Tune In Or Tune Out: ‘Shogun’ Is An Authentic Look Into Japan’s Beautiful, Yet Brutal History
FX’s newest runaway hit, Shōgun, is the perfect series for audiences who miss the epic scale of Game of Thrones. In an era where expensive TV has become the standard, it’s difficult to find a series that weaves compelling characters, rich environments, and stellar performances with ease. Based on the eponymous 1975 novel, Shōgun tells the story of an English merchant who quickly becomes entrenched in the political and cultural landscape of 17th century Japan. Series producer and star Hiroyuki Sanada has stated his desire for authentic Japanese representation in Hollywood, and Shōgun presents a luscious, harrowing story of Japan’s rich culture and long history of brutal colonialism. Shōgun is one of the best shows of the past year. It’s filled to the brim with intensity and suspense to satiate anyone looking for an attention stealing show. Read between the lines and you’ll find a devastating tale of those afflicted by two colonial powers desperate for control.
Meet Blackthorne
John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) is an English merchant who is brash, somewhat naive, yet surprisingly calculating when push comes to shove. He is the first Englishman to reach Japan, but trouble arises when Portuguese Catholics prove to have ulterior motives for Japan. Enlisted by Lord Toranaga (Sanada) as a wild card against his political rivals and the Portuguese, Blackthorne befriends Lady Mariko (Anna Sawai) and ultimately becomes one of the most valuable men in Japan.
Shōgun is told like an elaborate game of poker: everyone has chips in the pool and holds their cards close to their chests with immense patience. Except for Blackthorne. He comes from a self-described “land of filth” where decency is nonexistent, and his arrogant persona perfectly disrupts the harmony of Japanese high society. Jarvis marvelously portrays Blackthorne’s vices and virtues as if he was Blackthorne in a past life. He is crude but possesses incredible ingenuity that barely keeps him at bay from death. He knows when to pull back and when to risk himself for the safety of Toranaga, Mariko, and the possibility of returning home. Constantly berated as a savage, Blackthorne is anything but. Jarvis masterfully displays Blackthorne’s inner turmoil, desires, and compassion with style and grace.
Lady Mariko serves as Blackthorne’s translator, but she hides a sinister past that slowly reveals itself. She is an incredibly skilled fighter that wishes for acceptance in society and honesty with herself. Sawai guides every scene with her ethereal performance and is the standout star from the series. Lord Taranaga is similarly discrete, often ditching his army and advisers without a word. Even though his connection with Blackthorne is purely transactional, Blackthorne fills the role of the son he never had, one who is carried by earnestness instead of cowardice.
Everything falls in its right place in Shōgun. Failures from the 1980 original are the best parts of this new iteration. Every actor is amazing, the production design oozes with care and attention, and the character-driven plot elevates the series to unimaginable heights. Most importantly, it completely voids the original’s Eurocentric view, instead placing emphasis on authentic Japanese representation. Creators Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks have crafted a genuine love letter to Japanese history, faults and all, and their immense passion for Shōgun is unlike anything we’ll see in the near future.
Was It Tune In Or Tune Out?
Shōgun is leagues ahead of its 1980 predecessor. Its meticulous set design perfectly embodies the stunning culture of feudal Japan’s last days. Unlike the original’s Eurocentric perspective, this series places Blackthorne’s point of view in the back seat, leaving space for its Japanese cast to tell their stories. He acts as a learning vessel for those unfamiliar with traditional Japanese rituals and its history. Additionally, the series expertly juxtaposes Japan’s rich culture with its history as an oppressive aggressor. In several instances, characters mention Japan’s cruel invasion of Korea with glee and euphoria; this anticipates their international imperialist presence centuries later. Shōgun reflects on the hostile social culture of feudal Japan and isn’t afraid to show the ugly side of Japan. Watching Shōgun is like peering into a time capsule, with all its beauty and viciousness wonderfully on display.
While there are countless period pieces about Japan’s feudal history, none have achieved it better than Shōgun. The pacing gets a bit formulaic, but it’s done with reason. The show balances its large cast of characters like the tides, calming down before providing context for the harsh attack that comes at the end of each episode. Expertly written and choreographed, its fight scenes keep viewers on edge. There is plenty to dissect regarding themes and messages, but it’s perfect even for those looking for a quick binge as Shōgun skillfully combines a plethora of heart-pumping action with evocative character work and storytelling.
Who Will Like It?
Shōgun was made with love and care for Japanese culture and historical fiction. It takes notes from its source material, the first adaptation, and current prestige television to create a show that is easy to fall in love with. Japan and Portugal’s feuding quest for power alongside the series’ interpersonal relationships and magnificent fight scenes make for acclaimed television. The series tests audience’s expectations, potentially opening the floodgates for more authentic cultural representation that portrays the good and bad. Beautifully dark, the series grabs your attention from start to finish. Shōgun releases every Tuesday on FX and can be streamed on Hulu.