It’s blockbuster season. That means big explosions, big CGI graphics and big green men with a big dislike against clothes. It’s time to spunk ten quid on a movie that’s big, big, big. If, however, you’re of the opinion that a tenner is a lot of money to spend on rubbish – money that could, in fact, be spent on three pints of Kronenbourg (four, if you live on Hull’s East Side) – we suggest instead you invest in this.
Mongol tells the story of legendary Mongolian marauder, Ghengis Khan. OK, so far, so dull, but before you start reminiscing about that brain-shredding history lesson with mental Mr Kearney, let us be the first to inform you that this epic, inventive battlefest is an absolute blast. It’s so full of carnage, bloodshed and testosterone-fuelled manliness, you’ll be punching the air like an American jock whose just taken the virginity of the cheerleading Prom queen.
Born in 1162, the film follows young Ghengis’s journey from boy to man as he develops the strength and skill that will one day allow him to become a leader of men and conquer half of the world. The illegitimate son of a tribe leader, Genghis encounters a few minor setbacks as he brutally fights to take his rightful place as a leader of Mongols.
He’s not fazed by the task of decapitating, dismembering and impaling the opposition; he’s a one-man army of merciless ferocity. But despite his canny talent for limb-lopping, the movie makes Genghis comes across, not just as the monster portrayed by history, but also as a strong, inspirational and fearless leader, bent on protecting his wife, family and tribe at all costs.
Shot on location in Mongolia, and filmed in the native tongue, Mongol is a far cry from your Hollwood-tampered Gladiator-style epic, giving men the blood and guts story they crave, but also a welcome slice of bloke history to boot.
Bookmark this post with: