Shōgun

The original Shogun, the series, from 1980 like the novel it was based upon,by James Clavell, was a masterpiece. It worked because of tight coherent storytelling, compelling characterisations and intelligent narrative, that very wisely took its inspiration and direction, from the novel it was based upon. Then along lumbers this latest effort. Its manages to partly shift its focus away from the relationship between the pilot John Blackthorne and Lord Toranaga. In so doing, diffusing a key focal point of the story. A story which is essentially about the collision of Western and Eastern…

The level of historical accuracy in this show is astounding. Much attention to detail in the clothing, architecture, armaments, and cultural practices. It neither romanticizes nor condemns 16th century Japanese culture, it simply portrays it, good and bad, side by side. All the actors are doing a fantastic job. I'm a little underwhelmed with Sanada Hiroyuki's character, i feel he has been underutilized. The actor's performance is great, but i think the Toranaga character is not particularly complex in his portrayal. Abe Shinnosuke, Satō Tadanobu, and Hoshi Moeka are stand outs, turning…

Shogun is the new benchmark for epic television. In the realm of historical dramas, FX's "Shogun" stands tall as a monumental achievement in television. The series, an adaption of James Clavell's beloved novel, will no doubt be met with acclaim for it's riveting performances, exceptional writing, and meticulous attention to cultural (and historical) authenticity. The 1980s adaptation of "Shogun" was a product of its time, focusing heavily on the character of Anjin, the English navigator. While it was a remarkable piece of television for its era, it deviated from the novel's core narrative by…

I preferred the original but this was so so good.