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 societies and cultures, which resonates in this period of Japanese history and beyond. The other key aspect of the original story that no longer works as well, was one of ultimately tragic love between Blackthorne and Lady Mariko. Mariko is a courtier who relies on her skill as a negotiator, to influence those around her. We see this clearly in the book and the original series. Instead, we now get a shift towards female warriors, which might reflect modern expectations but not those of Japan in the 1600's. Yes, there were female warriors in this period but they were not courtiers, train

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 secondary roles into amazingly deep side-stories.

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 sidelining Yoshii Toranaga, the enigmatic power player in feudal Japan. The 2024 series corrects this course, placing Toranaga at the center of the narrative, and the series is all the better for that. "Shogun" 2024 is a standout even in what many consider the golden age of television epics. It's been compared to HBO's "Game of Thrones," but "Shogun" carves out its own identity with a more focused narrative and a refined storytelling approach. The series does not shy away from depicting the era's inherent violence and sensuality, yet it does so with a sophistication that sets it apart,