This is a top quality production that is one of the finest series to hit our screens over the last 12 months. It's based on the bestselling 1975 novel by James Clavell, as was the earlier 1980 miniseries starring Richard Chamberlain, and it takes us to early 17th century Japan in the company of the fictional English sailor John Blackthorne. There's real substance to the piece and we feel immersed in that era. The tale is told with great flair and a strong intellect and at times the series has a mystical / spiritual feel. All the central performances are excellent. Hiroyuka Sanada is completely convincing as the would be Shogun, Lord Toranaga, but ultimately Anna Sawai steals the show. She gives an unforgettable and at times mesmerising performance as Lady Mariko, the character as a result of which we probably care for the most. It's beautifully filmed and feels like nothing else on tv at the moment. I'd highly recommend it.
