Recommended Film: Mongol

Mongol is a Russian-made film in Mongolian language that traces the early life of Genghis Khan, or as he was called before coming to power, Temudjin.

The epic wonderfully presents the thirteenth century Mongolian culture. Before the stunning landscape of the Mongolian steppe, you meet Temudjin in a way different than in the history books. While witnessing the brutality he was capable of, you also see him as human.

Warning for those sensitive to violence: although this movie is primarily a love story, the battle sequences appear to be a showcase in the "blood-splatter" effect.

Mongol is shot and directed in a masterful style. It has the elegance and mystery of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (minus the magic), with a touch of Braveheart.

The style of this prequel is quite a departure from the original Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, but it works. The complexity of Genghis' character in Bill & Ted's makes so much more sense now after seeing his childhood struggles in Mongol.

It's good to see the franchise revitalized after the disappointing Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey. I'll look forward to similar prequels highlighting Napoleon, Abraham Lincoln, and Socrates.

4 Stars.