Nomad (2005)

Director: Sergei Bodrov, Ivan Passer

Writer: Rustam Ibragimbekov

Cast: Kuno Becker, Jason Scott Lee, Jay Hernandez, Ayanat Ksenbai, Mark Dacascos

Synopsis: Ivan Passer co-directed Nomad: The Warrior, a handsome, sprawling story set in the early 18th century about a real-life descendant of Genghis Khan who is destined to unite Kazakhs tribes against invaders. Mansur, the son of a sultan, is foreseen by the oracle Oraz as the leader that the Kazakhs people have desperately needed to unite their tribes against the relentless, conquering Jungars.

Trained by Oraz to be both a great warrior and leader, Mansur becomes known as Ablai Khan, a redeemer with seemingly preternatural skills in battle and a destiny to forge what will eventually become Kazakhstan. At the heart of the film is Mansur's lifelong friendship with another young fighter, a young man so loyal he will not speak to Gaukhar of his love for her, knowing Mansur loves her, too. (Mansur says nothing to her about his feelings, either, out of respect for his friend.)

Nomad's widescreen action is full of impressive horsemanship, swordplay, and terrific stunts. But it's the film's obvious sense of pride in its historically-based story about the creation of a united people that ultimately proves moving. --Tom Keogh