Nominated for the Academy Award for Best
Nominated for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.
Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan is a 2007 Russian-Kazakh epic directed by Sergei Bodrov, chronicling the early life of Temüjin before he became Genghis Khan. Tadanobu Asano stars as the future conqueror, with Khulan Chuluun as his wife Börte, in a sweeping origin story of exile, survival, and unification.
At a Glance
Original titleМонгол
CountryRussia / Kazakhstan
DirectorSergei Bodrov
Release2007
Why Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan is worth watching
Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan is a 2007 Russian-Kazakh epic directed by Sergei Bodrov, chronicling the early life of Temüjin before he became Genghis Khan.
The film follows Temüjin from childhood through slavery, escape, and warfare across the Mongolian steppe. Betrayed by allies and separated from his beloved Börte, he survives imprisonment and humiliation to forge the alliances that will eventually reshape the world.
Sergei Bodrov treats the material as mythic history — vast landscapes, ritual combat, and a hero whose patience is as formidable as his violence. The battle sequences are brutal, but the emotional spine is Temüjin's loyalty to Börte and his gradual transformation into a leader who can unite the tribes.
Nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar, Mongol was intended as the first part of a trilogy chronicling Genghis Khan's life.
Temüjin's path from slave to conqueror — the first chapter of an epic trilogy
Sergei Bodrov; planned as the first
Directed by Sergei Bodrov; planned as the first film in a Genghis Khan trilogy.
Tadanobu Asano
Tadanobu Asano stars as the young Temüjin.
Filmed across Kazakhstan and Mongolia
Filmed across Kazakhstan and Mongolia with large-scale battle sequences.
Story
Temüjin's path from slave to conqueror — the first chapter of an epic trilogy
01
Temüjin in exile
Before he was Genghis Khan, Temüjin endured slavery and betrayal — years that hardened him into a leader.
02
The steppe epic
Sergei Bodrov shoots Mongolia and Kazakhstan with sweeping scope — horses, sky, and warfare on a continental scale.
03
Börte and destiny
Khulan Chuluun plays Börte, the anchor of Temüjin's emotional life through years of separation and war.
Cast
Main characters and performers
Behind the Scenes
Nominated for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.
Directed by Sergei Bodrov; planned as the first film in a Genghis Khan trilogy.
Tadanobu Asano stars as the young Temüjin.
Filmed across Kazakhstan and Mongolia with large-scale battle sequences.
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FAQ
What is Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan about?
Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan is a 2007 Russian-Kazakh epic directed by Sergei Bodrov, chronicling the early life of Temüjin before he became Genghis Khan.
Who directs Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan?
Sergei Bodrov directed the film.
How long is Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan?
Approximately 125 min.
Where can I watch Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan?
Check MovieLinks for current streaming and purchase options in your region.
