Watch Mongolian Bling

Mongolian Bling is an insightful documentary that explores the burgeoning hip-hop scene in Mongolia. The film was directed by Benj Binks and released in 2012. The movie features a number of local rap artists, including Gennie, Gee, and Quiza, who provide a firsthand account of the challenges facing Mongolian youth today. The film begins with an introduction to the history and culture of Mongolia. The audience is shown beautiful footage of the Mongolian landscape, horses, and the nomadic way of life that is still prevalent in some areas of the country. The audience is then introduced to the world of hip-hop in Mongolia.

The documentary focuses on the struggles of young Mongolians who are trying to make a living in one of the world's least densely populated countries. According to the film, Mongolia's economy is dependent on mining, and many of the country's youth are struggling to find work. The film explores how hip-hop has become an outlet for young Mongolians to express their frustrations and aspirations.

The movie introduces a number of rappers, including Gennie, Gee, and Quiza. These rappers are shown performing in clubs in Ulaanbaatar, the country's capital, and connecting with fans both in person and online. While the movie includes some of the bawdier aspects of the rap scene, such as club performances filled with gyrating dancers, it's clear that the rappers in the film are passionate about their craft and see it as a way to better their lives.

The film also highlights the hardships of being a rapper in Mongolia. First, there is the language barrier. Mongolian hip-hop is often sung in English, which can seem jarring given the country's unique history and culture. Still, the rappers tackle this challenge head on, often recording their own translations of popular rap songs.

Another challenge is the lack of resources. According to the film, Mongolia's music industry is still in its infancy, which means there are few studios and record labels to help develop talent. Rappers must often rely on their own ingenuity, passion, and hard work to succeed.

Still, the rappers featured in the film are up for the challenge. They were inspired by American rap and hip hop, and now they are bringing that same sound to Mongolia. They rap about hard work, perseverance, and the struggle to improve their lives. For them, hip-hop is more than just a genre of music, it's a way of life.

The documentary also examines how hip-hop has become a way for young Mongolians to connect with other people around the world. By sharing their music on the internet, they are able to connect with fans from all over the globe. The rappers featured in the film often share stories about how they have connected with fans from places like the United States and Europe. For them, it's thrilling to know that their music is reaching people so far away.

Overall, Mongolian Bling is a compelling and insightful documentary that sheds light on a fascinating aspect of Mongolian culture. Through the lens of hip-hop, the film presents a portrait of a country in transition, where young people are using music as a way to express themselves and connect with others. While there are certainly challenges facing the Mongolian rap industry, this film demonstrates that its artists are up for the challenge, and are determined to make a name for themselves on the global stage.

Mongolian Bling is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.4.