Mongol (2007)

release year: 2007
genre: biographical drama
viewing setting: home DVD, 5/9/09

synopsis: This is a dramatization of the early life of Genghis Khan.

impressions: The first in a trilogy, this movie is international and subtitled. It depicts the life of Temudjin (the young Ganghis Khan) from childhood to young adulthood, including his choosing of a wife, his bonding and then feuding with his blood brother, and the beginnings of his rise to power. It was well-made, and probably historically accurate, but it was a little slow at times. That's to be expected; if this was a Hollywood movie, it would be heavy on the action and light on the accuracy. On the plus side, there are plenty of battles, and they are bloody. I did wonder how the young fellow would eventually become a feared warlord - he wasn't particularly skilled in battle, or physically imposing, or cunning, or ruthless. Maybe the second chapter in this series, due in 2010, will clear some things up.

something this movie has that no other movie has: A boy falling through ice, into icy water...and then appearing in snow, above ground, with no explanation given.

acting: No recognizable (to americans) actors here. Tadanobu Asano is Temudjin. Sun Honglei is his brother Jamukha. Khulan Chuluun is Borte, Temudjin's wife. Ba Sen is Esugei, his father, who died through his own ego/stupidity.

final word: Well-made but confusing and slow at times.

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