By the Will of Genghis Khan

Based on the novel ‘By the Command of Genghis Khan’ by Nikolay A. Luginov, the debut feature from Russian director Andrei Borissov traces the true story of Borjigin Temujin, who left a mark in world history by his later name of Genghis Khan.

Empowered by his love for a woman, driven to fratricide by his allegiance to the law and forced to start a merciless war by his desire to establish peace, Khan achieved the ultimate position of power. Uniting many of the conflicting nomadic tribes under the banner of the Mongol Empire, he soon set about the notorious invasions that would spread destruction and devastation across most of Eurasia.

Brought to the screen in epic and above all, authentic style, Borissov’s film adaptation unveils the captivating life story of Genghis Khan, beginning as a tale of three childhood friends who are sworn brothers united by loyalty. While one grows up to be a great shaman, the other two choose the path of the warrior. However, just like in ancient Highlander tradition, there can be only one who is to become the ruler of the entire steppe and the lands beyond.

Great emphasis is given to the characters as well as authentic costumes and settings, with the movie filmed on location in Inner Mongolia and China. The battle and execution scenes are brutal and relentless but don’t overpower the film. Better still, no special effects are used, this also counts for the individual fight sequences that are comprised of solid, old school kicks, sword fights and horseback archery – thankfully eliminating fashionable wirework and ‘arty’ slow-mo moves. Kudos must also go to location shots, captured in realistic and sober colours as opposed to using fancy filters. Most importantly, it’s Eduard Ondar’s portrayal of Genghis that adds big time to the ‘believability’ factor – showing both the heroic but also the human side of a leader who was flawed like everyone else.

By The Will Of Genghis Khan (original title: Tayna Chingis Khaana) is in Russian and Yakut language, with English subtitles. With a cast comprised of Mongolian actors (and a few Russians in between) this is a historic adventure not to be missed!
Extras include ‘The Making of…’ and other related Featurettes.