Genghis Khan (1965)

the audience applauded

Great Film overall

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

As a kid I remember watching this movie when it first came out and I can still recall how impressed I was with it. For a long time it ranked as one of my most favorite movies ever. However, having recently viewed it again I must admit that my opinion has changed quite a bit since then. Now, don't get me wrong, it's still fairly entertaining even today. But, quite frankly, the obvious flaws and inaccuracies within the story simply cannot be dismissed or ignored. For starters, the history is all wrong. Although "Subodei" (played by Kenneth Cope) was indeed a fine general and a major figure in the Mongol conquests, he was not in any way, shape or form related to "Bortei" (Francoise Dorleac). Likewise, although "Jamuga" (Stephen Boyd) was definitely a rival of Genghis Khan (Omar Sharif) there was no "Mongol duel" between them which supposedly settled everything once and for all. But history aside I suppose it passes for good theater and I guess it's better to just leave it at that. Having said that, however, I must admit that although Francoise Dorleac was quite beautiful, her blond hair and blue eyes didn't quite fit in with the features normally associated with those of a Mongolian woman. Neither, for that matter, did James Mason (as "Kam Ling") as a Chinese wise man. In any case, although it may not be as great as I remember it it's still not too bad even by today's standards and as a result I have rated it accordingly. Average.

part of a trend, it seems be not good or bad. only epic from a long series who marks the Hollywood glorious age. battles and fights, charming Omar Shariff, historical accuracy as insignificant detail, a large show with good actors not always in the correct roles. that fact does to be unfair to blame it. because , far to be a masterpiece, it is useful testimony about a period sensitivity. that fact defines it and create a nostalgic feeling. for discover a part of Genghis Khan legend is not a bad idea to see Mongol. it this fact the purpose is different. because, like many epics of period, it is only a fairy tale for adults. mixture of pink novel and legend, result of old recipes, it is just a nice film if yours expectation remains reasonable.

As an user has pointed out ,this is the last of the spectaculars of the late fifties/early sixties which began with De Mille's "Ten Commandments" and included such works as "Ben Hur" ,"Spartacus " (which was more Kirk Douglas' work than Kubrik's ),the highly underrated "Cleopatra"(when will we see the uncut version?),Mann 's "El Cid" and "Fall of the Roman Empire" .This is the last hurrah,but it's a bad film.James Mason and Robert Morley do not seem to take their roles seriously (as Chinese characters!!)and their playing is deliciously tongue-in-cheek.But all the others seem to believe in this far-fetched tale ,very dubious historically ,with Egyptian Omar Sharif as the lead who abducts pretty princess (French Françoise Dorléac) who is raped by Irish Villain (evennastier than Ben Hur's Messala) Boyd.There's also American Wallach who offers him his two daughters.Both Sharif and Boyd seem to enjoy bondage (collar ,cage,etc).When he speaks to common women ,Genghis is feminist (it's up to them to choose) ,but when he is with his wife ,he's a more credible macho.Incidentally,Sharif,Mason and Dorléac's sister (Catherine Deneuve) would team up three years later in Terence Young's "Mayerling".This time,Mason was Sharif's father .If you want to see a good Sharif movie,do choose "Dr Zhivago" instead.

Genghis Khan (1965) This is probably not the most accurate of films about Genghis Khan, but at least it's enjoyable in a silly, entertaining way. It's a bit of a guilty pleasure for me. I can see it's not all it should be, but I like it nonetheless.I'm not a big fan of Omar Sharif, but, in the title role, he's rather good and a lot better here than he was in DOCTOR ZHIVAGO or LAWRENCE OF ARABIA.The film features very stereotypical Chinese characters and co-stars Robert Morely and James Mason both look and act like two characters from Gilbert and Sullivan's THE MIKADO. It's rather ludicrous, but, once again, enjoyable.Production values are high and Dusan Radic's music score is not only evocative but one of the best from the mid-1960's.