“The Mongol” by distinguished Russian filmmaker, Sergey Bodrov Senior. depicts the life and loves of one of the world's most famous (and infamous) warriors – Genghis Khan.

RT caught up with the filmmaker in Vladivostok where his work was screened at the Pacific Meridian Festival.

Sergey Bodrov Senior, a filmmaker, a writer, a producer, author of the “Prisoner of the Mountains”, grew up in the Russian Far East.

His new film “The Mongol” is a voyage into another world.

The story of one of the world's strongest and most controversial warriors, Genghis Khan, fascinated Bodrov for a long time.

Shooting took place in Northern China and Kazakhstan. To add authenticity, the characters speak in the Mongolian language.

“It is a great and unknown story, because in Russia and Europe, in the West, Genghis Khan has an almost evil reputation. But in Asia he is a hero and almost god. Who was he?” asks Sergey Bodrov, film director.

It took four years of research, scriptwriting and shooting. An international team of acclaimed actors and professionals worked on the film, including editor Zach Staenberg.

“It was not easy. I worked with a crew of 600 people, sometimes 1000 extras, 1000 horses – and it is easier to work with the horses. To work with such a huge crew we had 40 translators,” adds Sergey Bodrov.

Film critics admit that Sergey Bodrov’s drama is a film of real quality.

“Fantastic landscapes, high level acting and not too complicated story as well. It is the kind of thing that in any language is understandable,” said Tom Birchenough, film critic.

“The Mongol” is about human nature and character. A true hero for some, a monster of legend for others, Genghis Khan always stayed true to his ideas.

He broke the rule only once – when he went to war over a woman.

The film does no try to make its own judgments. Instead it offers a version of reality that leaves the audience to decide the merit of the warrior's life.