change from most action movies these days.

Bodrov directs with a sure hand, and while the story is a bit sentimental and most certainly a lot less vicious and horrible than the historical events must have been, it’s a really enjoyable film. With clean action, fine performances and a visually powerful setting, Mongol might not have the same brand power as The Incredible Hulk but it’s a lot more fun.

Mongol opens this Friday, June 20

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