Mongol is an epic movie shot in the style of filmmaker David Lean. The film tells the story of Genghis Khan from the re-thought-out perspective of the present country of Mongolia where Khan (mention of Genghis Khan was banned during the seventy years of Soviet domination) is now a national hero.

I saw the film and then interview the Russian filmmaker, Sergei Bodrov. Here is my review. Be sure to scroll down for the interview with the filmmaker, Sergei Bodrov.

Sergei Bodrov's
Mongol
Opens Friday, June 6, 2008
Landmark's Sunshine Cinema
143 East Houston Street, New York
Lincoln Plaza Cinemas
Broadway Between 62nd and 63rd
Mongolian With English Subtitles

When the Iron Curtain came down, a massive change in perception accompanied the change in decor. Everything that was old was new again: western culture, democracy, the Russian monarchy and Genghis Khan!!!

Genghis Khan! Yes Genghis Khan!

Russian filmmaker Sergei Bodrov does not like stereotypes and the story of Genghis Kahn appealed to him. Both Russian and European history books tell the story of Kahn with the same venom used to talk about the rise and fall of Adolph Hitler. In fact, it was against the law to even speak the name of Genghis Khan in the Soviet satellite state of Mongolia. But as Budrov explained, history is written by the victors and the Mongols were eventually conquered and sent back to Mongolia. And the Mongolians were not historians.

Bodrov's film Mongol tells the story of the early years of Kahn's life based on a poem that survived from the 12th Century (Bodrov is seriously considering filming a trilogy similar to Lord of the Rings). Mongol follows Kahn from the age of ten when the young Temudgin (the future Genghis Khan played by Tadanobu Asano) first meets the love his life, Borte (played by Khulan Chuluun).

Soon afterwards, Termudgin loses his father and becomes a fugitive, running and hiding from Targutai (Amadu Mamadakov), the warrior who takes over his father's tribe. Mongolia was a cruel and beautiful land and young Termudgin is forced to live a life where truly, "Only the strong survive." And survive he does, fighting Targutai and then fighting the tribe of his "blood brother," Jamukha (Honglei Sun). And with each fight, he becomes stronger and attracts more and more followers until he finally unites the Mongolian nation. And the rest of history, even if it is history only told by the historians of the eventually victorious Russians and the Europeans. And eventually took centuries because the Genghis Khan's descendents rose up to conquer all of Russia and Eastern Europe.

Mongol is an epic film. The scenes set in the Mongolian plains are simply stunning. The costumes are luxurious (Karin Lohr, SFK)and the interiors of the tents are richly appointed (Dashi Namdakov). The fight scenes are simply spectacular (credit to stun choregraphers Zhaidarbek Kunguzhinov and Jung Doo Hong). The film is also blessed with a great soundtrack with contributions by Finnish composer Tuomas Kantelinen and by Altan Urag, an eight-person Mongolian folk-rock band.

But the real beauty of the film is the love story between two strong characters, Termudgin and the love of his life, Borte. For Termudgin may have been a brutal warlord, but when he fell in love with Borte at the age of ten, he fell in love for life.

Mongol also benefits from a talented and charismatic cast. Tadanobu Asano is quietly noble as the young Genghis Kahn. Khulan Chuluun plays Borte as a worthy partner and advisor to Khan. And Japanese actor Honglei Sun gives a powerful performance as Termudgin's friend/enemy, Jamukha.

Mongol was nominated for the Best Foreign Film Oscar in 2008. It (not Borat) was the entry from Kazakhstan.

The Interview With Filmmaker Sergei Bodrov


Tadanobu Asano and Khulan Chuluun in Mongol
Photo Credit Alexander Zabrin

Question about what attracted Bodrov to the story of Khan:

Sergei Bodrov: I don't like stereotypes. All I knew about Termudgin (Genghis Khan) is the little I read in history books. Khan was most unpopular in Russia. Russia lived for two hundred and fifty years under Mongol rule and even to this day he is blamed for all our problems. He is perceived as a merciless man with no heart. His history was written by his enemies and the Russian and European historians wrote some really bad stuff about him.

But he was not born a monster. Historians knew his early life story (through an epic Mongolian poem that survived) but it was not important to them.

But mainly I am always attracted to good stories. I like to listen to good stories and I like to tell them.

Question about whether there are other stereotypical characters/stories that he would like to film:

Sergei Bodrov: I am not interesting in spending my life fighting stereotypes; I am interested in good stories.

Question about the fact that Genghis Khan had hundreds of wives:

Sergei Bodrov: He did, but Termudgin (Khan) and his wife Borte had a very wonderful relationship.

Question about his casting a Japanese actor to play Termudgin:

Sergei Bodrov: We held casting calls all over Mongolia, but we found Tadanobu Asano in Japan. He had this inner strength that was perfect for the character.

Asano prepared for six months to learn the language and learn to ride the horses.

Questions about the horses and whether they were hurt during the filming of the fight scenes:

Sergei Bodrov: I am a horse lover and rider. The stunts were done by professional Kazakhstan stunt riders who brought their own trained horses. The horses were not hurt.

Question about the fight scenes where seemingly thousands of warriors were on the battlefield.

Sergei Bodrov: No one can afford to cast a scene that big. It must be digitally enhanced. But we had a cast of over a thousand extras in the fight scenes.

Question about whether Bodrov is planning on completing the trilogy?

Sergei Bodrov: I am superstitious and do not announce my plans [until they are finalized]. It took four years of my life to complete Mongol and I need to carefully consider my next project.

Question about how the country of Mongolia regards Genghis Khan now:

Sergei Bodrov: They regard Khan as a God; he is regarded as one of the most powerful Shaman's.

[Re: The symbolism about the wolf in the film] Mongolians think wolves are sacred. They think they descend from the wolves.

There were many good things about Kahn. He tolerated other religions; none of his wars were about religion. In fact, some of his commanders were Christian. He had a rule about not killing ambassadors or messengers. Also there were rules about not torturing; torture was a death penalty offense. He would quickly execute anyone for any offense, but he would not torture. And there were rules about not killing women and children.

Question about why he (Bodrov) felt it was so important to tell the story of Khan's wife, Borte:

Sergei Bodrov: It was a great love story. Mongolians do not go to war over a woman, but Khan went to war to recover Borte when she had been kidnapped.

Question about what he wants people to leave his film thinking:

Sergei Bodrov: I did my job and I hope you enjoy it.

Question about whether the film was worth four years of his life:

Sergei Bodrov: Oh, yes.