Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan

_**The Origins of the Great Khan**_

As a boy, I had a bit of a fascination with Genghis Khan (meaning Great King) and even drew a picture of him titled, naturally, "Temujin," his actual name. I don't know what it was that attracted me; likely his cool-sounding title and world-conquering exploits. With the exception of Iron Maiden's great instrumental, "Genghis Khan," that ended my flirtation with this historical figure. That is, until I saw the Russian-made "Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan" (2007) yesterday.

As the title suggests, the film explores Temujin's origins and what led to him ...

Now if you were expecting something along the lines of John Wayne and Stephen Boyd's classic "The Conqueror" (1956) then you are going to be disappointed. This is an altogether more fantastic - and much better acted - adventure telling us of the more mystical rise of "Temujin" (Tadanobu Asano) from the son of a twelfth century tribal leader of goat herders into the master of vast tracts of Asia. It all starts with his friendship with "Borte" (Khulan Chuluun) which leads to their betrothal in childhood. When his father is poisoned and their camp destroyed, he vows to return for her and sets off...