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Shogun - Season 1
This remake of James Clavell's Shogun from 1980 promises a lot. Will the success of 1980 be matched or is this a redundant version with many beautiful pictures and little content?
In 1980 I was glued to every episode of James Clavell's Shōgun. I practised Judo and Jiu-jitsu, read about Japanese history and art and learned my first Japanese. In short: I was in love with Japan.
That first Shogun made me feel like I was experiencing something special. Never before had I seen a Western series that - in my opinion - showed such an accurate representation of old Japan. It was certainly the first to attempt to portray Japan in a venerable way.
I memorized all the Japanese terms, hoping for more. Although I found Richard Chamberlain far too smooth and soft to be believable as a rough 16th century helmsman, the series was my absolute favorite at the time.
Now I would look at that series with completely different eyes. The way of producing, the scripts, the dialogues; the wooden keyboard productions of the eighties usually did not survive the test of time. The modern viewer wants a faster pace, more realism, more historical accuracy and more tasteful spectacle.
Oh yes, the current view of the 'hero' and the 'villain' has also changed. The hero is also more often an antihero. The antagonist is not necessarily a criminal without a conscience. The hero doesn't have to be 'he' anymore and he doesn't always get the girl.
The new Shōgun largely follows the same story as the old series, but the differences are big. Cosmo Jarvis (Raised by Wolves) plays John Blackthorne and he fits the role of the English helmsman well. The Japanese call him Anjin-san, which means 'master helmsman'. His knowledge of seafaring is an important reason to let him live.
The Japanese call Western sailors barbarians. They find them dirty and rude, with disgusting eating habits. In turn, the Europeans think that the Japanese are the barbarians with their uncompromising rules and contempt for death. What is perceived as a great honor or loss of face sometimes turns out to be completely opposite for both cultures.
Japan is on the brink of a power struggle. The Japanese nobility seeks subtle ways to seize power. Lord Joshii Toranaga (played by Hiroyuki Sanada, Westworld) is in danger of becoming a victim of the conniving nobility. He realizes that Anjin-san could be of great use in his own fight for survival.
John Blackthorne's initial misunderstanding of Japanese norms and values is clearly visible. He has to learn to deal with the culture and that sometimes puts him in mortal danger. This is even exacerbated by the fact that the Portuguese are seen as the only trading partner locally. They do not want to lose those interests due to the interference of an Englishman, with whom their country is at war.
Gradually mutual respect develops between Anjin-san and the Japanese nobility around him. He gets opportunities to prove his worth, but his life hangs in the balance. Until the end of this first season, it is unclear where his luck will end.
I think this new rendition is much better than the old one. The modern approach does the story a lot of good. The Japanese actors in particular are again a feast for the eyes. This version is not that different from the old one, I must admit. That part was already remarkably good back then.
It's not often that I watch a series for a second time, but Shōgun certainly falls into that list. A beautiful series with unforgettable characters and exciting scenes, all with respect for Japanese culture and with sufficient attention to the historical accuracy of the period. Highly recommended for lovers of suspense, history, romance and intrigue!
Follow ShōgunIn 1980 I was glued to every episode of James Clavell's Shōgun. I practised Judo and Jiu-jitsu, read about Japanese history and art and learned my first Japanese. In short: I was in love with Japan.
That first Shogun made me feel like I was experiencing something special. Never before had I seen a Western series that - in my opinion - showed such an accurate representation of old Japan. It was certainly the first to attempt to portray Japan in a venerable way.
I memorized all the Japanese terms, hoping for more. Although I found Richard Chamberlain far too smooth and soft to be believable as a rough 16th century helmsman, the series was my absolute favorite at the time.
Now I would look at that series with completely different eyes. The way of producing, the scripts, the dialogues; the wooden keyboard productions of the eighties usually did not survive the test of time. The modern viewer wants a faster pace, more realism, more historical accuracy and more tasteful spectacle.
Oh yes, the current view of the 'hero' and the 'villain' has also changed. The hero is also more often an antihero. The antagonist is not necessarily a criminal without a conscience. The hero doesn't have to be 'he' anymore and he doesn't always get the girl.
The new Shōgun largely follows the same story as the old series, but the differences are big. Cosmo Jarvis (Raised by Wolves) plays John Blackthorne and he fits the role of the English helmsman well. The Japanese call him Anjin-san, which means 'master helmsman'. His knowledge of seafaring is an important reason to let him live.
The Japanese call Western sailors barbarians. They find them dirty and rude, with disgusting eating habits. In turn, the Europeans think that the Japanese are the barbarians with their uncompromising rules and contempt for death. What is perceived as a great honor or loss of face sometimes turns out to be completely opposite for both cultures.
© FX
Japan is on the brink of a power struggle. The Japanese nobility seeks subtle ways to seize power. Lord Joshii Toranaga (played by Hiroyuki Sanada, Westworld) is in danger of becoming a victim of the conniving nobility. He realizes that Anjin-san could be of great use in his own fight for survival.
John Blackthorne's initial misunderstanding of Japanese norms and values is clearly visible. He has to learn to deal with the culture and that sometimes puts him in mortal danger. This is even exacerbated by the fact that the Portuguese are seen as the only trading partner locally. They do not want to lose those interests due to the interference of an Englishman, with whom their country is at war.
Gradually mutual respect develops between Anjin-san and the Japanese nobility around him. He gets opportunities to prove his worth, but his life hangs in the balance. Until the end of this first season, it is unclear where his luck will end.
I think this new rendition is much better than the old one. The modern approach does the story a lot of good. The Japanese actors in particular are again a feast for the eyes. This version is not that different from the old one, I must admit. That part was already remarkably good back then.
It's not often that I watch a series for a second time, but Shōgun certainly falls into that list. A beautiful series with unforgettable characters and exciting scenes, all with respect for Japanese culture and with sufficient attention to the historical accuracy of the period. Highly recommended for lovers of suspense, history, romance and intrigue!
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