XIII A.D.
Even hailing this epic masterpiece as one of the greastest historical films doesn't do it justice. The film is like an archaeological find in central asia coming to life, as though cracked and crumbling artifacts, exposed again to sweepng wind and lit by the sun, are unleashing the spirits of the past. It's beyond authentic, it's near documentary in depicting a bygone era and lost civilization. Gritty, ferocious, awesome, and booming as spectacle; and complex and fascinating in its re-creation and speculations about medieval diplomacy and politics. A movie that drags us thru the mud of battle and defeat to the high heavens of almighty power of the Khan, there's nothing else like it. Try to imagine Andrei Rublev crossed with 13th Warrior and you might get an inkling, but only an inkling.