Japan’s 17th-century historical drama “Shōgun” is by far a Hollywood masterpiece. The meticulous details in the set design, wardrobe, and character development take you back to a time of protocol, duty, love, and power when one lapse in judgment can mean death. The binge-worthy, ten-episode series starring Hiroyuki Sanada (“Bullet Train,” 2022), Cosmo Jarvis (“Persuasion,” 2022), and Anna Sawai (“Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters,” 2023 to 2024) – should be on your watch list.
Photo Credit: FX
The ambitious historical epic series is adapted from James Clavell’s 1975 novel Shogun, a work of historical fiction based on figures from Japan’s feudal era—when the country was in its initial contact with European traders and missionaries—offering a fascinating portrayal of the country. Clavell’s book also inspired the hit 1980 miniseries of the same name. The series, like the novel, is meticulously researched and strives for historical accuracy, making it a must-watch for history buffs.
The tale opens in 1600 with an English sailor, John Blackthorne –a perfectly cast (Jarvis), marooned in Japan with his ship crew. Blackthorne and his ship end up in the enemy’s possession of the politically savvy Lord Toranaga (Sanada). He sees the Englishman as a chess piece to be used against his rivals, the council of lords ruling the country.
Blackthorne, thrown into a strange land and culture, quickly learns he must adapt to avoid death. Through his eyes, we learn the culture of 1600s Japan, along with the samurai warrior class and the overall fatalism regarding death. A willing participant, he learns their ways and becomes a high-ranking samurai, thus entwining his fate with Lord Toranaga.
I especially enjoyed his bond with Lady Mariko (Sawai) a somewhat conflicted noblewoman who serves as his translator – and the performance of Yabushige (Tadanobu Asano), a lower-level warlord trying to play both sides. I found Blackthorne’s outsider perspective guiding, yet the story is told from multiple points of view. Supporting characters, such as Mariko’s brusque husband Buntaro (Shinnosuke Abe) and the enthralling courtesan Kiku (Yuka Kouri), are given their fair share, enhancing our viewing experience.
The series is predominantly in Japanese with subtitles and, of course, English, so you will need to pay attention. I found myself rewatching some of the scenes, as the violent action scenes tell the visual story between the characters. The visual mastery and choreography of the action scenes are some of the best I’ve seen, with their resolute portrayal of even the minor violent scenes. You may also be reminded of “Game of Thrones,” in that the enter changeable storylines, along with the set designs and costuming of a period piece, are incredible.
Sarah Knight Adamson@ October 22, 2024
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