I just caught this on Freeview channel Challenge, and when I decide to watch this, it is quite a funny novelty show made in Japan and condensed for the United Kingdom. Narrated by Robot Wars host to Coronation Street actor Craig Charles, it is basically a hilarious challenges show which sees one hundred to one hundred and forty two try to get through, to us, three of four physical games to get to the final game. The physical games, many of which involve contestants falling in water or mud, included the Honeycomb Maze, Skipping Stones, Catch It (catching a fired soccer ball), the Gauntlet, High Rollers, Skittles and the Slip Way. The final challenge, Takeshi's Castle itself, sees all remaining contestants in bumper car style "chariots" that have to defeat all the guards, zapping their shields with the water, and the guards do vice versa, I honestly never saw the contestants win. Obviously we the British have created our own near enough similar version, the hilarious Total Wipeout, but this original comedy game show is a good fun way to have an easy laugh. Very good!
16 Reviews
Simply the funniest thing I have ever seen.
TMAN24723 December 2003
I have only recently been introduced to this show, (under the name MXC here in the States) and I am hooked. I have not laughed this hard in years.
Putting the Americanized potty humor aside (MXC version), the nature of the games shown is total humiliation of the contestants, not to mention complete and utter disregard for their well being. And it is funny. Really funny. Why do I laugh at a 90 pound woman smashing into a brick wall on a rope? Maybe because she is in a duck costume, and comes up muddy and smiling? The level of joy in the contestants faces cannot be measured - they are in bliss, even though they are in pain, and being made fools of.
Surreal and brilliant, please try and watch Takeshi's Castle on the Challenge network in the UK, or on MXC on the Spike network in the USA.
Putting the Americanized potty humor aside (MXC version), the nature of the games shown is total humiliation of the contestants, not to mention complete and utter disregard for their well being. And it is funny. Really funny. Why do I laugh at a 90 pound woman smashing into a brick wall on a rope? Maybe because she is in a duck costume, and comes up muddy and smiling? The level of joy in the contestants faces cannot be measured - they are in bliss, even though they are in pain, and being made fools of.
Surreal and brilliant, please try and watch Takeshi's Castle on the Challenge network in the UK, or on MXC on the Spike network in the USA.
Takeshi's Castle
lozzy-ere0617 January 2007
i think that Takeshi's Castle is an absolutely fantastic programme. It is very funny. I can't watch a single episode without laughing at least 5 times! All of the challenges are amazing and look so difficult, and the contestants are the ones that make it funny by falling over or something. I want to thank Craig Charles, Hayato Tani (General Lee) and everyone else especially the contestants for making such a funny show a success!!! I always watch it. Absoulty brilliant 10/10!!! I try to watch the repeats on Challenge at 5pm everyday after school. I can't miss an episode. My favourite challenges have got to be Wipe Out, Skipping Stones, Avalanche, Honeycomb Maze and Dragon Lake. This show makes me feel better when I'm upset! :)
Takeshi's Castle
ferretsblue26 May 2006
Brilliant show. Love it. I watch this show all the time and I am not bored of it. It keeps me happy. My favourite character in the show has to be either Animal or Blondie. I have so many favourite games, one of them being Sumo Rings. The show makes it even more funny with Craig Charles commentating it. There is hardly any winners though. There had to be about 2 or 3 winners and that was it. When it gets to the showdown at the end, I vote for the guards because I know they will win all the time. Is there going to be another series? If so, let me know please. I have no idea if there is going to be another series. I really need to know please.
Legendary Japanese Show...
wewaj-033291 June 2021
Literally the BEST Japanese show ever. I've watched this with friends, family, girlfriends, coworkers and more!!! We all loved it and seriously one of the most fun and entertaining shows ever on TV, period! If you haven't watched this gem, please do!! It's a Must!. Stay safe in 2021 all! Cheers :)
This is, quite simply, the funniest game show ever made!
rainbowclimbinghigh7 October 2009
Warning: Spoilers
This is basically a Japanese game show in which 100 contestants, led by General Lee (played by the handsome Hayato Tani) have to get through several EXTREMELY tough (but, more often than not, hilarious) challenges, and then attempt to storm the castle.
I only came across this gem a few months ago, but I am now hooked, as it is absolutely hilarious, especially when a contestant fails at a challenge.
There are a number of challenges, so not all of them will be in every single half-hour episode of the show. These include:-
Skipping stones (my personal favorite), High Rollers, Bridge Ball, The Gauntlet, Knock Knock, Slipped disks, Avalanche Karaoke, Quake, Wipeout, amongst many many others.
Then comes the Final Showdown i.e. the storming of the castle. Don't expect there to be many winners - there are usually just a handful of people who get through to this stage, and the Emerald Guards are extremely good at defending the castle. I think I've been watching the show for about six months, and I have seen two people win.
I only came across this gem a few months ago, but I am now hooked, as it is absolutely hilarious, especially when a contestant fails at a challenge.
There are a number of challenges, so not all of them will be in every single half-hour episode of the show. These include:-
Skipping stones (my personal favorite), High Rollers, Bridge Ball, The Gauntlet, Knock Knock, Slipped disks, Avalanche Karaoke, Quake, Wipeout, amongst many many others.
Then comes the Final Showdown i.e. the storming of the castle. Don't expect there to be many winners - there are usually just a handful of people who get through to this stage, and the Emerald Guards are extremely good at defending the castle. I think I've been watching the show for about six months, and I have seen two people win.
Charles' Castle Commentary
jules-patten21 January 2008
I absolutely adore Takeshi's Castle, and enjoy watching it immensely. I find myself laughing out load often and love all the games, the Takeshi team antics and the crazy contestants who I have to say happily laugh at themselves hilariously.
If you're a lover of energetic, entertaining, manic game shows, this is the one to watch.
My only complaint is, must the UK listen to Craig Charles' idiotic running commentary? His comments are sexist, racist, puerile, repetitive, irritating and constantly undermine my viewing pleasure to the extent that I have to watch it with the volume turned down, which effectively ruins the show.
I will keep watching the show, because it's too brilliant to miss, unfortunately with the volume off (can't we have English subtitles of the programme instead Mr Charles' nonsense?).
If you're a lover of energetic, entertaining, manic game shows, this is the one to watch.
My only complaint is, must the UK listen to Craig Charles' idiotic running commentary? His comments are sexist, racist, puerile, repetitive, irritating and constantly undermine my viewing pleasure to the extent that I have to watch it with the volume turned down, which effectively ruins the show.
I will keep watching the show, because it's too brilliant to miss, unfortunately with the volume off (can't we have English subtitles of the programme instead Mr Charles' nonsense?).
Fun, but what's on the other side?
karl_with-1223 October 2009
I only started watching this since I was a kid. Having forgot about it and not seen not a single feature of it since the last 4 or 5 years, I was mildly thrilled to see that this show is still on TV. Let me say firstly that Takeshi's Castle is silly and daft. However on the other hand, it is extremely funny and entertaining. I loved yesterday night's feature with the Rolling Pins, Skittles, Bridge Ball, The Honey Maze, Dominoes and skipping stones. Obviously, the best was the rolling pins. Funny seeing people attempting a cross a river by spinning through pins and having these hilarious falls. Even though this show made me and my family laugh our heads off, it still has it's negatives. 1) It is Extremely DANGEROUS! Despite of it's lame funniness, the makers should think twice of what injuries people have had. It presumably seemed like a girl broke her jaw and a man broke his ribs while skipping stones. 2) They say it's a competition, but there's no winner at the end! They just have people who made it through all of the challenges, playing Dodgems or something at the end. Like I said - daft!
Overall, we know this show's fun but what's on the other side? Nothing but daftness, silliness and downright stupidness! It's entertaining but only when you're in the mood.
Overall, we know this show's fun but what's on the other side? Nothing but daftness, silliness and downright stupidness! It's entertaining but only when you're in the mood.
Comedy Gold
A-J2006_77729 September 2023
"Takeshi's Castle" is an absolute riot of a TV series that has carved a special place in the hearts of viewers around the world. What makes it truly exceptional is its ability to blend slapstick humor, outrageous challenges, and a healthy dose of nostalgia into an entertainment package like no other.
What sets "Takeshi's Castle" apart is its infectious sense of fun. The witty commentary adds an extra layer of humor, making every misstep and fall all the more amusing. The camaraderie among contestants and their unwavering determination, despite the absurdity of the challenges, is both endearing and comical.
In summary, "Takeshi's Castle" is a timeless gem in the realm of television. It's a show that guarantees laughter, camaraderie, and an escape from the ordinary. If you're in need of a pick-me-up and a hearty laugh, look no further than this uproarious series.
Plus, it's family friendly also.
What sets "Takeshi's Castle" apart is its infectious sense of fun. The witty commentary adds an extra layer of humor, making every misstep and fall all the more amusing. The camaraderie among contestants and their unwavering determination, despite the absurdity of the challenges, is both endearing and comical.
In summary, "Takeshi's Castle" is a timeless gem in the realm of television. It's a show that guarantees laughter, camaraderie, and an escape from the ordinary. If you're in need of a pick-me-up and a hearty laugh, look no further than this uproarious series.
Plus, it's family friendly also.
Happy Clappy Jappy Chappies
jeeper_white18 March 2004
The contestants on this show are mad.
Thanks to Challange TV I'm able to watch this tormenting game-show where the contestants leave with bruises and headaches rather than prizes. How many people have actually won? Around 2 i'd say. You can feel the pain that they receive as Craig Charles would inform you 'He plowed the bank with his face'.
It's hilariously cruel, an idea that only the Japenese could come up with. If only we could view more Japanese game-shows here in Britain.
Brilliant.
Thanks to Challange TV I'm able to watch this tormenting game-show where the contestants leave with bruises and headaches rather than prizes. How many people have actually won? Around 2 i'd say. You can feel the pain that they receive as Craig Charles would inform you 'He plowed the bank with his face'.
It's hilariously cruel, an idea that only the Japenese could come up with. If only we could view more Japanese game-shows here in Britain.
Brilliant.
Maybe even more fun than the original release
ThreeSadTigers8 June 2008
Takeshi's Castle (2002) is the re-dubbed UK release of cult-classic Japanese show Operation! Takeshi's Castle (1986-1989), an endurance-based game show in which 100+ contestants compete in a series of outlandish assault-course-like challenges until the numbers are whittled down to a select few. From here, the remaining handful of contestants can go on to battle the infamous "Count Takeshi" and his guards for the chance to win up to one million in Yen. The show is notable for at least two reasons; the first is the outright eccentric nature of the events and the seemingly dangerous falls, scrapes and mishaps that befall the contestants during their bid for glory. The second is the appearance of esteemed Japanese actor/filmmaker/comedian Takeshi Kitano, who here plays the titular count (though his appearance is edited down in this particular version). The format of the show mixes the bizarre events alongside some even more bizarre sketch-based moments of typically absurdist Japanese humour, as the contestants put themselves through some of the cruellest and most punishing events ever witnessed on national television.
What was great about the original show was the way that the contestants seemed to be having a great time, even when falling eight feet into shallow water, being smeared in mud or talcum powder and being knocked off a rickety suspension bridge by a barrage of rubber-ball cannon fire. It also benefited from a colourful, larger than life quality, in keeping with the tradition of early Nintendo video games and Anime films; as the overstated supporting characters and continual appearances from General Tani (here renamed General Li) give the events a sense of context and continuity. Ultimately though, the programme works because of its uniqueness; with the nature of the games, the imagination, the willingness and excitement of the contestants and the obviously low-production values (combined with the witty commentary from actor Craig Charles, with his bad puns and sly double-entendres) all adding to the bizarre, subversive glee.
What was great about the original show was the way that the contestants seemed to be having a great time, even when falling eight feet into shallow water, being smeared in mud or talcum powder and being knocked off a rickety suspension bridge by a barrage of rubber-ball cannon fire. It also benefited from a colourful, larger than life quality, in keeping with the tradition of early Nintendo video games and Anime films; as the overstated supporting characters and continual appearances from General Tani (here renamed General Li) give the events a sense of context and continuity. Ultimately though, the programme works because of its uniqueness; with the nature of the games, the imagination, the willingness and excitement of the contestants and the obviously low-production values (combined with the witty commentary from actor Craig Charles, with his bad puns and sly double-entendres) all adding to the bizarre, subversive glee.
Just Plain Daft..
neiljones198127 August 2004
Well if there's one thing that Tarrant on TV has shown us, it is that the Japanese have the wackiest and silliest programmes (and adverts) ever. Takeshi's Castle is one of them.
This is basically edited highlights of the original run of the show from Japan, condensed into a thirty minute slot and voiced over by Craig Charles, he of Robot Wars and Red Dwarf fame. Expect to see all kinds of wierd things going on here, including throwing yourself at a plank of wood, spinning on a giant mushroom, leaping across some rolling logs that spin easily, and spending a lot of time in a ditch or three of muddy water. The original show is like nearly fifteen years old; you'd never know, but it looks brand new.
It's strangely compelling as well - and self explanatory. Don't expect to see any winners though - this game is ridiculously tough. The rules though are deliberately ambigious it would appear and so makes for interesting viewing in some cases. Look out for the kids special episode for something involving General Lee that you won't see across the rest of the run. :)
Originally a cheap import, it's probably recouped its import costs many times over by now. It's the Coronation Street of Challenge - that is, pretty much guaranteed to pull in the viewers. If you're the sort of person who wants to know what happens when you throw somebody wrapped in velcro at a wooden wall, or want to see new and painful ways of bending your body in half on the high rollers, check this show out. Or if you just want to see what all the fuss is about, tune in. Of course, if you just want to see wierd people play even wierder games and fall into the muddy ditches with an aplomb (or at least act like it) then you'll love this.
This is basically edited highlights of the original run of the show from Japan, condensed into a thirty minute slot and voiced over by Craig Charles, he of Robot Wars and Red Dwarf fame. Expect to see all kinds of wierd things going on here, including throwing yourself at a plank of wood, spinning on a giant mushroom, leaping across some rolling logs that spin easily, and spending a lot of time in a ditch or three of muddy water. The original show is like nearly fifteen years old; you'd never know, but it looks brand new.
It's strangely compelling as well - and self explanatory. Don't expect to see any winners though - this game is ridiculously tough. The rules though are deliberately ambigious it would appear and so makes for interesting viewing in some cases. Look out for the kids special episode for something involving General Lee that you won't see across the rest of the run. :)
Originally a cheap import, it's probably recouped its import costs many times over by now. It's the Coronation Street of Challenge - that is, pretty much guaranteed to pull in the viewers. If you're the sort of person who wants to know what happens when you throw somebody wrapped in velcro at a wooden wall, or want to see new and painful ways of bending your body in half on the high rollers, check this show out. Or if you just want to see what all the fuss is about, tune in. Of course, if you just want to see wierd people play even wierder games and fall into the muddy ditches with an aplomb (or at least act like it) then you'll love this.
Brilliant game show made funnier by Craig Charles
mowgli-jigga30 November 2005
For those who don't know, Takeshi's castle is a hilarious gameshow! The concept is 100 Japanese contestants start at the beginning of the show. Guided by their leader "General Lee" (get it?), the contestants have to make their way through various challenges such as Knock Knock, Wipeout, High rollers, Skipping stones and Bridge ball (my personal favourite). The people who survive get to battle Takeshi and his "emerald guards" in the "final showdown". I've watched many episodes and so far have only seen 4 winners! In the USA there is a conversion of the original Japanese show called "Most extreme elimination challenge". In this version, everybody's voice is dubbed in English in comedic ways. However, in the English show, there is running commentary by Craig Charles (Lister from Red Dwarf). His funny comments include; "You wazzok!", "they look like extras from the water margin" and "big black balls, banging off his backside".
Takeshi's castle is a funny, brilliant concept for a gameshow made funnier by Craig Charles. If only they brought this cult show to DVD!!!
Takeshi's castle is a funny, brilliant concept for a gameshow made funnier by Craig Charles. If only they brought this cult show to DVD!!!
Simply breath taking, stunning work from Charles.
cleindiansown1 September 2004
This is one of the greatest acting jobs in the history of all acting. Seriously, Charles puts you in the drivers seat, he makes you feel like you are living the life of a true movie star. With his fame stemming from the hit series "Robot Wars", Charles has devoloped fine speaking skills and a killer body. His handsome face can only be matched by one man, Dante. Dante is more commonly known as DANTEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Truly, Charles has shocked the entertainment world with his slim figure filling leather jackets which have been processed through paper shredders. I think Charles should contact a new suiter, don't you think? All in all, A-Class work from a brilliant mind. ANTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT.
Truly, Charles has shocked the entertainment world with his slim figure filling leather jackets which have been processed through paper shredders. I think Charles should contact a new suiter, don't you think? All in all, A-Class work from a brilliant mind. ANTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT.
Funnier than
BrianDT7518 February 2004
This show is the funniest thing up the pipe since 4th season Simpsons. Craig Charles is the only man for the job, summoning stomach crippling humor from nearly every nook of this early 1990's game-show/Iron-man-challenge. Unparalleled wit and fierce combat action a-plenty abound in this almost spoof of a show.
Drink Watch Laugh Repeat
Drink Watch Laugh Repeat
The funniest thing on TV EVER!
Triggerhappy-8630 January 2004
This has simply got to be, the funniest program ever created! Why it isn't on more-often, or out on DVD (to my knowledge) is crazy...it's simply a must-see program!
Well, whats to say of the program, basically, the idea behind the show is a kind of, Japanese "It's a Knockout" with 100 Mad contestants competing in a serious of dangerous and equally mad games. Those who fail in a game are knocked out, those who don't go through! - Simple!.....well actually, No, not quite. Unfortunatly for the contestants, but not for us, the Games are devilishly hard and involve pain, LOTS of pain. Take for example, Knock-Knock. In this, the contestants have to work their way through five sets of doors, easy! Wrong! in each set there is five doors, two are made of paper, three are made of wood...the object being to avoid the wooden ones, and as you can guess, not all of our "Happy-Clappy-Jappy-Chappies" make it. For some strange reason, watching a flying Japanese Kung-Fu monkey, fling himself head-first into a large wooden door, and bounce off like a flea in a bouncey castle, defines the word "Comedy". This is utterly hilarious, i can't think of anything that rivals this show in Laughs per Half-Hour. And, of course, if your watching the UK version, not only do you get to see Japanese people hurl themselves at Doors in Knock-Knock, break shins and legs in Skipping Stones, Get runover by large boulders in Avalanche, Get hit by large-pumped up volley balls in Bridge Ball...but you also get Craig Charles' (of Red Dwarf fame)commentary. This is too, hilarious, admittedlly he takes some of his lines from either Red Dwarf itself (Badly-Parked Volkswagens anyone?) or from his book "The Log" (Save the whales gig) but even those, though heard before, are still damn funny to hear again. His commentary, though sometimes using only simple comments, hardly ever fails to get a laugh, particulary after watching one hapless contestant impale his Family Jewels on a large concrete rock, comments like "No more family planning for that guy" or "He's smiling, but his spud's are killing him" are sheer comedy gold. Of course though, it's the games we watch it for, and yes, there are some slightly less-funny games (still hilarious though!) such as Karaoke, or Quake. But, it's when you get the chance to see a "Highly-Trained" Emerald Guard, get wasted by one of his own teams Boulders in Avalanche, and continue to plummet, with said boulder down a long and crudely built set, that you appriciate the funny things in life.
In short, the Games are superb, the commentary is amazingly well-timed if not accurate (one example being Craig's "He's won, He's won, He's....a she" Comments, which appear rather alarmingly, quite often).
This programme is a classic, i can guarentee, you will not see many programmes that can supply you with more laughs. Utterly compelling viewing.
Those of you who have Challenge TV at home, go at watch this every time it's on, it's a definate must see, it really is such a good programme, and i swear, you will laugh harder than you've ever done before! Superb!
And, as Mr Charles likes to say at the end...
"AS my old Dad used to say, You can't cook minute rice in a minute. The Rice is fast, the Microwave's fast, you've got a split second...you never can make it" - Answer's on a postcard please.
Well, whats to say of the program, basically, the idea behind the show is a kind of, Japanese "It's a Knockout" with 100 Mad contestants competing in a serious of dangerous and equally mad games. Those who fail in a game are knocked out, those who don't go through! - Simple!.....well actually, No, not quite. Unfortunatly for the contestants, but not for us, the Games are devilishly hard and involve pain, LOTS of pain. Take for example, Knock-Knock. In this, the contestants have to work their way through five sets of doors, easy! Wrong! in each set there is five doors, two are made of paper, three are made of wood...the object being to avoid the wooden ones, and as you can guess, not all of our "Happy-Clappy-Jappy-Chappies" make it. For some strange reason, watching a flying Japanese Kung-Fu monkey, fling himself head-first into a large wooden door, and bounce off like a flea in a bouncey castle, defines the word "Comedy". This is utterly hilarious, i can't think of anything that rivals this show in Laughs per Half-Hour. And, of course, if your watching the UK version, not only do you get to see Japanese people hurl themselves at Doors in Knock-Knock, break shins and legs in Skipping Stones, Get runover by large boulders in Avalanche, Get hit by large-pumped up volley balls in Bridge Ball...but you also get Craig Charles' (of Red Dwarf fame)commentary. This is too, hilarious, admittedlly he takes some of his lines from either Red Dwarf itself (Badly-Parked Volkswagens anyone?) or from his book "The Log" (Save the whales gig) but even those, though heard before, are still damn funny to hear again. His commentary, though sometimes using only simple comments, hardly ever fails to get a laugh, particulary after watching one hapless contestant impale his Family Jewels on a large concrete rock, comments like "No more family planning for that guy" or "He's smiling, but his spud's are killing him" are sheer comedy gold. Of course though, it's the games we watch it for, and yes, there are some slightly less-funny games (still hilarious though!) such as Karaoke, or Quake. But, it's when you get the chance to see a "Highly-Trained" Emerald Guard, get wasted by one of his own teams Boulders in Avalanche, and continue to plummet, with said boulder down a long and crudely built set, that you appriciate the funny things in life.
In short, the Games are superb, the commentary is amazingly well-timed if not accurate (one example being Craig's "He's won, He's won, He's....a she" Comments, which appear rather alarmingly, quite often).
This programme is a classic, i can guarentee, you will not see many programmes that can supply you with more laughs. Utterly compelling viewing.
Those of you who have Challenge TV at home, go at watch this every time it's on, it's a definate must see, it really is such a good programme, and i swear, you will laugh harder than you've ever done before! Superb!
And, as Mr Charles likes to say at the end...
"AS my old Dad used to say, You can't cook minute rice in a minute. The Rice is fast, the Microwave's fast, you've got a split second...you never can make it" - Answer's on a postcard please.
See also
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