After years of deliberately keeping myself from making certain types of reviews, I'd be trying something different today. I never really liked movie series because I found them extremely long and sometimes lackluster. I didn't want to associate myself with anything ‘series’ because I was just going to be wasting my time, or so I thought. Recently, I've been on a series spree and although I've come across various good series, there's this particular series that's worth mentioning and that I will do.
I'd like to mention that it took me a year and some days to finally make up my mind about this particular series. I had so many reservations: first, it's a series; second, it's Japanese; Third, I have to read subtitles; fourth, I had to pay close attention when anyone moved their mouths because I wouldn't want to miss a thing. The first shocker came when I heard Queen’s English being spoken. It was then that I knew this series may be something special after all.
The series I'm referring to today is titled “Shōgun”.
About The series
The 2024 series, Shōgun, is a richly detailed historical drama spanning 10 episodes. Each episode advances a layered narrative of themes like culture clash, politics and personal transformation in 16th- century Japan. The series was directed by Justin Marks and each episode has a runtime of approximately an hour.
Episode Summaries
The first episode Anjin opens to a shipwrecked European navigator, John Blackthorn's arrival in Japan, a land steeped in tradition and political complexity. Simultaneously, Lord Toranaga( one of the political regents) faces treachery in Osaka, the capital city. This episode set up the collision of East and West with immersive visuals and cultural shock and at the same time introduces major players.
In the second episode servants of two masters, Blackthorn, the English speaking intruder's presence intensifies rivalries. Mariko-sama, a skilled translator bound by duty and faith, becomes a very integral part in getting to know the foreigner while aiding Toranaga.
Tomorrow is tomorrow is the third episode. After Blackthorn survives an assassination attempt due to his unsettling presence in the country, Toranaga plans a strategic withdrawal to preserve alliances including Blackthorn's.
In the fourth episode, the eightfold fence, an alliance is formed between Mariko-sama, the translator, and Blackthorn as they train Toranaga's men to us guns and bombs.
In the fifth episode, broken to fist, secrets threaten to destroy Blackthorn and Mariko-sama as their alliance becomes seemingly more personal than it should be. Mariko-sama's husband doesn't make things any easier for either his wife or Blackthorn.
Lady of the willow world; episode six, opens to Lady Ochiba(the mother of the under age taiko/king, whom the regents are ruling in place of till he becomes of age) returns to escalate the regents campaign against Toranaga. Toranaga on the other hand tests Mariko-sama's loyalty to see whose side she is on.
In the seventh episode a stick of time Toranaga gains new alliances in Osaka and must renegotiate family loyalties and allegiances
The abyss of life, the next episode follows Toranaga's defeat by his estranged half brother and relocation to Edo, a city he rules over. Blackthorn also has to make a decision about his allegiance; whether or not to be loyal to Toranaga.
Episode nine Crimson Sky is where Toranaga sets his ploy in action. Mariko-sama returns to Osaka for a confrontation. Blackthorn and Yabushige try to run away. All the activities here culminated in an emotionally charged semi-final episode.
The last episode a dream of a dream is a sheer poetic finale. Toranaga's plan unfolds showing how well sacrifice and strategy work together. A conversation between Toranaga and Yabushige brings insight to the viewers.
My Opinion
One thing I absolutely love about this series is how strategic Toranaga was. He played games that even the viewers could understand until it all unraveled and this was nothing short of brilliant. I enjoyed knowing that Toranaga was not one to bend easily but watching how he convinced his men that he had fully surrendered.
The atmosphere and authenticity around the movie is top notch. I like how meticulously chosen everything seemed; ranging from the costumes to production designs. The cinematography vividly transports viewers to Japan in the 17th century.
The casts were all very compelling as they delivered powerful portrayals of each character. The series also showed that instead of getting actively involved in politics, women actually wielded power through wisdom and social strategies. A clear depiction of how to use what you have to get what you want.
The end was very thoughtful. Although with all the ploys, I thought the build-up of events would culminate in a serious war but it didn't and that was still okay. Why choose violence when you can settle a feud with the right strategy?
Shōgun
Recommendation and Rating
Shōgun thoughtfully explores the rich Japanese culture and power dynamics through compelling performances. The characters performed pretty well and the plot is a sensational one. I would give this series a solid 9 out of 10 rating and highly recommend it to those who haven't already seen it. If you're looking for an entertaining film or simply a strategic movie, this would be a great watch.
