Last night, I went out with a friend to see a new limited release Russian film, shot in Mongolian, about the epic rise to power of Genghis Khan and the establishment of a Mongolian Empire.

The film is Mongol, by Sergei Bodrov.

In many ways, this film resembled Braveheart, and in some important ways, the film is very, very different.  First, the Hong-Kong influence on the cinematography and storytelling is very evident.  Secondly, the desolate expanse of the Mongolian Steppe inspired the director and camera team to shoot this film like a western, and it was a very effective choice - you don't see many westerns where the lone gunslinger winds up ruling North America!

Third, we have a habit of showing historical action in a pastoral light.  Our heroes of yore, William Wallace included, are portrayed as ideal family men, making perfect decisions everywhere but in one critical area, where they need to develop.  This Genghis Khan is kind of a dick sometimes, even though his heart is in the right place.  Desperately, he wants to provide for his family.  He loves his friends, and sometimes he doesn't do right by him.  All his decisions have two sides, and unforeseen side effects.

Is he inspired on the battlefield?  Is he feral when he needs to be?  Is he a conqueror?  Hell yes!  He's a viscious hand at a sword, a fantastic shot with the bow when he gets one off, and he can throw a spear hard enough to propel a man through the air when he hits.  At the same time, the bad guy knows he's in trouble when our hero's archers MISS BY A FEW FEET, shooting through wind at maybe a thousand yards.  We don't see that shot where the stillness before the battle is broken by one shot, one kill.  Legolas stayed home.  No elves in Mongol.

And the bad guy isn't all that bad, really!  He's definitely ambitious, but the core of his conflict with Genghis Khan is the escalation of a preventable disagreement.  These are human people, with human problems, achieving greatness.

By the time William Wallace lies on the executioners table and has his guts carved out for a crowd of rowdy onlookers, he's moved way past that human place into the hallowed, untouchable halls of legend.  He's superhuman, and who knows what a superhuman feels?

When Genghis Khan is pegged with an arrow, he bleeds and loses consciousness.  When he wakes up, he's had just about enough of Mongol lawlessness.

Woe unto the lawless!  Long live Genghis Khan!

Totally better than Braveheart.  Support this movie, and the fantastic action cinema coming out of the Russian film industry.  Pack the theaters if this is playing near you, and if it's not, talk to your local theater managers.

This is action cinema with the bloodlust of John Milius, the scope of Sergio Leone, and the character work of Chris Nolan.  It's got the fantastic elements, and they're not overstated...  It's like Conan, but way better!

I know what to do with Mongols!!!!!! 

Blue Tengris, we bow before you!  Give this movie the strength to conquer all who oppose it!  Give this movie the strength to bring order to the chaos!

Our laws are simple.  Do not betray your Khan, or suffer death by the sword!

Ahem...  Geek meltdown.  Please excuse the mess.

Now see this movie!!!!!