Mongol

Mongol was very interesting, telling the story of Genghis Khan with some superb acting, beautiful cinematography and startlingly effective music. The characterisation was just brilliant, that gruff staccato language matching wonderfully the curt, aggressive and yet poetic way of communication the Mongols have, if the film is to be believed. A man from such an empty sort of a lifestyle, and he went on to begin what would become one of the greatest empires the world has ever seen. Surprisingly, the film focused on Temujin’s life before his days as a warlord, his times being persecuted by enemies of his father, locked away as a ridiculed slave and bonding with family, rather than on fighting with powerful neighbours. Thus the narrative became somewhat turgid at times, and the film was definitely overlong, then felt rushed at the end, but there were some superb moments between characters, and the tone evoked was so authentic and yet otherworldly that it was a shame when less believable aspects, like monks who can see the future and visits from expressionistic wolf-gods detracted from the sense of veracity, even though I’m sure they are very much authentic parts of Temuhin’s legend. According to news articles, though, people from Mongolia are not impressed at the portrayal, and claim it is very inaccurate. I also see this is the first part of a planned trilogy, which explains the focus on his early life.