Featured Audience Ratings

• paul s

  
  As I watched the great Mongolian horsemen of the 1200's as depicted in the film Mongol, I couldn't help but think that George RR Martin borrowed heavily from them in creating his Dothraki in Game of Thrones. Mongol tells a romanticized version of the early years of the… More
  As I watched the great Mongolian horsemen of the 1200's as depicted in the film Mongol, I couldn't help but think that George RR Martin borrowed heavily from them in creating his Dothraki in Game of Thrones. Mongol tells a romanticized version of the early years of the boy who became the man to unite the great and ever warring tribes that roamed the steppes: Genghis Khan. We meet Genghis as a nine year old - being taken by his father a Khan (or tribal leader) to select a bride from a rival tribe in order to bring peace between their two tribes. On the way they stop and visit with a friendly tribe where young Genghis is enamored by a girl one year his senior. He asks his father if he may "practice" his choosing on the lesser tribes girls, and then befuddles his father by actually selecting one. Never a man to go against custom, the father gives his blessing to the union, knowing that it will anger the rival tribe. From there Genghis goes through several trials and tribulations as he grows to manhood as it is clear - being a Mongol isn't for the meek. I found their rituals and customs fascinating, almost more so than the story being presented; that of an undying love amongst all the strife. The film strives for a bit of grandeur yet it is when it focuses on the everyday that the film shows the most insight. Not that the grandeur isn't there - filmed on location in Mongolia you get taken in by the stark beauty of the endless frontier. The cinematography is truly beautiful and soulful as the film attempts to present its tale realistically - but unfortunately gets a bit too artsy- often resorting to slow motion camera work when depicting the million and one fight scenes. And yet there is a certain style and grace exhibited here as well, especially in the grand battle scenes where one cannot help but think of the book "the art of war". It's unfortunate that the film occasionally stumbles, as when Genghis is released from a small prison cell where he has been held for months, and jumps athletically down the escape route - man, I know I'd be stiff as hell being cooped up in a 5 foot square box. It is obvious here that the writer and director think very highly of their topic - but sadly fall into the usual biopic trap - calling Genghis Khan the greatest warrior and conqueror that ever lived... blah blah blah - the exact same thing came at the conclusion of Alexander; though I will say that Mongol has a much tighter narrative and is much more linear than that god awful film.

• Cynthia S

  
  Very good movie, and VERY well done. The fight scenes are just amazing. I didnt realize until the end that he was Genghis Khan. I just love movies with historical content, and this one did not disappoint.

• Jeff "

  
  A very good film chronicling the exploits and reign of Genghis Khan. This is a terrific film with an excellent cast of actors. Mongol is a very beautiful film and if you love foreign film, you'll love this one. This is a powerful film about the greatest conqueror who ever lived.… More
  A very good film chronicling the exploits and reign of Genghis Khan. This is a terrific film with an excellent cast of actors. Mongol is a very beautiful film and if you love foreign film, you'll love this one. This is a powerful film about the greatest conqueror who ever lived. Mongol is a stunning historical epic in the style of Braveheart. A great historical film that has a lot of action as much as story, this is a film that will please history buffs as well as film enthusiasts.

• E.J. B

  
  There are scenes of greatness in Mongol. Take for example, the scene where Genghis Khan, known in this movie as Temudgin, tells his son how he chose his mother well. His wife replies, "You did not choose me. I chose you" ti which Temudgin replies after a moment of… More
  There are scenes of greatness in Mongol. Take for example, the scene where Genghis Khan, known in this movie as Temudgin, tells his son how he chose his mother well. His wife replies, "You did not choose me. I chose you" ti which Temudgin replies after a moment of thought, "True!" Mongol is about the man who would become one of history's greatest conquerers, and this movie focuses on how Temudgin's family life played an essential part in setting him in the path of his destiny. His wife remains his only constant through many ordeals of slavery, clan disputes, betrayal, and brotherhood. The problem is that the film oversimplifies a lot of these events. We never truly understand why after the death of his father, the remaining tribe wanted to hill Temudgin. Nor do we ever really see the Mongol way of life, which the characters speak so highly of throughout the film. In essence, it's an action picture that should have been a grand epic. Many of the films scenes are beautifully shot and constructed. But others feel redundant, as if we've seen them in countless Hollywood action epics. Specifically, the battle scenes seem too much like Braveheart. A well made and watchable film. But not a great one.

• Gordon A

  
  Handsomely shot but dull telling of Genghis Khan's early years. Lots of slow-mo blood spurting but little originality to enliven proceedings.

• xGary X

  
  Mongol charts the life of Genghis Khan, from boy who sees his father assassinated, is abandoned by his clan and has his bride abducted, to the feared leader conqueror of half the known world. Well, some of it anyway. Mongol bears all the hallmarks of a quality historical epic, from… More
  Mongol charts the life of Genghis Khan, from boy who sees his father assassinated, is abandoned by his clan and has his bride abducted, to the feared leader conqueror of half the known world. Well, some of it anyway. Mongol bears all the hallmarks of a quality historical epic, from the beautiful cinematography and fantastic costume design to the brilliantly staged battle sequences. Although he's obviously no John Wayne(!), Tadanobu Asano makes a charismatic Temudgin, and the relationships between his pragmatic and wily wife (nicely played by the striking Khulan Chuluun) and his brother turned enemy are interesting and well done. Unfortunately, the rather glamourized script seemed to lack focus; it happily showed his happy home life as loving husband and father in a way that reminded me of the early stages of Braveheart, but would then skip over huge swathes of his life. One minute he's a lone warrior, frolicking with his family in a field, the next he's in command of half of Mongolia, facing his brother on a battlefield. How did these events came to pass? Search me. Still, what there is is very well done, if a little episodic; I just wished it had concentrated a bit more on the parts of his life I was actually interested in.

• Lorenzo v

  
  <i>"Greatness comes to those who take it."</i> Based on the controversial writings of Russian historian Lev Gumilyov, director Sergei Bodrov's look at the early years in the life of the Mongol conqueror stars Japanese actor Tadanobu Asano as Temudgin (as he… More
  <i>"Greatness comes to those who take it."</i> Based on the controversial writings of Russian historian Lev Gumilyov, director Sergei Bodrov's look at the early years in the life of the Mongol conqueror stars Japanese actor Tadanobu Asano as Temudgin (as he was then known), Honglei Sun as Mongol chieftain Jamukha, who was both Temudgin's close friend and mortal enemy, and newcomer Khulan Chuluun as his wife, Borte. Born in the year 1162, Temudgen's childhood was marred by tragedy and peril. But a great battle would seal Temudgen's fate forever, and though history often paints him as a brute, the truth is much more complex. Few historians make mention of the role Temudgen's wife, Borte, played in advising her husband and elevating him to greatness. With Borte by his side, Temudgen would rise to become a fearless visionary whose legacy would still prove potent enough to stir controversy centuries after his death. <b><u>Review</u></b> While the plot contained some dubious twists and had rather strange and slow pacing, the overall effect of this movie is stellar. The cinematography rivals, while being similar to, movies such as "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon". The score was amazing. The acting was, to my English speaking eyes and ears, convincing. The few combat scenes were filmed and choreographed to great effect. I am not sure how historically accurate this movie is, but it works as an enchanting piece of cinema. Highly recommended to anyone who likes art films and historical epics. Seriously, the locations make me want to take a vacation to the steppes immediately. Highly recommended.

• Tsubaki S

  
  Good stuff, a little less mysticism could make this even better. But don't worry, this is no Apocalypto.

• danny d

  
  astounding. this film blew me away. the only thing keeping it from perfection is the slightly choppy telling of parts of the story, but there are so many things about this film to love. the cinematography is among the best i have ever seen, period. the locations are beautiful,… More
  astounding. this film blew me away. the only thing keeping it from perfection is the slightly choppy telling of parts of the story, but there are so many things about this film to love. the cinematography is among the best i have ever seen, period. the locations are beautiful, building an awe within me surrounding the world we live in. the acting, considering no one has heard of these actors, was near perfect. the counterfieters was a great film, but this should have beat it last year for the oscar for best foreign language film. absolutely amazing.

• Jani H

  
  There's been a lot of writing about this film in the cinema medias. It got my attention but it failed to give me the feeling of being fully entertained. It looks good but the script leaves so many things explained. Ok, I understand that the filmmakers have planned to do a… More
  There's been a lot of writing about this film in the cinema medias. It got my attention but it failed to give me the feeling of being fully entertained. It looks good but the script leaves so many things explained. Ok, I understand that the filmmakers have planned to do a trilogy about the Genghis Khan but if other filmmakers have succeded to put a complete, whole story (even if it would be a start of a trilogy) into a 2 hour feature, why haven't these guys? Maybe the lack of experience/talent? For example the battle, in the end, that was supposed to be a huge event on the screen, was a complete failure. There's no excitement in it. Perhaps the second part will save the disappointment of the first one when we see Genghis Khan conquer the world...

• Luke B

  
  Apparently this is the first part of a trilogy. It certainly feels like it. A lot of story is crammed in but we are denied any real pay off of events. This is certainly a more emotional rendition of Khan's life as opposed to the murdering conquerer we all came to know and love.… More
  Apparently this is the first part of a trilogy. It certainly feels like it. A lot of story is crammed in but we are denied any real pay off of events. This is certainly a more emotional rendition of Khan's life as opposed to the murdering conquerer we all came to know and love. It's gripping at first but after a while it seems as though it isn't going to go anywhere and it doesn't. It seems as though a whole hour was cut as Khan rides off to assemble an army to face his old blood brother. The next shot sees him with his army, one throw away line summing up why they are here and then there is a battle. Now the battle is truly epic, perhaps a bit too much slow motion but nothing too offensive. The landscapes as well are stunning, empty, isolated, lifeless places. Asano is great in a film that just about succeeds. The main problem with these historical biopics are that like musician biopics they are very similar and thus dull in places. There's never any moment where Khan looks like he'll fail and this simple fact relieves the film of much suspense. Definitely worth a watch though at times the Fast Forward button becomes inviting.

• Janice Y

  
  The most bloody fantastic movie I have seen this year! A wonderful combination of brutalness and mercy, a dramtic story of a fierce warrior, wise husband and a great Khan. But it is a fiction rather than facts, so watch it as a legend story...

• William D

  
  [size=3]Mel Gibson is surely going to love "Mongol." I have no doubt that it will be on his Top 10 list at the end of the year, possibly even at the top of the list. If you think Mel Gibson is a great filmmaker, then you will love "Mongol," an epic [i]very… More
  [size=3]Mel Gibson is surely going to love "Mongol." I have no doubt that it will be on his Top 10 list at the end of the year, possibly even at the top of the list. If you think Mel Gibson is a great filmmaker, then you will love "Mongol," an epic [i]very loosely[/i] based on the life of the medieval warrior and statesman Gengis Khan.[/size] [img]http://www.sunrisecinemas.com/movie_snapshots/_mongol.jpg[/img] [size=3]If you are like me and you think Mel Gibson is an atrociously superficial filmmaker, then "Mongol" will be nearly intolerable for you (as it was for me). This film is so crushingly shallow that I felt like I was beginning to disappear as I watched it.[/size][size=3][still working on this][/size]

• Universal D

  
  what's a simple guy who only wants what's comin' for his bloodthirsty, raping, terrorisin' mongol hordes to do when the guys at the job won't listen to you? i mean, you can't gut all of them, can you? can you??? don't answer that! ol'genghis… More
  what's a simple guy who only wants what's comin' for his bloodthirsty, raping, terrorisin' mongol hordes to do when the guys at the job won't listen to you? i mean, you can't gut all of them, can you? can you??? don't answer that! ol'genghis khan comes from humble beginnings in this lyrical flashdance through history as well as the sweeping and endless grasslands of surprisingly beautiful outer mongolia. familial togetherness and savage brutality tenderly hold hands in this pax de deux that begins a trilogy (i understand) of one of the world's most famous conquerors. take a stand against the incumbent western threat of political correctness! take a stand for poor defenseless bullies everywhere and see this. it's worth your time.

• Nate Z

  
  [left][center][img]http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/3013/photo09hiresvc7.jpg[/img] [/center] [font=Arial][color=DarkRed] Genghis Khan can't be all bad. The Oscar-nominated foreign film [i]Mongol[/i] dares to show the little known softer side to the man that conquered most of… More
  [left][center][img]http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/3013/photo09hiresvc7.jpg[/img] [/center] [font=Arial][color=DarkRed] Genghis Khan can't be all bad. The Oscar-nominated foreign film [i]Mongol[/i] dares to show the little known softer side to the man that conquered most of the known world in the early 13th century. The film follows the rise of Temudjin (Tadanobu Asano). [i]Mongol[/i] has the look and feel of epic adventures of old, the type of stuff Hollywood was churning out at four-hour lengths in the 1960s. The cinematography is excellent and sweeping, the real-life filming locations add great authenticity to the tale, and the acting is universally strong, especially Asano and his stalwart and attractive wife, Börte (Khulan Chuluun). Even though Asano is Japanese he makes a much more convincing Genghis Khan than John Wayne (I advise everyone to skip 1956's [i]The Conqueror[/i]). Most of the film concerns Temudjin's relationship with his wife and his blood brother, Jamukha (Honglei Sun). Eventually he must defeat his powerful blood brother and consolidate the Mongolian people. The interpersonal relationships between the three principles are surprisingly deft and full of insight. For a two-hour film detailing the life of Genghis Khan, the movie doesn't resort to many battle sequences. The combat is exhilarating and stylish without ever becoming self-conscious. I read that [i]Mongol[/i] is intended to be part one of a trilogy following Genghis Khan, so perhaps there will be more military strategy and battles once he steps off his home turf. The movie lost me somewhere in its languid middle and never fully regained my attention. The movie starts off well, ends decently enough, but man the time in between gets terribly repetitious. Temudjin is captured. He escapes. He's captured. He escapes. His wife is captured. He rescues her. I have no idea if all the events the film portrays are necessarily historically accurate as depicted. Even if they are, the filmmakers could have provided a stronger through-line to connect the events and provide a better sense of overall direction. [i]Mongol[/i] is certainly a good film but it's not great. It even feels a tad pre-programmed, like it was constructed for a U.S. audience that has grown accustomed to the likes of [i]Braveheart[/i] and other bloody history epics. I'll keep a passing notice on whether [i]Mongol[/i] Part Two (the rise) and [i]Mongol[/i] Part Three (the fall) improve upon Part One. Nate's Grade: B[/color][/font] [/left]

• El Hombre I

  
  The first installment of writer-director Sergei Bodrov's planned trilogy on the life of Genghis Khan. Mongol's action scenes are spectacularly bloody. It's hard to tell what's happening during the chaotic battles, but when a mist of red, digitally colored fluid… More
  The first installment of writer-director Sergei Bodrov's planned trilogy on the life of Genghis Khan. Mongol's action scenes are spectacularly bloody. It's hard to tell what's happening during the chaotic battles, but when a mist of red, digitally colored fluid fills the air, you can bet that blades are tearing flesh. Tadanobu Asano (Ichi The Killer, Sharkskin Man, Peach Hip Girl) is great in the role and it's good to see him in an involved epic, with mention to Odnyam Odsuren who plays the young Temudgin in such a natural way and was one of the highlights of the film. You may find yourself scratching your head with some unanswered questions that seem to play out as "If you're going to conquer the world, it's good to have a God on your side." At times unevenly paced, but still a worthy introduction to what may come next. <a href="http://s273.photobucket.com/albums/jj203/goji9000/?action=view¤t=mongol.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj203/goji9000/mongol.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

• Aaron N

  
  Young Temudgin: Why do you want me dead? Targutai: I'll sleep better. Young Temudgin: I'll kill you. Some months before this movie came out, I had been taking a class, which at the time was dealing with Genghis Khan. I joked/thought of a cool idea for a sweet movie about… More
  Young Temudgin: Why do you want me dead? Targutai: I'll sleep better. Young Temudgin: I'll kill you. Some months before this movie came out, I had been taking a class, which at the time was dealing with Genghis Khan. I joked/thought of a cool idea for a sweet movie about the famed Mongol leader. Low and behold this movie comes out, and not only is it sweet, it is the first of a trilogy. The story here involves the early years leading up to the rise of Khan to power. We see him as a boy, learning from his father, choosing his bride, and picking up his first enemies. As the stories goes on, Khan grows up going through various troubles, including his capture and feuding with old rivals and friends. This leads to a number of war scenes and the building of Khan's power and development of his leadership rules and skills. Jamukha: You see, my brother is very clever. Besides being cool just for dealing with Khan, the movie looks great. The cinematography is wonderful. The battle scenes are stylized and work great when dealing with a world where action scenes are so plentiful. Being a film from Kazakhstan, its certainly cool to see non-Hollywood features, such as Night Watch for another example, that do such a great job at establishing a great look and feel. The performers are also very strong here. Tadanobu Asano (of Ichi the Killer) does a great job at becoming Khan and going through the various stages of his early life. His rival and wife are also both effective. The music also makes this film work. It was just something that seemed very fitting and enjoyable, and noticeable enough to point out. If there is any problem, it involves a few lulls in the pacing, but this is made up for by how great the film looks overall and how well the characters are handled. A very good historical action epic. Temudgin: Mongols need laws. I will make them obey -- even if I have to kill half of them.

• Byron B

  
  Bodrov has overseen an epic tale of Genghis Khan's early life. I wish the trilogy, or at least one sequel combining part two and three, could be completed. Odnyam Odsuren plays the young Temudgin. The music and cinematography carry you away to the twelfth century. We see Temudgin… More
  Bodrov has overseen an epic tale of Genghis Khan's early life. I wish the trilogy, or at least one sequel combining part two and three, could be completed. Odnyam Odsuren plays the young Temudgin. The music and cinematography carry you away to the twelfth century. We see Temudgin traveling with his father (Ba Sen), picking his future wife Borte (Khulan Chuluun), befriending the bossy Jamukha (Honglei Sun), and making a persistent enemy in Targutai (Amadu Mamadakov). After constantly being enslaved in yokes and rope and then escaping, Tadanobu Asano takes over as Temudgin. Whether in a romantic "honeymoon" scene once he is reunited with his wife or a tense scene arguing with Jamukha or an action packed scene with scimitars slashing, Asano's face and eyes don't let you look away. His many escapes from captivity are exciting. His surprisingly modern relationships with his wife and kids add a human aspect. His mindful strategy is appealing. The mass of extras and horses for the final battle scene is something to see. This is just the beginning of Genghis Khan as he reclaims his father's tribe and sets down laws for a united Mongolia.

• Walter M

  
  "Mongol" is a strikingly shot, yet dramatically flawed movie about the early years of Genghis Khan, ne Temudjin(Tadanobu Asano). Along with being more a bloody action flick than history, it also feels like it is just getting started as the movie ends. It is only apt that… More
  "Mongol" is a strikingly shot, yet dramatically flawed movie about the early years of Genghis Khan, ne Temudjin(Tadanobu Asano). Along with being more a bloody action flick than history, it also feels like it is just getting started as the movie ends. It is only apt that the movie appears to go in circles as Temudjin seeks to correct the mistakes of the past by introducing a consistent set of laws(no killing women and children, for example) to the Mongol people instead of inconsistently followed customs which only serve to divide the people and which indirectly lead to the death of his father(Ba Jen), the local khan. Temudjin(Odnyam Odsuren) is nine-years old when his father brings him to a Merkit camp to choose a bride in order to make up for the much less polite way he stole his bride from them. However, in a friendly camp along the way, Temudjin meets Borte(Bayertsetseg Erdenebat) and chooses her.(Their romance becomes the heart of the movie which is good because as an adult, Borte(Khulan Chuluun) is such a strong character but it is also something of a distraction from the main plotline.) On their return, his father is apparently poisoned and the khanate is broken up, leaving Temudjin to fend for himself. Targutai(Amadu Mamadakov) wants to kill the boy, so he will not get revenge on the usurpers but is told to wait at least a year when he will have grown closer to being an adult.

• Sheldon C

  
  Very epic. Beautifully shot. Extremely stunning cinematography brings this film up an entire notch, in my opinion. The scenery was nice, and the core acting was solid, also. Apart from the dragging moments, especially during the boring romantic scenes that I felt could've been… More
  Very epic. Beautifully shot. Extremely stunning cinematography brings this film up an entire notch, in my opinion. The scenery was nice, and the core acting was solid, also. Apart from the dragging moments, especially during the boring romantic scenes that I felt could've been shortened a lot more, the film was excellent. The battle scenes felt very epic, and it definitely aims for realism (perhaps save for a sequence involving clouds and lightning).

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