Mongol

Sergei Bodrov has fulfilled a long-time dream in bringing the heart-wrenching story of one of the great rulers of the Mongol Dynasty to the screen. The tale of how a young boy ascended to become Khan centres Bodrov’s epic tale of love and betrayal. Mongol reaches Shakespearean heights in its narrative account of a family that is torn apart, cast aside, and eventually restored to power…

Nine-year-old Temudgin sets off with his father, a khan, to search for a bride. But his life instantly changes when a group of Tartars poison his father. Even though he is next in line to rule, the rest of the tribe refuses to accept leadership from a young boy. An epic of courage and resourcefulness follows, as the boy becomes a man and his picaresque journey sees him descend to the depths of slavery before exacting his revenge and reascending to the heights of power he knew as a young boy. This saga plays out against the stunning landscapes of Central Asia, where tribal loyalties rule and violent warfare trumps other means of resolving differences.

Piers Handling, Toronro Film Festival Programme