Shogun Review: An Indian cup of tea is a brilliant blend of ingredients and aromatics. From water to tea leaves, masalas to milk, every recipe needs to an extra few minutes of boiling to get the right flavour. Shogun is like that cup of tea. It has all the perfect ingredients to make it an epic show — drama, action, political tension, and the background of the 17th century Japan. And much like the delicious tea, Shogun also comes to an end sooner than we’d hoped for.
FX’s new series, set to stream on Disney+ Hotstar in India, Shogun is a brilliant adaptation of James Clavell’s 1975 historical fiction novel of the same name. Set in the feudal Japan, Shogun opens setting up two plotlines. On one hand, we meet Lord Toranaga (played by veteran Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada). He finds a place on the Council of Regents after the death of Taikō. This position threatens everyone on the council. While he grapples with the sudden change of power and position and the threats that have come along with it, audiences learn that a ship has been washed up on the shores of Japan.
Hiding in the attic is an English sailor named John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) and his crew. While they are held captive by the local village head, it is soon revealed that the ship contains 500 muskets and 20 cannons. The sailor, who the locals confuse as a Portuguese man, is taken captive and treated brutally. Meanwhile, the news travels fast and Toranaga calls for Blackthorne. He demands that the sailorman is transported to Osaka as early as possible.
It is soon revealed that Toranaga wants to use the sailor and his cannons to his benefit in the time of war. He keeps Blackthorne alive and even builds a partnership with him in order to get a leverage in the battle. Blackthorne agrees to support Toranaga in order to save his fellow crew members’ lives.
Meanwhile, Toranaga assigns Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai) as his translator to not only help the sailor communicate to all but for the audiences to also interpretate the motive behind conversations. Mariko is first introduced in a chilling scene where she is asking a woman to surrender her child after her husband disgraced the clan.
Her chilling aura in the scene only builds curiosity among viewers and as the season proceeds, we learn that there is more to Mariko than what meets the eye. Soon, it is revealed that she is as important to the story as Toranaga and Blackthorne. As the season proceeds, we see an interesting game of chess play out set against the backdrop of a political drama.
Shogun might be one of the best dramas in recent times. Created by Justin Marks of Top Gun: Maverick and Rachel Kondo for TV, Shogun reminded me of Game of Thrones in more ways than one. While it is already all over the internet that the series’ size as big as Game of Thrones, the first half of the series is much like the first season of Game of Thrones — slow and steady. Shogun takes its time to set the ground, allowing the viewers to truly understand the events unfolding. Given that the show switches between Japanese and English, the slow pace helps in the first two episodes.
However, by the time the third episode kicks in, the slow pace starts to become a hinderance. I felt that the third episode could have been a little faster and dive into the action. Nevertheless, the show finds its groove by the end of the third episode and there is no stopping thereon. The series does feel like it comes to an soon and the makers could have explored a little more. Here is where I feel that if they could have paced things up in the beginning, the series could have packed in a few moments.
The show delivers some of the raw, intense and brutal scenes in the most matter of fact style. Another element that benefits the series is that it is produced by veteran Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada, which means there is not only a balance of the West ‘barbarian’ shown the series but also a lot of authentic Japanese scenes, language and approach which truly makes for an amazing watch. The cinematography and sound also elevates the series.
The true star of the show is the writing. Creators Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks have penned an interesting multi-layered yet water-tight script which keeps you engrossed. The twists leave you shocked, truly making you believe that anything could happen on the series if you take your eyes off it.
Shogun also boasts of stellar performances. Hiroyuki Sanada is a legend for a reason and he reminds us of it again with Shogun. He owns the screen every time he faces the camera in the series. It is always a treat to watch him perform. It was impressive to see Cosmo Jarvis and Anna Sawai hold their own, strong ground while sharing the screen with the veteran Japanese actor. They deliver a flawless performance in the series. Another actor that will hold your attention is Tadanobu Asano. He steals the scene effortlessly in a few places.
Should you watch Shogun? I would definitely recommend it!
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