Most people know that Genghis Khan was the ruler of the world’s largest empire in history. At its height, the Mongolian empire covered most of Asia and parts of Europe. But do you know the story of how Genghis Khan came to power in the first place? Most people don’t as there’s really not a lot known about the early days of the emperor. Director Sergei Bodrov takes the little that is known about Genghis Khan’s early days and spins it into an epic historical film about love, honor, endurance and the will of the warrior to rise from impoverishment into ultimate success, all set against the breathtaking scenery of Central Asia.

We first meet Temujin, the future emperor, as the favored son of a tribal ruler, or khan, as he rides with his father to select a bride from a rival tribe. Ignoring political protocol, Temujin chooses his own bride by allowing her to choose him, a decision which frustrates his father but eventually proves to be one of the wisest choices of the boy’s life. After his father is murdered, the boy and his family are cast from their tribe and young Temujin must grow to adulthood in the harsh conditions of the steppes with a waiting death sentence from his father’s former retainers. Temujin is a strong, stubborn boy and he overcomes almost overwhelming odds by sheer force of will and a personality that allows him to find supporters even when he has seemingly nothing to offer him.

Intent on seeking revenge on those who would destroy him and securing his rightful place as khan, young Termujin reaches adulthood as a skilled warrior with the support of his equally fierce and resilient bride and his “blood brother”, the son of another tribe’s khan. When his truest friend becomes his most intractable enemy, Temujin is forced into the war which will lead to the rise of the Mongol empire.

Mongol is a beautifully shot film that showcases the often forbidding beauty of Mongolia and the fascinating culture of its distant past. Its look at the unique customs and costumes of a thousand years past is captivating, particularly since that part of history isn’t so well known here in the West. The cinematography is top-notch, bringing this ancient world to vivid life on-screen, particularly during the bloody, realistic battles. Though the movie covers many long years of the future-emperor’s life, the story is engaging and mostly well-paced, moving swiftly through its chapters. The only complaint I have of the film is that there are a few parts where it moves almost too swiftly–the transitions from one period to another are sometimes jarringly abrupt.

Mongol is an excellent choice for anyone who appreciates action-packed epic dramas with strong characters and an exciting storyline. Its final SIFF showing is at 4:00 pm on Thursday, May 29, at 4:00 p.m.