Genghis Khan - Columbia Classics On Demand Review

By Jeff Swindoll Nov 3, 2010, 20:06 GMT

William Shatner should be yelling that last name, but that would be a different genre.  Omar Sharif stars as the Mongol conqueror in this biopic that has some politically incorrect casting. 

However, it’s not that bad but it’s still not that good considering the films that Sharif was in beforehand.

Temujin (Omar Sharif) lived most of his adult life in a wooden yoke.  In his youth he was captured by Merkit chieftain Jamuga (Stephen Boyd) after seeing the warlord murder his father.  The elder Geen (Michael Hordern) warned Jamuga that it was prophesized that anyone who killed Temujin would be cursed, so Jamuga captured him and held him in the yoke and he has grown to adulthood in the contraption. 

During his enslavement, Temujin is attracted to Princess Bortei (Francoise Dorleac) and she seems to warm to him.  So much so that when he escapes with Geen and the mute warrior Sengal (Woody Strode) that he takes her with them.  He begins to attempt to bring the Mongols tribes together but also freeing prisoners that Jamunga’s men have captured, such as Shan (Telly Savalas), who then join with Temujin. 

One day the growing army comes across stranded advisor Kam Ling (James Mason) and escorts them to the Chinese Emperor (Robert Morley).  The Emperor seems grateful for the service, but imprisons them in the great city since he fears that they might return to conquer them. 

It’s not too bad as the prisoners are treated like honored guests and not thrown into a dungeon.  However, Temujin keeps his men trained and ready since he still longs to return to his homeland. 

When Jamuga begins attacking China, Temujin gathers an army for the Emperor, sees a way out from under the Emperor but also a way to defeat his old enemy.  He will earn the title “Genghis Khan” in the effort.

Genghis Khan the film tries to conquer the epic film market as the Mongol conquered the continent.  That didn’t happen.  The film loses whatever lust might’ve been there when compared to the other projects that Sharif is associated with.  He certainly gained fame for his appearance in Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and definitely gained stature when he starred in Doctor Zhivago (1965 – the same year as Khan). 

It seems like there wasn’t much thought put into having Sharif in the role that the movie is named after.  For example, he’s give the “and” credit and appears last in the listing.  Stephen Boyd is given top billing.  That seems really strange for the star of the show (he is listed second on the final credits), but they must’ve thought that his name wouldn’t carry the film. 

Even stranger is the Yellowface performances of the English cast as the Chinese.  Mason and Morley are not particularly awful in their roles but we’re distracted by the attempts to make them Chinese (Mason much more than Morley as James has to squint and either juts out his teeth or has been given an appliance).  This sort of makeup is frowned upon today. 

It’s also a largely set-bound film with none of the sweeping vistas we might expect.  It does entertain and ranks above the John Wayne starring Conqueror (1956 – a film that supposedly gave John Wayne cancer).  The print actually looks good except for some very minor damage (I think I saw three “tears”). 

Genghis Khan is presented in widescreen (2.35:1) and is enhanced for 16x9 televisions.  The only special feature is the 3 minute trailer.  May not be much, but its something. 

Genghis Kahn certainly isn’t the epic it wants to be.  If you’re a fan of any of the stars it stands as a curio.  One wonders what may have been if David Lean or the like would’ve been in charge, but that wasn’t the case.  It may be a fun watch on a rainy afternoon though. 

Genghis Khan is available to order at Columbia Classics On Demand.