Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan is an epic saga about the notorious Mongolian conqueror, Genghis Khan. The emperor himself was played by two actors; Odnyam Odsuren as the-Khan-in-waiting Temudjin and Tadanobu Asano as the adult Hero.
The movie is like the foreign version of Alexander or Gladiator except that it has more taste in it. That’s why it got the Oscar for the best foreign movie I guess. You will see lots of arrow zinging, scimitars (not swords) swooshing and horses marching.
This movie doesn’t only showcase wars and fighting, but also interesting drama. The argument between Temudjin and his chieftain father over the bride for Temudjin is an example. Temudjin insisted to choose Borte (Khulan Chuluun)as his wife in opposition to his father choice. Or, his early life when his father died and he has to live in a land with wolves, treacherous friend and enemies always around.
The story goes hotter when telling about now-grown-up Genghis Khan has to face his “blood brother” Jamukha (Honglei Sun). Now, this is the part where romance had to step aside for a while and let action-packed scenes took over.
If you’re not in epic movie, the movie might not be your preference. However, its well written script and great shooting locations probably will make unware that it’s been two hours since you’re watching it.