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| Movie Review: Mongol Alternate Title: The Pre-Wrath of Kahn
Story: The name Genghis
Kahn sends shivers up the spine of the average Westerner but
he is revered as a hero to the Mongolian people. This sweeping, outstanding
film is the first of a promised trilogy by director Sergei Bodrov.
It was written by Arif Aliyev and Sergei Bodrov.
I, for one, can't wait for the next two parts. The film covers Kahn in his early years as a
child to a man, from 1172 to 1206. It is engaging, solid, old style
movie making with an emphasis on character development. I actually cared
deeply for Kahn and will have to rethink my negative thinking about
him. It was not easy being Mongol in those days. There were constant
tribal wars, decades old grudges and creature comforts were non-existent. If you like your epics filled with expansive landscape, bloody battles,
a heart breaking love story, betrayals, revenge and good acting this
film is for you. For an exhaustive look at Genghis Kahn check
out this wikipedia site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genghis_Khan View the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28OLBrW6PSM Acting: Japanese actor, Tadanobu Asano
as Temudgin (Khan) is nothing short of fabulous. Chinese actor, Honglei
Sun as Jamukha, his blood brother is deliciously wicked. Beautiful
Khulan Chuluun as the stoic love, Borte is great. Odnyam
Odsuren as Young Temudgin is outstanding as is the rest of
the cast of thousands. Predilection: I like epics.
Critters: Horse, horses and more horses and a wolf,
pigeons, geese.
Food: Mystery meat and the abovementioned pigeon,
goop and glop.
Sex Spectrum: Lots of pillaging, assumed raping and
a grunting sex scene in the shadows behind a curtain.
Soundtrack: Sweeping, soaring and fitting.
Opening Titles: An expansive opening with an introduction
to Khan and his harsh environment.
Visual Art: The beauty of the landscape is worth the
price of admission. It was filmed in Mongolia and Kazakhstan.
Theater Audience: About 20 other male warriors and
this lone female warrior.
Weather: Oh my, the weather is harsh in Mongolia and
it turns out the Mongols of the 12th century were deathly afraid of
thunder.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: 4 - The hand to hand battles are very
squirmy. Lots of swords, knives and other pointy objects that go thud,
clunk and squish.
Drift Factor: I paid attention throughout.
Predictability Level: If you know your history there
are few surprises.
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: It was nominated for Best Foreign Film last
year.
Big Screen or Rental: Big screen is a must.
Length: Two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 8.5
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