Rebirth of a nation. Not since Genghis Khan has anyone united the Kazakh tribes. Jungar tribesmen of Mongolia rule Kazakh land, but a prophecy has it that a descendant of Genghis will unite his people. Oraz the Wise travels the land looking for the child who will fulfill the prophecy. He finds that infant and protects him from the warriors of Galdan, the Jungar king. Oraz recruits one lad from each Kazakh tribe and teaches them the art of war, loyalty, and camaraderie. Two are the best: Mansur and Erali. They are like brothers. Each must prove himself; both fall in love with the same young woman; both fall into enemy hands. At what cost does a prophecy come to pass?

Due to financial and weather problems, the film shut down halfway through. It was bought by brothers Bob Weinstein and Harvey Weinstein and completed in early 2005, but director Ivan Passer and cinematographer Ueli Steiger were replaced by Sergei Bodrov and Dan Laustsen, respectively.

Crew or equipment visible: In the scene where Erali and Gaukhar are on the swing, you can clearly see a string or wire attached to the handkerchief/scarf.