An English navigator becomes both a player and pawn in the complex political games in feudal Japan.
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Top-Rated Episodes
S1.E3
Blackthorne and Mariko begin a romance; Toronaga continues to build his army for a battle with Ishido. Anjin-san proves his mettle during an earthquake and is honored by Toranaga for bravery. ...
S1.E4
Anjin-san's assimilation of Japanese ways is evident in his exemplary conduct. Toranaga decides to return the Erasmus to Anjin-san. Mariko tells Father Alvito of a plot to murder a Christian lord on ...
S1.E5
Treachery, tragedy and turns of events occur. Toronaga becomes SHOGUN after the defeat of Lord Ishido. Mariko is killed in the final battle at Osaka Castle. Heartbroken, but resolute, Blackthorne ...
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Title: Shogun (1980)
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Plot Summary
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Plot Synopsis
Storyline
Pilot-Major John Blackthorne (Richard Chamberlain), an English ship pilot, whose vessel wrecked upon the Japanese coast in the early seventeenth century is forced to deal with the two most powerful men in Japan in these days. He is thrown in the midst of a war between Lord Yoshi Toranaga (Toshirô Mifune) and Ishido (Nobuo Kaneko), who struggle for the title of "Shogun", which will give ultimate power to the one who possesses it. Written by Harald Mayr <marvin@bike.augusta.de>
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All the conflict, adventure and intrigue of feudal Japan ... See more »Certificate:
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Did You Know?
Trivia
Furankî Sakai was a well-known stand-up comedian in Japan, with little, if any, experience in dramatic roles. See more »Goofs
In the opening shots of Anjin-sans ship you see the shadow of the helicopter (which was used to film the 'fly-by' shots of the ship). It casts a shadow onto the water and then the ship itself. See more »Quotes
Vasco Rodrigues: Listen to me, you whore-gutted, pock-marked, motherless scum... I need a favor.See more »
Alternate Versions
Later released theatrically in Europe with the addition of new scenes featuring nudity and graphic language. See more »Frequently Asked Questions
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Details
Release Date:
15 September 1980 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
James Clavell's Shogun See more »Company Credits
Production Co:
Asahi National Broadcasting Company, Jardine Matheson Co. Ltd., National Broadcasting Company (NBC) See more »
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I first saw the mini-series on TV when it came out. I was like millions of other viewers who made sure they were home night after night to see this epic. Now that it's out on DVD, how could I resist? Seeing it on a much bigger screen than existed in the early 80's, I immediately was appalled by the bad hair pieces of almost all of the Japanese actors. It took a while to get used to the seams and wrinkled skullcaps and the makeup that didn't really match. The only other "ouch" moment, for me, came in the opening shot of the "Erasmus" being filmed from a helicopter with Orson Welles narration. It was impressive up until the helicopter shadow goes right over the boat and the water!..... I was amazed that wasn't edited out in post. Ah well. When you watch the bonus material, you get an idea of what a monumentally difficult project this was from the language and custom difficulties to the famous TOHO Studios being about 25 years behind the times with their equipment...not to mention the tank where the shipwreck was filmed. I don't know if I agree with the director and producers that if it wasn't for 'Shogun' sushi would not be as popular in the U.S. as it has become, but it certainly sparked an ongoing interest in Japanese history and culture in me. It will always be one of the crowning achievements for television. It's a miracle that it came off as beautifully as it did. Just don't watch the 2-hour mess that is on video.