Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan (2007)

I had been waiting with anticipation from the moment I heard this film was being made. A trilogy about the life of Genghis Khan, filmed on location in Mongolia, China, and Kazakhstan. An undertaking of epic proportions. The first feature film to even attempt to portray this infamous leader on a grand scale.

I feared the worst. That it would be cheaply made, that the acting would be terrible, the story slow and boring, or simply a confusing mess. Mongol is none of these things. In fact, it's the exact opposite. Russian director Sergei Bodrov has pulled off the unthinkable. He directed a masterpiece. It's a gorgeous work of art from the opening shot to the final credits.

Actors, sets, costumes, and locations are authentic. You will get lost in the cinematography. Colors are vivid. Despite the language barrier, characters are easy to follow, and you'll forget you are reading subtitles after a while. Large scale battle sequences are raw and bloody, the way they should be. But there are moments of tenderness and mercy too. I'm still in shock at how amazing this film is.

I've heard the writer took liberties with historical facts. And you know what? Who hasn't! It's a movie based on a guy from the 1100's. Some things are going to get lost in translation. Make an incredible film like this and people will forgive a few embellishments. Can't wait for the next installment to be released.

Rating: A+