Rent Genghis Khan (1965)

Excellent Old-fashioned (none the worse for that!) 1965 Biopic of a Brutal Imperialist Slavetrader - Genghis Khan review by PV

I loved this. Like so many older movies from the 1960s or 50s, sword and sandal epics, this focuses on character and TELLING A GOOD STORY based on someone's real life - here that someone is the late 12th and early 13th C Mongol leader, warlord, imperialist, slavetrader, brute/hero Genghis Khan (born Temüjin; c.?1162 – 25 August 1227).

Now, the usual suspects will get triggered by the lack of racial/ethnic authentic casting here (though funny really as at the self-same time they hold the completely contradictory polar opposite position of adoring black/Asian actors playing white European/British historical characters (Ann Boleyn, Queen Charlotte, many more), , and others of European heritage who were definitely NOT black (Cleopatra etc).

But ALL I care about is whether this is a good story told well - which should be ALL that any fiction or drama is judged upon imho. Not some sort of assessment by a politburo woke committee about how well the casting and plot ticks the diversity/woke boxes. Those wanting that can watch the 2005' authentic' BBC version, with all-Mongol actors playing Mongols. What next, only 18th century pirates playing 18th century pirates? TRY ACTING! Make-up is fine too.

SO I loved the Egyptian Omar Shariff in the central role and Robert Morley as Emperor of China (now THERE is colourblind casting, YAY!) and James Mason plays Chinese too (it doesn't end well) and Michael Hordern plays a Mongol wise man (before his Paddington narrator days). It works. The Arab slavedrivers are played by actors with Russian or Slavic names. ALL GOOD.

Yes, we care about the main character, and others, and the battle scenes are impressive. Probably skimps on the monstrousness and brutality of Genghis Khan, a warlord and slavetrader who butchered millions to create the 2nd largest empire in history (after the British Empire, the most benevolent in history by far which banned the slavetrading Khan and other despots so loved and profited from). And yes, Khan's grandson did become the Chinese emperor Kubla Khan.

SO many claim descent from Genghis Khan, and it is all a bit vague. For example, the first of the Moghul invaders of India who ruled for centuries until overthrown by the British claimed to be a descendant, even though many Muslims apparently traditionally hate the Mongols who were not Muslim but conquered Persia etc.

A great story well told, and SO enjoyable. Hence 5 stars.

Some of it is historically accurate though we know only some bits of Khan's life -very few contemporary sources about him.