Had a date last night. OK, it was with my mom. But we went to Brattleboro, Vermont's Latchis Theater to see the Russian-directed epic Mongol, about the early life of Chinghis Khan. There seems to have been much praise lavished on this film, mostly for the lush cinematography, and the feel of classic Hollywood epics. And...OK. True, I guess, but from an actual Mongol and/or authentically historical point of view? Part laughable, part downright maddening.
I remember reading an article in the English-language Mongol press back in November where the Mongolians were downright incensed after it was shown on television there. I don't blame them. The Secret History of the Mongols, the crucial document of the great Khan's life written two decades after he died, has been available in non-Mongolian languages (including English) for quite some time. Nonetheless, director Sergei Bodrov somehow mangles the story for something maybe he feels is more simple to tell, loses all the rich poetry and deep drama, and uses Japanese and Chinese actors to tell it. No actual Mongolians were involved in the production, it seems. The result, for anyone with any real connection to Mongolia, is a sour caricature. This L.A. Times review offers a quote at the end from a Mongolian critic that says, "It was as if a biopic of Abraham Lincoln had sported a Mexican and a Quebecker in the lead roles."
The Mongolians are justifiably hyper-sensitive about this. Under Soviet-controlled Communist rule, the mere mention of Chingghis Khan was forbidden, forget about any serious historical research, or cultural depiction. So for a Russian to make a film like this is a real slap to them. Out of respect to my homies, I can't recommend it.
Did you see it? What did you think?
I don't mean to compare the historical experiences in any way and I haven't seen the film, but Russians are also hyper-sensitive about Genghis [Chingghis] Khan to this day, even though they cast off the Tatar-Mongol Yoke 500 years ago. Your average Russian will heap curses upon you if you point out that the Russian rulers collaborated with the "Horde" at many points. (Much like Americans flip out when you note that Washington and Jefferson were slave holders.) For a Russian to make a film that shows GK in a remotely positive light is nearly heresy. Bodrov isn't exactly known for being interested in historical accuracy either. Sorry you had such a negative experience! There are a lot of good Russian films out there, hopefully this one won't turn you off from Russian cinema forever.
Posted by: Kristen | July 06, 2008 at 06:03 PM
I saw the film. I would have thought that a film about a well-known historical figure should try and get at least the main events right while leaving ample room for interpretation and perspective. Not the case here, as the main events in the film are mostly director's imagination and decidedly unflattering for the main hero.
Artistically, I thought it gives a good sense of the terrain, clothing, etc.
All in all, the film should raise the profile of my country and result in more tourist arrivals, etc. As they say, there is no such thing as a negative publicity.
Posted by: Bolor | July 07, 2008 at 05:35 AM
We also saw the film yesterday. It is hard for us Americans with only a sketchy view of Mongolian history to discern what is real and what is not, and that is the challenge of the viewer. It left us with many unanswered questions about the pieces of history that led up to this, and that were interspersed in this. I was intrigued, however, with the sound track, and the men's low lilting singing (chanting?) voices were very compelling. For those of you who know Mongolian history, is this a true representation? That part was wonderful....
Posted by: sisLaura | July 07, 2008 at 09:48 PM
There were some Mongolian actors / actresses, including Khulan who played Borte Ujin, Temujin's wife, but all the key / main roles were done by foreigners.
This is unrelated, but I read on news.mn today that in Dornogovi, they are going to erect a statue to Danzan Ravjaa. Thought you might like to know.
Posted by: Bilguun | July 07, 2008 at 09:53 PM
Yes, actually, I did see Mongolian names for some of the actors. Wasn't sure if they were from Outer or Inner Mongolia. But almost none, if any, in the creative process it seemed.
A statue, eh? The money for that could be better spent.
Posted by: Konchog | July 07, 2008 at 10:12 PM
On the other hand, it has to be much better than the John Wayne version of Genghis, er, Chinggis!
Posted by: palzang | July 08, 2008 at 03:35 PM