Intro

Ironically, TVB only made this series 10 episodes long. This series portrays the life of Tit Mok Jun (Temujin) up to his proclamation as the Great Khan (Genghis Khan). Man Chi Leung is Genghis Khan and Felix Wong portrays his sworn brother, Jak Mok Hup. The series was filmed in Mainland China and thus gives a different type of scenery than most TVB series.

Man Chi Leung as Genghis Khan

His performance was not as good as Felix. However, Man Chi Leung did do a good job.

Felix Wong as Jak Mok Hup

Wow! Superb job. I just could not believe that Felix could portray such an evil character. His performance was flawless. From his portrayal of Guo Jing (The Legend of the Condor Heroes 82) to Cao Cao (Incurable Traits), you can tell that Felix can act.

Scenery and costumes

The scenery was amazing. I am glad that TVB decided not to film this series with many fake backgrounds. The battle scenes are great. The costumes are real because TVB used real tribes dressed in traditional costumes to film this series.

A little history

Yesugei was a small chief of a sub clan. One day, he captured a Tatar chief by the name of Tit Mok Jun (Temujin). By tradition, Yesugei bestowed that name on his eldest son. Yesugei father, Katula, was defeated during his rise to power and so there was no khan to succeed him. Yesugei married into the Onggirat tribe. He had three other sons and a daughter from his wife Hoelun. He also had two other sons from his concubine. At the age of nine, Tit Mok Jun was taken to his mothers tribe by his father to find a wife. The chief offered his daughter, Foo Yee Tip (Borte). Tit Mok Jun was to stay there for the betrothal period while his father went home. Yesugei was poisoned by some Tatars but before his death, Yesugei begged his friend to retrieve Tit Mok Jun. Tit Mok Jun was taken home but could not ascend the throne. Other members of the clan chased his family out into upper Onon.

The family survived on wildberries, nuts, fish, and roots. While in exile, Tit Mok Jun made friends with Jak Mok Hup (Jamuka). One day, Tit Mok Jun shot to death his half brother, Bekter, because he was stealing necessary food from the family. Meanwhile, Tit Mok Juns clan leader finds out the Tit Mok Jun was not dead and so searches for him. Tit Mok Jun was chased into the woods for nine days. Tit Mok Jun had to surrender out of hunger. He was put in chains and had a heavy collar around his neck. One night he managed to escape. Tit Mok Jun then claimed his wife and asked for the help of his fathers andap, Wong Hau (Toghril).

Wong Hau was given a sable-skin coat and so Wong Hau protected Tit Mok Jun. One day Borte was captured by the Merkit tribe. At once, Tit Mok Jun, Wong Haus troops, and Jak Mok Hup rescued her. At Foo Yee Tips return, Tit Mok Juns first son, Jochi, was born. Jochi was excluded for succession of grand khanate because there was a question of legitimacy. Jochis father was either Tit Mok Jun or the Merkit chief. Jak Mok Hup was uneasy of Tit Mok Juns growing fame and power. He set out to divide the clan but Foo Yee Tip warned Tit Mok Jun in advance. Tit Mok Jun separated from the clan. Years later, Wong Hau was disposed of by his kinsmen. Tit Mok Jun helped regain Wong Haus throne. Tit Mok Jun allied with Wang-khan and the two became the most powerful rulers of the Steppes. Wang-khan later refused to wed his daughter to Jochi. This event led to war. Tit Mok Jun lost because he was outnumbered. He fled but was later joined by many loyal warriors and small tribes. Jak Mok Hup found shelter in the Naiman camps with other tribes. Tit Mok Jun led an attack on them and won. Jak Mok Hup was captured and killed.

Watch it or forget it

This series is short and easily followed. The story doesn't follow history that closely but is bearable. I did want the series to continue with Tit Mok Juns supremacy in the Steppes and conquest of China. Too bad the series ended with only 10 episodes.