Shogun is everything I hoped it would be and more. I've been looking forward to this ever since I first heard about it. My excitement grew even more when I saw the trailer. On top that it's gotten great reviews and currently has a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. I thought my expectations were going to be too much and it'd be a let down but it's not. It's everything I'd hoped and more. I love this kind of genre. This premise kind of looked like The Last Samurai movie with Tom Cruise and I loved that movie as well. The story is told from the perspective of a British hero named John Blackthorne and his crew as they help Lord Torango in his war. This series just pulls you into their world and doesn't let go and you don't want it to. I've enjoyed every second of this.
550 Reviews
Excellent
Rob133122 March 2024
I can't recommend Shogun enough! This is one of those rare shows that's a must watch. It takes place in Japan during the 1600' where Lord Yoshii Torango is turned on by Council of Regents and they try to kill him and his people. Then he finds a mysterious European ship marooned with its crew in a nearby village and everything changes from what he finds on it. This series has the look and feel of a blockbuster movie. Its world building, character development and attention to detail is as good as anything you'll see in tv. FX usually does a great job with its shows and Shogun is no different. I'll be shocked if this isn't nominated for several awards.
An amazing television achievement but different from the book
Kevin-4227 February 2024
This is stunning television. The costumes, the sets, the historic period acting are all phenomenal. This show simply oozes dedication to detail and money. So with just two episodes in I can say that this will hook you almost immediately and for fans of Japan and its ancient culture it is almost a must-see.
Knowing the book the casting is near pitch-perfect or at least close enough to it. Maybe Lady Mariko doesn't look as I imagined her from the book but the actress still delivers a good performance and I am deeply appreciative of this show for making a worthy effort to depict the vast and intricate world of James Clavell's masterful historic novel.
However, maybe the book is too big to fit into the confined space of a TV series. For obvious reasons the showrunners had to rush through so much that is explained and described in detail in the book. In order to do the book justice it would have taken almost two seasons of television to show the story of John Blackthorne before he even reaches Osaka. Much of the underlying conflicts and the delicate web of diplomacy and intrigue the main characters have to navigate are cut short in the TV show. There also is a weird shift in perspective which strays from the book. Whereas the involvement of Portuguese foreigners in the politics of early 17th century Japan is treated as just another aspect in a mostly internal Japanese power struggle, the TV show almost sets the Portuguese up as the main antagonists of the show during its first two episodes. I hope the shows swings back to the Japan-centric story it is meant to be.
Bottom line: This is great television but I recommend reading the book eventually.
Knowing the book the casting is near pitch-perfect or at least close enough to it. Maybe Lady Mariko doesn't look as I imagined her from the book but the actress still delivers a good performance and I am deeply appreciative of this show for making a worthy effort to depict the vast and intricate world of James Clavell's masterful historic novel.
However, maybe the book is too big to fit into the confined space of a TV series. For obvious reasons the showrunners had to rush through so much that is explained and described in detail in the book. In order to do the book justice it would have taken almost two seasons of television to show the story of John Blackthorne before he even reaches Osaka. Much of the underlying conflicts and the delicate web of diplomacy and intrigue the main characters have to navigate are cut short in the TV show. There also is a weird shift in perspective which strays from the book. Whereas the involvement of Portuguese foreigners in the politics of early 17th century Japan is treated as just another aspect in a mostly internal Japanese power struggle, the TV show almost sets the Portuguese up as the main antagonists of the show during its first two episodes. I hope the shows swings back to the Japan-centric story it is meant to be.
Bottom line: This is great television but I recommend reading the book eventually.
Amazing series
Beske27 February 2024
Everything is just spot on with this series!
I get that Americans aren't used to reading subtitles, but come on. So what if the series is mostly in Japanese? It's about an English man stuck in Japan in the 17th century. Why wouldn't it be in Japanese?
The acting, staging, camera shots, editing, direction - everything is 10 out of 10.
I rarely give a 10 after just two episodes, but this is an amazing series. I rarely give anything a ten. This is probably one of the best series I've seen the last ten years.
Mark my words - this'll get an Emmy for sure! If you haven't watched it, be sure to do. It's exciting, full of history and just a gem to watch.
I get that Americans aren't used to reading subtitles, but come on. So what if the series is mostly in Japanese? It's about an English man stuck in Japan in the 17th century. Why wouldn't it be in Japanese?
The acting, staging, camera shots, editing, direction - everything is 10 out of 10.
I rarely give a 10 after just two episodes, but this is an amazing series. I rarely give anything a ten. This is probably one of the best series I've seen the last ten years.
Mark my words - this'll get an Emmy for sure! If you haven't watched it, be sure to do. It's exciting, full of history and just a gem to watch.
Award winning
realskidrow30 April 2024
I was eagerly awaiting the new Shogun series, especially as a fan of the original series featuring Richard Chamberlain. This reboot surpasses its predecessor with a richer focus on Japanese characters, enhancing the drama significantly. While most of the cast delivered outstanding performances, Cosmo Jarvis seemed somewhat stiff and lacked emotional depth in his role as the Englishman who unexpectedly sails to Japan. Anna Sawai stands out exceptionally as the interpreter who falls for the Englishman, showcasing her acting prowess, particularly in the final two episodes. The storyline adeptly portrays Lord Toranaga's cunning strategies to ascend as Japan's leader while avoiding war. Jarvis's role as the Anjin serves as a cultural bridge for the audience. Shogun is a strong contender for numerous awards this year. Impressively executed.
Brilliant !
thelastapasenger27 February 2024
This was a most waiting tv series for 2024! And it is true! The two first episodes were just perfect! Mr Sanada is perfect to his role as lord toranaga as perfect are the two allies ( blackthorne and mariko)!
We have a short story at the beginning to understand the culture of feudal japan at 1590 as the teaser trailer released two weeks ago !
Customs , cgi , has many details ( shoes , helmets, armor, etc) as it was at 1600 bc at feudal japan !
Story is writen on japan culture as well!
So far so perfect! Its truly based to james clavel novel more than 80s series ! Waiting for the next episodes to see !
We have a short story at the beginning to understand the culture of feudal japan at 1590 as the teaser trailer released two weeks ago !
Customs , cgi , has many details ( shoes , helmets, armor, etc) as it was at 1600 bc at feudal japan !
Story is writen on japan culture as well!
So far so perfect! Its truly based to james clavel novel more than 80s series ! Waiting for the next episodes to see !
Best thing I've seen for a long time
gillianabc-9342122 March 2024
When I saw the title on the Disney channel I assume it's one of those mock Asian war drama we always see on the screen with fake mock Asian token actors like we always see. I can not be more wrong. The richness in characters is built on real Japanese actors who are world class actors in the film/Tv industry and the depiction of the religious and political tension is something I have not seen on a main stream service for long time. Not to mention how rare we get to hear Japanese spoken with majority of the air time on an English language channel. This authentic Japanese/Englsih drama is exceptionally well made and has the potential to lead the white audience into a new realm of Asian western fusion genre. I expect some awards to be won shortly.
Toranagasama isn't worthy
anna-majcher24 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
In this 10-episode series we are led to side with the character of Toranaga, a Japanese lord whose life, and the life of everyone in his corner, is at risk at the hands of the other ruling regents. The way the show depicts Toranaga at first is the classic take on a strongwilled man, who is vilified because he is too much of a risk to the remainder of the ruling parties. The five men were supposed to rule in unison until the king comes of age, however, one man seems to go against the will of the other four and therefore is persecuted. We are led to believe that the four regents are the vile and egoistical ones, giving in to greed and foreign christian influence over the wellbeing of their own people. Lord Toranaga, on the other hand, supposedly goes against this, wishing to survive and bring prosperity with his vision.
This carefully crafted image shatters in the last minutes of episode 8 and subsequently in ep 10. The man plays the underdog, pretends he is ready to give up so that his followers are all the more riled up and urge him to fight on. He gaslights his generals into signing an agreement to give up, he has his most trusted advisor and lifelong friend commit seppuku as part of his plan. He sacrifices lady Mariko into giving her life to him as well, so that he can free hostages who are on his side and manipulate the king's mother into assisting him. He then orders for the Anjin's ship to be burned and tortures the whole village, killing innocent people, pretending to be looking for the culprits of the burning, all as a twisted test to see how the Anjin would behave. He claims to be humble, to be ready to sacrifice himself for the good of the realm. He is not. He is ruthless, trecherous, absolutely obsessed with power, holding human life in no regard, killing people at whim. And the worst of it all, he will kill off anyone in his circle, be it his loyalists or regular villagers, just to prove a point. There is nothing noble about this man.
This series leaves you wondering whether you have been rooting for the wrong side all along and feeling that all of this 10-hour investment has been wasted. Especially that, after you learn of Toranaga's villainy, there is absolutely no follow up to see how the other characters react to this man having his way and what the fallout of all this is to the general people.
This carefully crafted image shatters in the last minutes of episode 8 and subsequently in ep 10. The man plays the underdog, pretends he is ready to give up so that his followers are all the more riled up and urge him to fight on. He gaslights his generals into signing an agreement to give up, he has his most trusted advisor and lifelong friend commit seppuku as part of his plan. He sacrifices lady Mariko into giving her life to him as well, so that he can free hostages who are on his side and manipulate the king's mother into assisting him. He then orders for the Anjin's ship to be burned and tortures the whole village, killing innocent people, pretending to be looking for the culprits of the burning, all as a twisted test to see how the Anjin would behave. He claims to be humble, to be ready to sacrifice himself for the good of the realm. He is not. He is ruthless, trecherous, absolutely obsessed with power, holding human life in no regard, killing people at whim. And the worst of it all, he will kill off anyone in his circle, be it his loyalists or regular villagers, just to prove a point. There is nothing noble about this man.
This series leaves you wondering whether you have been rooting for the wrong side all along and feeling that all of this 10-hour investment has been wasted. Especially that, after you learn of Toranaga's villainy, there is absolutely no follow up to see how the other characters react to this man having his way and what the fallout of all this is to the general people.
Finally, something authentic and worth watching
daveeze28 February 2024
With only 2 episodes out so far, I find this show to be really well done whether or not you have read the book or saw the 1980 mini-series with Richard Chamberlain. Hiroyuki Sanada is one of my favourite actors and his performance, as well as the other cast members is superb. The show is very authentic looking and most of the dialogue is in Japanese, which really adds to the atmosphere and gives you a sense of being in 1600s Japan. Except for one scene (IMHO), the cinematography is really good. Unlike the 1980 series, there is a darker "feel" which better portrays what was going on at that time. Looking forward to seeing the rest of the series.
Good but could have been so much better
es9625 April 2024
I have not read the book and have not seen the 1980s show, I have no exposure to Japanese culture, so I watched it with an open mind.
Overall it's pretty good but I have two complaints: Blackthorn and the ending.
Cosmo Jarvis is completely wrong for the role. He has a single facial expression - perplexity. He walks aimlessly from scene to scene, makes dumb decisions and generally acts stupid. He does not appear to learn much except picking up a bit of language, does not improve anything and generally has no impact on anything. After watching the series it crossed my mind that if his character is removed then absolutely nothing would change. Blackthorn is a village idiot with no purpose. Not even a comic relief.
The second complaint is the ending. It's a let down in the style of Game of Thrones. They build up the tension in episodes 1-9, and in the 10th they fell flat of the face. Instead of showing the result of Toranaga's plot they tell us bits and pieces of that it's supposed to accomplish. Could not they shoot another two episodes to show how he succeeded? Did they run out of budget?
Episode 10 is a total disappointment.
Overall it's pretty good but I have two complaints: Blackthorn and the ending.
Cosmo Jarvis is completely wrong for the role. He has a single facial expression - perplexity. He walks aimlessly from scene to scene, makes dumb decisions and generally acts stupid. He does not appear to learn much except picking up a bit of language, does not improve anything and generally has no impact on anything. After watching the series it crossed my mind that if his character is removed then absolutely nothing would change. Blackthorn is a village idiot with no purpose. Not even a comic relief.
The second complaint is the ending. It's a let down in the style of Game of Thrones. They build up the tension in episodes 1-9, and in the 10th they fell flat of the face. Instead of showing the result of Toranaga's plot they tell us bits and pieces of that it's supposed to accomplish. Could not they shoot another two episodes to show how he succeeded? Did they run out of budget?
Episode 10 is a total disappointment.
They come to talk, and die, and talk some more
gropes25 April 2024
I have fond memories of the series from the 80's.
This started very impressively from every perspective. My partner became so fascinated by it that he read the book super quickly.
But after around the 3rd episode my patience ran very thin.
All the visual aspects of the show are incredibly authentic and impressive. What let the show down for me is the way the story is told.
Japan is portrayed as a massive death cult. People die at the drop of a hat to defend someone else's honour / face or whatever. With 10 hours of screen time you thought they might have time to portray some interesting / fun aspects of life at the time. But all you ever see is the ways people are killed or kill themselves, and a bunch of selfish old men wanting the power for it's own sake while being depressed about it. From what I remember GOT is like that too , that's why I stopped watching early in series 2. But remembering the 80's series and knowing this won't run to 7 seasons I persevered.
My partner said the book doesn't tell it like that at all. In fact so many storylines have been altered that it makes very little dramatic sense. Towards the end it's just talk and talk. It seems the producers wanted to avoid any big battle scene at all costs, so the characters just talk about how it all ends.
The Blackthorn character seems to understand no Japanese one minute, and totally fluent another. This especially when his translator is gone is very baffling.
For all it's flaws the old series afforded some satisfaction when it ended. This just left me scratching my head.
This started very impressively from every perspective. My partner became so fascinated by it that he read the book super quickly.
But after around the 3rd episode my patience ran very thin.
All the visual aspects of the show are incredibly authentic and impressive. What let the show down for me is the way the story is told.
Japan is portrayed as a massive death cult. People die at the drop of a hat to defend someone else's honour / face or whatever. With 10 hours of screen time you thought they might have time to portray some interesting / fun aspects of life at the time. But all you ever see is the ways people are killed or kill themselves, and a bunch of selfish old men wanting the power for it's own sake while being depressed about it. From what I remember GOT is like that too , that's why I stopped watching early in series 2. But remembering the 80's series and knowing this won't run to 7 seasons I persevered.
My partner said the book doesn't tell it like that at all. In fact so many storylines have been altered that it makes very little dramatic sense. Towards the end it's just talk and talk. It seems the producers wanted to avoid any big battle scene at all costs, so the characters just talk about how it all ends.
The Blackthorn character seems to understand no Japanese one minute, and totally fluent another. This especially when his translator is gone is very baffling.
For all it's flaws the old series afforded some satisfaction when it ended. This just left me scratching my head.
Very well made, but never actually goes anywhere. Endless carrot on a stick...
Eiriksterminator25 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I'm a western guy who's a huge Japanophile, loving the country's history and culture. I used to live in Tokyo. I go on vacations to Japan regularly. Naturally, I love samurai stuff. So, I was super hyped about this series. Probably hadn't been so hyped for anything since Game of Thrones. I always expected someone like me to love this show, and for other people who are less gung hoo about this kind of stuff, to maybe find it average. So to see everyone else love it so much, hailing it as the best series in a long time, glowing 9's everywhere, while I myself of all people, am left feeling dissatisfied, feels kind of surreal...
True, this show has impeccable sets, costumes (they said in an interview that they made the costumes from scratch, for each person, to make them as real and authentic as possible. Super awesome), cinematography, and acting, and also interesting characters, and an AWESOME setting. This much I agree with. But see, the story, it never actually reaches a satisfying conclusion, a payoff for all the build up. It just fades out into nothing in the end. The entire series teases war, and huge battles, but there is none of that, even until the end of the very last episode. In fact, there's almost no action at all. We never get to see the bad guys get theirs. We also never get to see the end result of Toranaga's plans and ambition, and all the sacrifices that are made along the way. Which is another thing; so many people die along the way, and I find it increasingly hard to root for Toranaga sacrificing them all for his cause. Mariko's death in particular left a really bitter taste in my mouth. As an insight into the culture, history, customs, and daily life of Edo time period Japan, this is all very interesting, and very well made, but as STORY, this is very unsatisfying, I feel.
True, this show has impeccable sets, costumes (they said in an interview that they made the costumes from scratch, for each person, to make them as real and authentic as possible. Super awesome), cinematography, and acting, and also interesting characters, and an AWESOME setting. This much I agree with. But see, the story, it never actually reaches a satisfying conclusion, a payoff for all the build up. It just fades out into nothing in the end. The entire series teases war, and huge battles, but there is none of that, even until the end of the very last episode. In fact, there's almost no action at all. We never get to see the bad guys get theirs. We also never get to see the end result of Toranaga's plans and ambition, and all the sacrifices that are made along the way. Which is another thing; so many people die along the way, and I find it increasingly hard to root for Toranaga sacrificing them all for his cause. Mariko's death in particular left a really bitter taste in my mouth. As an insight into the culture, history, customs, and daily life of Edo time period Japan, this is all very interesting, and very well made, but as STORY, this is very unsatisfying, I feel.
Good Enough
PennyReviews1 May 2024
Japanese Drama '' Shogun '' is a historical drama based on the same-titled novel.
The series has an optimal atmosphere, with costumes and settings being excellent! The lighting and the camera filters also aided in creating the right mood.
In addition, the drama had killer performances by everyone in the cast but, especially, the leads and the female lead more precisely. She was a storm indeed and she carried the drama even when things got a bit blunt.
As for the story, it was a political thriller with nice twists and an interesting ending.
So, overall, eight out of ten for this historical political thriller.
The series has an optimal atmosphere, with costumes and settings being excellent! The lighting and the camera filters also aided in creating the right mood.
In addition, the drama had killer performances by everyone in the cast but, especially, the leads and the female lead more precisely. She was a storm indeed and she carried the drama even when things got a bit blunt.
As for the story, it was a political thriller with nice twists and an interesting ending.
So, overall, eight out of ten for this historical political thriller.
Almost great, but...
kimhansen-4228029 April 2024
I like it, the acting is really good, the visuals are awesome, the paceing is good and the overall story is great, so why does it fall short for me? Because it is an increadibly shallow adaptation of Clavell's book.
Clavell's book is about a stranger in a strange land, meaning understanding cultural differences, and the major themes are about honor, duty, sacrifice, and power. And that is the problem as I see it because besides the acting and the visuals - which are great - the story actually lacks these elements or gloss over them as if they are not important. But they are! It's what makes the book (and the 80's version great). Here's a couple of examples: We don't really get to know why Blackthorne (Anjin) is important, or the role of christianity in Japan, or pretty much any other social aspect of Japanese culture. There is sub-plot about a petulant and reckless son, which I don't remember from the book, and I have no idea what the point of him is, except for the writers to add to the story themselves. Similarly, Mariko from the book and the 80's version is probably my favorite character after Blackthorne, and I don't really recognize her in this version; by making her tougher, they also make her more distant and it diminishes her inner strength which makes her less sympathetic (to me at least).
In a nutshell this is what i see as the problem, when the show sticks to the book's original themes it is awesome, when they they don't you see actions taken where you sit back and say "that was weird why do that?" And here's the kicker, the very best dialogs and scenes are taken verbatim out of the book, so it's not like the writers don't understand that the source material is superior.
Still, the show is absolutely watchable, but I always measure a show's quality by whether I want to rewatch it, and I doubt it, instead I actually feel like watching the 80's version instead - that's not really a glowing endorsement is it?
Clavell's book is about a stranger in a strange land, meaning understanding cultural differences, and the major themes are about honor, duty, sacrifice, and power. And that is the problem as I see it because besides the acting and the visuals - which are great - the story actually lacks these elements or gloss over them as if they are not important. But they are! It's what makes the book (and the 80's version great). Here's a couple of examples: We don't really get to know why Blackthorne (Anjin) is important, or the role of christianity in Japan, or pretty much any other social aspect of Japanese culture. There is sub-plot about a petulant and reckless son, which I don't remember from the book, and I have no idea what the point of him is, except for the writers to add to the story themselves. Similarly, Mariko from the book and the 80's version is probably my favorite character after Blackthorne, and I don't really recognize her in this version; by making her tougher, they also make her more distant and it diminishes her inner strength which makes her less sympathetic (to me at least).
In a nutshell this is what i see as the problem, when the show sticks to the book's original themes it is awesome, when they they don't you see actions taken where you sit back and say "that was weird why do that?" And here's the kicker, the very best dialogs and scenes are taken verbatim out of the book, so it's not like the writers don't understand that the source material is superior.
Still, the show is absolutely watchable, but I always measure a show's quality by whether I want to rewatch it, and I doubt it, instead I actually feel like watching the 80's version instead - that's not really a glowing endorsement is it?
Almost a "10" until the final episode 10
conradclub1 May 2024
Warning: Spoilers
There are many excellent reviews already posted so I'll keep my comments brief.
I enjoyed the adventure, physical, psychological & political dangers that Blackthorne, Toranaga & Mariko faced with courage, cunning & understated humor. The build up was excellent. However, the final episode was anti-climatic & disappointing. "Crimson sky" was primarily a battle plan mixed with political maneuvering (according to the novel). The story was building up to a battle for power between Toranaga & Ishido. So I had all this pent up energy & excitement waiting for a release upon witnessing the battle & seeing the outcome. But instead, the outcome is described in a brief conversation between Yabushige & Toranaga. Truly disappointing. I was almost ready to give a "10" rating, but the awful finale I had to reduce the rating to an "8".
I had no problem with Toranaga's maneuvering seen in the light of the historical context & mindset.
I enjoyed the comedic aspects adapted into Yabushige's character.
One thing that remains unclear to me, besides the Portuguese rutter, was there a rutter maintained by Blackthorne? If so, I would think Blackthorne would have used English. As far as I know, Mariko's was not able to read/write or speak English so how was she able to read his Rutter? I am unconvinced that she read his rutter. Oh well ....
Overall good show, but like GoT a disappointing finish.
I enjoyed the adventure, physical, psychological & political dangers that Blackthorne, Toranaga & Mariko faced with courage, cunning & understated humor. The build up was excellent. However, the final episode was anti-climatic & disappointing. "Crimson sky" was primarily a battle plan mixed with political maneuvering (according to the novel). The story was building up to a battle for power between Toranaga & Ishido. So I had all this pent up energy & excitement waiting for a release upon witnessing the battle & seeing the outcome. But instead, the outcome is described in a brief conversation between Yabushige & Toranaga. Truly disappointing. I was almost ready to give a "10" rating, but the awful finale I had to reduce the rating to an "8".
I had no problem with Toranaga's maneuvering seen in the light of the historical context & mindset.
I enjoyed the comedic aspects adapted into Yabushige's character.
One thing that remains unclear to me, besides the Portuguese rutter, was there a rutter maintained by Blackthorne? If so, I would think Blackthorne would have used English. As far as I know, Mariko's was not able to read/write or speak English so how was she able to read his Rutter? I am unconvinced that she read his rutter. Oh well ....
Overall good show, but like GoT a disappointing finish.
Admirable but not enough
ozbslh4 May 2024
This new adaptation of my favorite series since childhood was truly great. But 10 episodes were too few and I think the story should continue. I'm very sorry that the producers ended the story so unpleasantly. I grew up with the nickname Toronaga ,Anjinsan since I was 7 years old. I think these heroes deserve more episodes. I still don't understand why it had such an unsatisfying ending. Especially in the last episode, I saw an effort to end the series hastily. I think it overshadowed the success of the series. .This series deserved more than dozens of TV series with 3-5 seasons. Please, the producers should think again about this issue. Still, I think this story is worth watching anyway.
Amazing
antmaleitas29 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
It's difficult nowadays to have good, not focused on political correctness, history. I'm honestly overwhelmed by this. I just finished it and I adored it. I've learnt a lot from the ancient samurai I knew very little about. It's weird the way it touched me. The battle between the value of life and the value of honour. The certain doom of some characters that you know will die but hope to the last minute because usually on tv shows the characters you like survive. This is not the case. It's almost as if there is a truth behind this story. I've read that the struggle and the war after a certain Taiko died led to a shogunate and it is real. But, even though the characters are not, and it's a remake of a series (I haven't watched) the realness of the mentality and samurai culture is there. I feel like I've been hit by a truck honestly. I will learn more about this time and the lives of the people that lived it.
I really enjoyed experiencing something from another culture. This is a fantastic example of how you can have a story about other cultures without having to remove white skinned characters for "inclusion" and changing plots to be "politically correct".
I loved this. Won't forget it anytime soon. Great job FX.
I really enjoyed experiencing something from another culture. This is a fantastic example of how you can have a story about other cultures without having to remove white skinned characters for "inclusion" and changing plots to be "politically correct".
I loved this. Won't forget it anytime soon. Great job FX.
(7.5 / 10) Very Solid, But With A Few Flaws
virtushda4 May 2024
A darker and slightly faster paced version than we got in 1980.
Many things were done very well. Acting, visuals, costume design, screenplay, sets, all very top notch. Most plot and story changes were well done.
I appreciated the action scenes added in this version as well, they were extremely well done and I rewatched a couple of them just to appreciate the attention to detail.
Without spoiling anything, I do feel a bit let down by the latter half of the show, but it is still pretty good overall with seriously well-done character moments.
One minor negative is that I think the show suffers a bit from trying to focus less on the English-speaking characters, it feels less personal than the 1980 rendition by focusing on a wider gamut of characters. That also makes the world feel well fleshed out though.
The one major flaw that is unforgivable is the atrocious music. It doesn't fit at all, and it is extremely bleak and repetitive. At many points, it ruins the atmosphere rather than building it.
This is especially criminal considering the 1980 rendition had such a beautiful and powerful soundtrack that generated an amazing atmosphere and evoked immense emotion.
Because of this, I felt like the 1980 version respected the beauty present in medieval Japan, which is basically absent in this much bleaker take.
I genuinely at many points while watching this version, played in my head or hummed the 1980 themes for Japan and Mariko.
The new soundtrack is outright offensively bad and generic comparatively.
Aside from that, this version of Shogun is genuinely more entertaining and modern than the 1980 version, which was more personal, but also more boring. It also steers clear of wokism almost entirely, which is such a breath of fresh air!
Will check back in a decade and see if anyone has made a fan-edit to fix the music! :)
Many things were done very well. Acting, visuals, costume design, screenplay, sets, all very top notch. Most plot and story changes were well done.
I appreciated the action scenes added in this version as well, they were extremely well done and I rewatched a couple of them just to appreciate the attention to detail.
Without spoiling anything, I do feel a bit let down by the latter half of the show, but it is still pretty good overall with seriously well-done character moments.
One minor negative is that I think the show suffers a bit from trying to focus less on the English-speaking characters, it feels less personal than the 1980 rendition by focusing on a wider gamut of characters. That also makes the world feel well fleshed out though.
The one major flaw that is unforgivable is the atrocious music. It doesn't fit at all, and it is extremely bleak and repetitive. At many points, it ruins the atmosphere rather than building it.
This is especially criminal considering the 1980 rendition had such a beautiful and powerful soundtrack that generated an amazing atmosphere and evoked immense emotion.
Because of this, I felt like the 1980 version respected the beauty present in medieval Japan, which is basically absent in this much bleaker take.
I genuinely at many points while watching this version, played in my head or hummed the 1980 themes for Japan and Mariko.
The new soundtrack is outright offensively bad and generic comparatively.
Aside from that, this version of Shogun is genuinely more entertaining and modern than the 1980 version, which was more personal, but also more boring. It also steers clear of wokism almost entirely, which is such a breath of fresh air!
Will check back in a decade and see if anyone has made a fan-edit to fix the music! :)
Great Build up, great build up - all to... not much.
mlgsanchit4 May 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I watched the show as each episode came out and let me tell you straight away - everything LOOKS AMAZING. The visuals, the sets, the costumes...etc. It immerses you in this world perfectly.
Now for the story: The characters are fantastic, Torango, Markio, Blackthorne and all of them are played fantastically. I love the cunning of Torango and the Game of Thrones style he brings to the table. There is HOWEVER ONE ISSUE: I wish the other characters in the show were more competent - the Council of Regents, the Taiko's mother. All act smart but in reality are nothing compared to Torango. This gives a more one-sided feel unlike Game of Thrones.
Now for the BIGGEST issue: the final peak of the show was a letdown. While I somewhat understand they may have been going for some Game of Thrones Ned Stark death at end of Season 1, this just did not have the same stakes. War seemed inevitable so why the sudden change of heart? This confused me and therefore led to a relatively anti climatic ending. All the build up of war for what? A sudden twist that Toranga was planning something different? While this twist may work to an extent, the amount we were led on as the viewer was too great not to comply with a battle of some sorts at the end! This is why I have degraded my opinion of the show from a 10 to an 8. Shame there isn't any more seasons.
Now for the story: The characters are fantastic, Torango, Markio, Blackthorne and all of them are played fantastically. I love the cunning of Torango and the Game of Thrones style he brings to the table. There is HOWEVER ONE ISSUE: I wish the other characters in the show were more competent - the Council of Regents, the Taiko's mother. All act smart but in reality are nothing compared to Torango. This gives a more one-sided feel unlike Game of Thrones.
Now for the BIGGEST issue: the final peak of the show was a letdown. While I somewhat understand they may have been going for some Game of Thrones Ned Stark death at end of Season 1, this just did not have the same stakes. War seemed inevitable so why the sudden change of heart? This confused me and therefore led to a relatively anti climatic ending. All the build up of war for what? A sudden twist that Toranga was planning something different? While this twist may work to an extent, the amount we were led on as the viewer was too great not to comply with a battle of some sorts at the end! This is why I have degraded my opinion of the show from a 10 to an 8. Shame there isn't any more seasons.
At First Amazing, Then Disappointing
umutyildirim30 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
First couple of episodes are amazing, but conclusion is dissaponting for me.
Don't get me wrong, acting is wonderful setting is also but at the end of the season lots of thing seem empty. Blacktorne's necessity has removed in last episodes.
I haven't read the book but show makes you expect there will be a epic conclusion at the end of the season like Hiroyuki Sanada will charge into battle, decimate his enemies with the help of Blacktorne's cannons and become Shogun.
But show follows very weird way. And this makes Englishman's role very diminished. I mean why he is there at the first place and what is he accomplishing ? He is just there to make love drama with the woman ?
First episodes make some expectations on you that with the information provided by Blacktorne, Japan will get rid of Portoguese and their bases.
An epic battle scene in Shogunate Japan with samurai is a must. But we don't see anything.
I don't know if there will be a second season but I can say that last couple of episodes does not align with first half at all.
Don't get me wrong, acting is wonderful setting is also but at the end of the season lots of thing seem empty. Blacktorne's necessity has removed in last episodes.
I haven't read the book but show makes you expect there will be a epic conclusion at the end of the season like Hiroyuki Sanada will charge into battle, decimate his enemies with the help of Blacktorne's cannons and become Shogun.
But show follows very weird way. And this makes Englishman's role very diminished. I mean why he is there at the first place and what is he accomplishing ? He is just there to make love drama with the woman ?
First episodes make some expectations on you that with the information provided by Blacktorne, Japan will get rid of Portoguese and their bases.
An epic battle scene in Shogunate Japan with samurai is a must. But we don't see anything.
I don't know if there will be a second season but I can say that last couple of episodes does not align with first half at all.
Uh....Ten Hours of Buildup to What, Exactly?
sdicus129 April 2024
My least favorite part of any action movie is usually the "boss fight". But my god this show demonstrates why you need one. There was about ten minutes left in the last episode when the horrible realization sunk in on me.....this is going to crest on the closing credits shore as the weakest tsunami in history.
All that buildup......to nothing.
The show has some great acting and wonderful scenes. The scenes would have looked better with a little less Vaseline on the lens, but that's the style these days. Better than "shaky-cam" I guess. And insane amounts of detail went into costumes and dialogue, and I do love that. But we end up with.....next to nothing.
Also our main European character was just outright annoying. I kept waiting for him to find his footing and stop acting like an overly excited chihuahua, but it never happens. Even after he earns the respect of his Japanese hosts. It makes his rise in stature that much more inexplicable.
Can't imagine ever watching it again.
All that buildup......to nothing.
The show has some great acting and wonderful scenes. The scenes would have looked better with a little less Vaseline on the lens, but that's the style these days. Better than "shaky-cam" I guess. And insane amounts of detail went into costumes and dialogue, and I do love that. But we end up with.....next to nothing.
Also our main European character was just outright annoying. I kept waiting for him to find his footing and stop acting like an overly excited chihuahua, but it never happens. Even after he earns the respect of his Japanese hosts. It makes his rise in stature that much more inexplicable.
Can't imagine ever watching it again.
Highly recommended
0U28 February 2024
I've just finished the first two episodes and I cannot wait for more! The atmosphere, plot, acting are superlative. The politicking and scheming are prime Game of Thrones but I hate making that comparison as I want this show to stand on its own. The scheming between the various lords and the Portuguese faction is titillating and suspenseful as we watch various characters play the game. I love it! I cannot wait for next week. I haven't felt this way about a show in a long while. Highly recommended if you enjoy top tier drama.
Funny to see most one star review being uneducated people who complain about subtitles.
Japanese should never be dubbed. If you can't read, move to something your level like barbie.
Funny to see most one star review being uneducated people who complain about subtitles.
Japanese should never be dubbed. If you can't read, move to something your level like barbie.
As of episode 5 this is the best show of 2024
sgildea-7830619 March 2024
I watched the original Shogun on VHS when I was a teenager (a long time ago) and was hugely impressed.
This updated version trumps it.
Something remarkable airing on the Disney channel, which apart from the The Bear doesn't happen a lot!
Cosmo Jarvis plays a brilliantly flawed British sailor stranded in feudal Japan.
His portrayal is gruff, funny and realistic in his fish out of water role.
All of the supporting cast are absolutely fantastic as well.
Giving the Anjin some funny looks and some angry responses when required.
This series doesn't glamorise the outdated and barbaric practice of Sepukku which is great to see. But it also doesn't shy from it. It happened.
The colours of the Samurai blue uniforms/armour is very realistic and the battle scenes are brutal and to the point.
I'm very excited to see the rest of the series.
This updated version trumps it.
Something remarkable airing on the Disney channel, which apart from the The Bear doesn't happen a lot!
Cosmo Jarvis plays a brilliantly flawed British sailor stranded in feudal Japan.
His portrayal is gruff, funny and realistic in his fish out of water role.
All of the supporting cast are absolutely fantastic as well.
Giving the Anjin some funny looks and some angry responses when required.
This series doesn't glamorise the outdated and barbaric practice of Sepukku which is great to see. But it also doesn't shy from it. It happened.
The colours of the Samurai blue uniforms/armour is very realistic and the battle scenes are brutal and to the point.
I'm very excited to see the rest of the series.
Actually spectacular
greenmangreat28 February 2024
When I first heard about this show, I figured it would just be another cringeworthy Western depiction of Shogunate Japan. But then I read about the glowing reviews, and decided to determine the accuracy of those reviews myself. And my my, this show is indeed amazing.
I've never heard of the book, much less read it, but as a fan of world history, I found the depiction of the political intricacies of feudal Japan to be fascinating.
2 episodes in, and I hadn't even realised how fast the time had gone. I just found myself glued to the screen from start to finish. Such fantastic work from a talented cast of actors. What a shame that this is only going to be a limited series!
I've never heard of the book, much less read it, but as a fan of world history, I found the depiction of the political intricacies of feudal Japan to be fascinating.
2 episodes in, and I hadn't even realised how fast the time had gone. I just found myself glued to the screen from start to finish. Such fantastic work from a talented cast of actors. What a shame that this is only going to be a limited series!
It Worked For Me
rickspung29 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I really liked this series. I didn't watch the Richard Chamberlain series, so I didn't know the story. I liked coming into this raw, because everything was a surprise.
They spent a ton of money on the budget, and it shows. Great, scenic shots. Completely immersive. Costumes, locations, sets all 100% real to me.
Other reviews talked about VFX. Evidently, the tech has improved to the point that, when it is done correctly, the average viewer can't tell. For this show, I couldn't tell. Everything was real to me.
Midway through, I was hoping for another season, but the last two episodes made me realize there was nothing left to tell. The death of one of the characters was devastating and I couldn't imagine another season without her.
I have one rule for a TV series or movie: It is either a success or a dud, based on one thing- did I feel immersed? Did I buy into it and lose myself in the story? With this one, the answer was yes.
Really, that's all I need to know. If I find myself questioning the plot, the dialogue, the casting, the sets, etc. Then it didn't work. Harsh, but that's the job - either sell it or fail.
They spent a ton of money on the budget, and it shows. Great, scenic shots. Completely immersive. Costumes, locations, sets all 100% real to me.
Other reviews talked about VFX. Evidently, the tech has improved to the point that, when it is done correctly, the average viewer can't tell. For this show, I couldn't tell. Everything was real to me.
Midway through, I was hoping for another season, but the last two episodes made me realize there was nothing left to tell. The death of one of the characters was devastating and I couldn't imagine another season without her.
I have one rule for a TV series or movie: It is either a success or a dud, based on one thing- did I feel immersed? Did I buy into it and lose myself in the story? With this one, the answer was yes.
Really, that's all I need to know. If I find myself questioning the plot, the dialogue, the casting, the sets, etc. Then it didn't work. Harsh, but that's the job - either sell it or fail.
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