Christian Science Monitor by Peter Rainer

Mongol is a throwback to a more respectable tradition. The largeness of its scope arises naturally from the material, not the budget. The movie earns its stature.

Variety

This Central Asia-set historical epic from Russian helmer Sergei Bodrov ("Nomad") boasts breathtaking landscapes, dazzling cinematography, bloody battles and unique traditions.

Wall Street Journal by Joe Morgenstern

I don't know the Mongolian word for panache, but Mongol's got plenty of it. The battle scenes are as notable for their clarity as their intensity; we can follow the strategies, get a sense of who's losing and who's winning. The physical production is sumptuous.

The New York Times by A.O. Scott

Mongol -- or, as I prefer to think of it, "Genghis Khan: The Early Years" -- is a big, ponderous epic, its beautifully composed landscape shots punctuated by thundering hooves and bloody, slow-motion battle sequences.

Washington Post by Stephen Hunter

In the end, we're about a third of the way through the great Khan's life; he hasn't even begun to take down the cities of Cathay or spread his seed. That suggests two sequels. I, for one, can't wait.

Variety by Alissa Simon

This Central Asia-set historical epic from Russian helmer Sergei Bodrov ("Nomad") boasts breathtaking landscapes, dazzling cinematography, bloody battles and unique traditions.

Charlotte Observer by Lawrence Toppman

Proves eye-opening in two ways: Sweeping, bloody battles will make your orbs pop, and you'll re-evaluate this supposedly “uncivilized” man who unified quarrelsome Central Asian tribes to create one of the largest empires in history.

Philadelphia Inquirer by Steven Rea

Mongol is great cinema, great fun.

Chicago Sun-Times by Roger Ebert

As a visual spectacle, it is all but overwhelming, putting to shame some of the recent historical epics from Hollywood. If it has a flaw, and it does, it is expressed succinctly by the wife of its hero: "All Mongols do is kill and steal."

USA Today by Claudia Puig

Mongol is quality escapism: an exotic saga that compels, moves and envelops us with its grand and captivating story.

Entertainment Weekly by Lisa Schwarzbaum

Quite grand, quite exotic, David Lean-style epic.

Village Voice

Last year's Academy Award nominee from Kazakhstan for Best Foreign Film, Mongol is purportedly the first in a multi-film saga on the wrath of Khan; as such, it's probably the last thing you'd expect--great fun.

Empire by Will Lawrence

With its breathtaking landscapes, bloody battles, bitter betrayals and an aching love story, Mongol is a sumptuously crafted epic.

Slate

My only problem with Mongol is that--how often in life do you get to write this sentence?---Genghis Khan is a little too nice.

The Globe and Mail (Toronto)

As an epic action movie, Mongol is satisfying enough. Think "Braveheart." Think "300." Just don't think too much.

New York Daily News by Joe Neumaier

Every performer is tough and charismatic, especially Honglei Sun, who, as Jamukha, gives so many neck-cracks, guttural howls and conspiratorial smiles he's like a Chinese Marlon Brando.

New York Post by Kyle Smith

Mongol really isn't worth leaving your yurt for.