How did Genghis Khan get to be Genghis Khan？ Russian director Sergei Bodrov explores the subject in “Mongol，” a beautifully filmed， sprawling epic tracing the early life of Temudgin， the birth name of the man who matured into the power

　　     How did Genghis Khan get to be Genghis Khan？ Russian director Sergei Bodrov explores the subject in “Mongol，” a beautifully filmed， sprawling epic tracing the early life of Temudgin， the birth name of the man who matured into the powerful Mongol leader and conqueror. The film humanizes him in a way that demonstrates events that formed his character and reveals his prowess and stamina that explains his ascent. And wouldn‘t you know， a love story plays a key part of the saga.

　　     The tale begins in 1172 in Temudgin‘s boyhood， with Odnyam Odsuren playing him at the age of nine. The adult Temudgin is portrayed by Asano Tadanobu. Tribal rivalry and tribal honor figure in the screenplay co-written by Arif Aliyev and Bodrov. Temudgin and Jamukha （Honglei Sun）， having become blood brothers early on， eventually become lethal rivals.

　　     The woman in Temudgin‘s life is Borte （Khulan Chuluun）， whom he had pledged to marry when they were youngsters. After she has been seized by a rival tribe， his mission becomes to rescue her even if it takes an army to succeed.

　　     As one recounts the plot， the story seems hopelessly clichéd. Indeed it is. But what makes “Mongol” special despite the obvious ploys is its overall sweep， including the ruthless battles between clashing forces， the sense of history it evokes and the beauty of the location filming. The tale is rather exhausting， but ultimately we arrive at the point where Ghengis Khan， his future ahead， is poised to become the historical figure of legend. A Picturehouse