Takeshi's Castle 

Comic highlights from a physical Japanese gameshow presided over and commentated by Craig Charles.

Stars:

Ronald van Dam, Ruben van der Meer, Craig Charles

Cast

Series cast summary:
Ronald van Dam	...	Himself - Narrator (2002-2004) unknown episodes

Storyline

What can I say about this show? If you've ever seen a Japanese game show before, or have witnessed them on 'Tarrant on TV' then you should know what it is all about. With Japanese star Takeshi Kitano as the lord of the castle, one-hundred members of the Japanese public pit themselves against a host of crazy physical games in order to gain the ultimate accolade; to be one of the few who actually completed the game. Not only are most of the games virtually impossible, but if you do manage to get to the final round without breaking a few bones then you are pitted against men driving around in little buggies attempting to shoot you with lazers! It's quite insane and nigh on impossible to finish! Not that there is any point; contestants go home with nothing but bruises! All this craziness is narrated fantastically by Craig Charles of 'Red Dwarf' fame with choice replays and mud-galore. Perhaps this is the worse TV show in the world, but watch it once and you will never stop!

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Plot Keywords:

character name in title | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Family | Game-Show

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Details

Country:

Japan UK

Language:

English Japanese

Release Date:

9 November 2002 (UK)

Also Known As:

Hullut japanilaiset

Company Credits

Production Co:

Black Mole Productions, Challenge TV, Comedy Central

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Followed by Takeshi's Castle Rebooted (2013)

User Reviews

Brilliant game show made funnier by Craig Charles

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!!!