These movies about Mongolia, a land nestled between the vast expanses of Russia and China, show its breathtaking landscapes, nomadic traditions, and a rich cultural tapestry that unfolds like an epic on the screen.
As the birthplace of the great Genghis Khan and home to the legendary Mongol Empire, this landlocked country has inspired filmmakers to capture its unique essence.
Movies About Mongolia
From sweeping panoramic views of the endless steppes to intimate portrayals of nomadic life, movies about Mongolia transport you into a world where the modern meets the ancient, and where the spirit of the nomad thrives amidst the changing tides of time.
These are a mixture of movies and docu-movies.
The Eagle Huntress (2016)
The Eagle Huntress” (2016) is a documentary that follows the story of Aisholpan Nurgaiv, a young Kazakh girl from Mongolia who aspires to become an eagle hunter, a traditionally male-dominated role. The film chronicles her journey as she trains an eagle and competes in the annual Golden Eagle Festival.
The film gained positive reviews for its empowering and visually stunning portrayal of Aisholpan’s determination to break gender barriers and follow her passion for eagle hunting. It showcases the breathtaking landscapes of the Altai Mountains in Mongolia and provides insight into the unique relationship between the eagle hunters and their magnificent birds.
The film not only highlights the cultural heritage of the Kazakh nomads in Mongolia but also serves as an inspiring story of a young girl challenging societal norms. If you’re interested in Mongolian culture and the beauty of its landscapes, “The Eagle Huntress” is one of the best movies about Mongolia to watch, albeit in a documentary format.
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Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan (2007)
Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan is a Russian-Kazakh-Mongolian co-production that explores the early life and rise of Genghis Khan, the founder and leader of the Mongol Empire.
The film primarily focuses on the formative years of Genghis Khan, known as Temüjin in his youth. It covers his early struggles, including the loss of his father, the challenges he faced while trying to unite the Mongol tribes, and the personal trials that shaped his character.
The movie provides a dramatic and visually stunning portrayal of Genghis Khan’s life before he became the legendary conqueror.
Although it takes some creative liberties for cinematic purposes, it offers a compelling narrative that introduces you to the cultural and historical context of Genghis Khan’s early life and is one of the best movies about Mongolia in that regard.
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Khadak (2006)
Khadak is a Belgian drama set in Mongolia and was the first fictional feature film shot in the country. The film explores the impact of modernization on traditional Mongolian nomadic life.
The story follows Bagi, a young nomad who begins experiencing a series of strange visions and falls ill. He is diagnosed with a fatal disease, and the local shaman tells him that his illness is a result of a government-imposed relocation policy that disrupts the balance between man and nature.
The film delves into the clash between traditional beliefs and the forces of modernization, as well as the impact of environmental changes on the nomadic way of life.
Khadak is known for its artistic and poetic approach to storytelling, blending elements of drama and magical realism. It addresses themes such as cultural identity, the impact of globalization, and the struggle to maintain ancient traditions in the face of rapid societal changes.
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The Two Horses of Genghis Khan (2009)
The Two Horses of Genghis Khan” is a German-Mongolian co-production that explores the efforts of a Mongolian musician named Urna Chahar-Tugchi to preserve and revive traditional folk songs.
The documentary follows Urna’s journey to find the origins of a particular song that her grandmother used to sing. As she travels through Mongolia and Inner Mongolia (in China), she meets with other musicians and storytellers, uncovering the cultural significance of these songs and the challenges faced in preserving them in a changing world.
The film not only serves as a musical and cultural exploration but also delves into the broader theme of cultural preservation in the face of modernization. It offers a glimpse into the nomadic way of life and the importance of oral traditions in passing down cultural heritage.
The Two Horses of Genghis Khan is notable for its intimate portrayal of Mongolian culture and its emphasis on the role of music in preserving cultural identity.
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The Story of the Weeping Camel (2003)
The Story of the Weeping Camel” is a 2003 Mongolian documentary-drama film that is a unique and visually captivating film tells the story of a family of nomadic shepherds in the Gobi Desert and their efforts to save a rare white camel colt rejected by its mother.
The documentary aspect of the film captures the daily life and customs of the nomadic family, showcasing their interactions with the animals and the challenges they face in the harsh desert environment. The filmmakers blend real-life events with a narrative structure, creating a compelling and emotionally resonant story.
One of the central themes of the film is the relationship between humans and animals, and the role of ritual and tradition in the nomadic way of life. The title refers to the belief that a mother camel will weep if she rejects her offspring, adding a cultural and spiritual dimension to the story.
This is one of my favourite movies about Mongolia that I recommend to watch.
The Cave of the Yellow Dog (2005)
The Cave of the Yellow Dog is a Mongolian film with a combination of documentary and narrative elements, and it provides a glimpse into the nomadic life of a Mongolian family.
The story follows a young girl named Nansal who finds a stray dog and wants to keep it, despite her father’s concerns that it might attract wolves. The film explores themes of family, tradition, and the connection between humans and animals. It also offers a beautiful depiction of the vast and rugged landscapes of the Mongolian steppes.
Similar to Davaa’s earlier work, “The Story of the Weeping Camel,” this film captures the everyday lives and traditions of Mongolian nomads. It blends documentary-style realism with a fictional narrative, creating a heartfelt and visually stunning portrayal of a family’s life on the Mongolian plains.
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Genghis Khan: To the Ends of the Earth and Sea (2007)
Genghis Khan: To the Ends of the Earth and Sea is a Japanese historical drama film directed by Shinichirō Sawai and is part of the growing body of works that explore the life and legacy of Genghis Khan.
The film follows the life of Genghis Khan, known as Temüjin in his early years, and his rise to power, the formation of the Mongol Empire, and the challenges he faced. It is a biographical film that aims to depict the historical figure’s life, and it includes elements of both historical accuracy and dramatization.
As with any historical film, it’s essential to approach “Genghis Khan: To the Ends of the Earth and Sea” with an awareness that creative liberties are often taken to enhance the cinematic experience.
The movie attempts to portray the historical and cultural context of Genghis Khan’s era while weaving a narrative that appeals to a wide audience.
Personally, I would recommend the Mongol movie mentioned before for a movie about Genghis Khan, although this is still one of the best movies about Mongolia.
Wolf Totem (2015)
Wolf Totem is a Chinese-French drama film and while the movie is not set in Mongolia, it takes place in Inner Mongolia, an autonomous region of China with cultural and historical ties to Mongolia.
The story is set during the Chinese Cultural Revolution and follows a Beijing student who is sent to live among the nomadic herdsmen of Inner Mongolia as part of the government’s “Down to the Countryside Movement.”
The protagonist becomes fascinated by the wolves that inhabit the grasslands and learns about the delicate balance between humans and nature.
Wolf Totem explores themes of cultural clash, environmentalism, and the struggle for survival in a changing landscape. The film is great for its stunning cinematography, capturing the vast and beautiful landscapes of Inner Mongolia, as well as its portrayal of the unique relationship between the nomads and the wolves.
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Behemoth (2017)
Behemoth is also a Chinese-French co-produced film, although this time a documentary. While the film is not set in Mongolia, it does have relevance to the region, as it focuses on the environmental and social impact of coal mining in Inner Mongolia, which, as mentioned before, is an autonomous region of China that shares a border with Mongolia.
The documentary captures the harsh realities of coal mining and its consequences on both the landscape and the lives of the people in the affected areas. It explores the environmental degradation caused by mining activities and the toll it takes on the health and well-being of the local communities.
Behemoth is known for its visually striking cinematography and its poetic yet critical approach to the subject matter. The film draws inspiration from Dante’s “Divine Comedy” and uses imagery and symbolism to convey its message about the destructive nature of unchecked industrialization.
Marco Polo (2014-2016)
Marco Polo is not a movie about Mongolia but is instead a historical drama television series that is based on the early years of the Venetian explorer Marco Polo in the court of Kublai Khan, the Mongol Empire’s ruler.
While the series is not exclusively set in Mongolia, it explores the cultural and political dynamics of the Mongol Empire during Kublai Khan’s reign. The series follows Marco Polo as he navigates the intrigues of the Mongol court, becomes a confidant of Kublai Khan, and witnesses various historical events.
The show combines elements of historical accuracy with creative storytelling, featuring political intrigue, battles, and cultural clashes. The series remains notable for its attempt to portray the complex world of the Mongol Empire and its interactions with other cultures.
Although this doesn’t fit as part of the ‘movies about Mongolia’ it is a great watch.
Mongolia
These movies about Mongolia provide a mix of fictional and documentary perspectives on the country, offering you a chance to explore the country’s unique culture and landscapes.
They delve into the heart of Mongolian history, mythology, and the enduring spirit of its people, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into a land where the echoes of the past reverberate through the present.
For more on Mongolia have a look at the best books about Mongolia to read.
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