29 avaliações
The potential of this show is immense. The pilot not only delivers, but it makes grand promises of what is to come. I am finding it difficult to find faults with this presentation. Cinematography is on par with the best of not only TV, but movies. Sounds are equally incredible, but there is a lot of booming bass. Character and writing are outstanding. It is incredible what they have been able to create with the sets and costume design.
FX is the only studio to go toe-to-toe against HBO. No one else is capable of doing so. And with HBO's current decline, Maybe FX is the new King of the Hill.
My only nitpick would be that English is passed off as Portuguese. It confused me for a second. This is obviously a deliberate decision. I personally would have preferred if a mix of Portuguese and English were used in the beginning to cement the main language, with Portuguese slowly being phased out to full English. There are shows that have done this to good effect. Again, a minor nit pick and surely will not come up again.
FX is the only studio to go toe-to-toe against HBO. No one else is capable of doing so. And with HBO's current decline, Maybe FX is the new King of the Hill.
My only nitpick would be that English is passed off as Portuguese. It confused me for a second. This is obviously a deliberate decision. I personally would have preferred if a mix of Portuguese and English were used in the beginning to cement the main language, with Portuguese slowly being phased out to full English. There are shows that have done this to good effect. Again, a minor nit pick and surely will not come up again.
- Erebus77498
- 29 de fev. de 2024
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- robertmarioagiu
- 28 de fev. de 2024
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- blackbird1048
- 29 de fev. de 2024
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What a start to what seems to be shaping up to be an incredible piece of Television.
Between the gorgeous cinematography, the hair raising soundtrack, the incredible sets and a wardrobe department that deserves every award they are eligible to win, it's the nearly unbelievable attention to detail that really sets this show apart from so many others. The story is just brimming with intrigue and political guile and there isn't a single actor that lets the material down.
I really liked the decision to represent the spoken Portuguese as English. In the same way that Hawthorne must rely on the interpreters to understand the spoken Japanese, so too must the audience rely on the subtitles to follow the story. I think this creates a subtle tension that adds to the immersion of this incredible show.
I simply cannot wait to see what Shogun has yet to show us. It's Two thumbs up from me.
Between the gorgeous cinematography, the hair raising soundtrack, the incredible sets and a wardrobe department that deserves every award they are eligible to win, it's the nearly unbelievable attention to detail that really sets this show apart from so many others. The story is just brimming with intrigue and political guile and there isn't a single actor that lets the material down.
I really liked the decision to represent the spoken Portuguese as English. In the same way that Hawthorne must rely on the interpreters to understand the spoken Japanese, so too must the audience rely on the subtitles to follow the story. I think this creates a subtle tension that adds to the immersion of this incredible show.
I simply cannot wait to see what Shogun has yet to show us. It's Two thumbs up from me.
- drclovis
- 27 de fev. de 2024
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First episode cinematography 10/10, sound design 10/10, story so far 10/10, atmosphere 11/10.
The actors are superbly chosen. The scenery looks simply bombastic. The pacing is just right. I've already chosen my favorite character and I hope I won't be replaced.
The Inglese Hawthorne has a very distinctive and powerful voice that reminds me of Tom Hardy.
I'm going to watch Silence by Scorsese to understand more about the missionaries in the Togugawa dynasty.
I hope the remaining 9 episodes will be as powerful as the first one, then it's undisputedly my favorite series so far after Breaking Bad and The Last of us.
The actors are superbly chosen. The scenery looks simply bombastic. The pacing is just right. I've already chosen my favorite character and I hope I won't be replaced.
The Inglese Hawthorne has a very distinctive and powerful voice that reminds me of Tom Hardy.
I'm going to watch Silence by Scorsese to understand more about the missionaries in the Togugawa dynasty.
I hope the remaining 9 episodes will be as powerful as the first one, then it's undisputedly my favorite series so far after Breaking Bad and The Last of us.
- koberstaedtchristian
- 26 de fev. de 2024
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This is stunning, masterful entertainment. I don't think I've been this in-awe since season 1 of Game of Thrones or when I saw the first Pirates of the Carribean movie as a kid.
I never saw the initial 80s version of Shogun, but what I like about the first episode of this edition is the fact that there's no Japanese accents to cater to our feeble western brains. If you want to understand the plot, you have to read the subtitles. You're on the same journey John Blackthorne is on in trying to communicate and understand the culture, which makes the viewer have to really pay attention.
So excited to see where this show goes!
I never saw the initial 80s version of Shogun, but what I like about the first episode of this edition is the fact that there's no Japanese accents to cater to our feeble western brains. If you want to understand the plot, you have to read the subtitles. You're on the same journey John Blackthorne is on in trying to communicate and understand the culture, which makes the viewer have to really pay attention.
So excited to see where this show goes!
- jackdscott-30974
- 1 de mar. de 2024
- Link permanente
It is the year 1600. A Dutch ship runs aground on the shores of Japan. Leader of the few survivors of its starved, diseased crew is Englishman John Blackthorne, the pilot. The crew soon become prisoners of the Japanese who, influenced by the local Portuguese priests, enemies of the English and Dutch, treat them as savages and pirates. Unknown to Blackthorne but he has arrived at a crucial juncture in the history of the land, with political machinations shaping power.
Great start to the series. Mostly a background sketching and setup episode, as first episodes tend to be, so plot development is limited. There's really no room left in the episode for development: the information involved in the setup is quite immense - the scores of characters and their relationships, the political scene in Japan, the political machinations afoot, Japanese vs European culture and the history of the Portuguese in Japan. It's quite complex to the point of overwhelming.
There is time for a few decent dramatic scenes and even some comedy: the culture clash between Blackthorne and the Japanese is often quite humorous as is their views on each other. A fair amount of intrigue too.
Overall, a solid base from which to launch the series.
Great start to the series. Mostly a background sketching and setup episode, as first episodes tend to be, so plot development is limited. There's really no room left in the episode for development: the information involved in the setup is quite immense - the scores of characters and their relationships, the political scene in Japan, the political machinations afoot, Japanese vs European culture and the history of the Portuguese in Japan. It's quite complex to the point of overwhelming.
There is time for a few decent dramatic scenes and even some comedy: the culture clash between Blackthorne and the Japanese is often quite humorous as is their views on each other. A fair amount of intrigue too.
Overall, a solid base from which to launch the series.
- grantss
- 10 de set. de 2024
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I am utterly take with this from the beginning. There is nothing the least bit saccharine about it. A warship is about on its last legs. There is hunger and disease on the ship. What is left of the crew are sick and hopeless. When the captain commits suicide, the pilot takes over. They are going to give up when they come aground near a Japanese beach.
We are then taken to the Japanese stronghold where there seems to be internal and external struggles. Honor supersedes everything here and the pecking order is not totally clear. The pilot is captured and despite his combative nature, he is allowed to live, while one of his shipmates is boiled alive in a cauldron of water. As this chapter ends, the pilot meets his captors and the hierarchy face to face. Beautiful cinematography and a striking plot. Also, the acting is superb.
We are then taken to the Japanese stronghold where there seems to be internal and external struggles. Honor supersedes everything here and the pecking order is not totally clear. The pilot is captured and despite his combative nature, he is allowed to live, while one of his shipmates is boiled alive in a cauldron of water. As this chapter ends, the pilot meets his captors and the hierarchy face to face. Beautiful cinematography and a striking plot. Also, the acting is superb.
- Hitchcoc
- 16 de set. de 2024
- Link permanente
This is a show that has been in development for quite some time. Even before the current co-creators came onboard, FX was working on adapting James Clavell's Shogun novel and giving it the epic retelling that it deserved. This current iteration was met with much anticipation, with myself being among the people really looking forward to it because of my appreciation for the source material. It has been adapted before, but not on a scale like this and with the budget for a modern-day series. And the first episode does not disappoint as they waste no time in showing the grand scale of the show.
As someone who already knows the broad strokes of where this story is going to go, the biggest task this show had was to really sell the look of it. With FX behind them, it's clear that a lot of money was going to be available to the creators, and it definitely seems like they've put it all to good use. The look is incomparable and the show definitely feels like we've been put in a time machine and brought back into the 1600s, often showcasing the grandness of the landscapes as well as a beautiful recreation of Osaka that just blew my mind away. The VFX are sharp, despite a few notices here and there, which is something that will stand out in the first episode and then quickly fly away in subsequent episodes if the quality keeps up like this. In terms of the characters, it does feel like they've captured the essence and the nobility of the culture that the book also brought to a worldwide audience, and a lot of that is achieved through an expanded focus on the Japanese characters, which seems right in the day we live in. All of the cultural influences on the show's narrative are cool and so really gets you invested early on. They have certainly captured the beginnings of an epic story here, and they have given the material to some truly great actors, especially Hiroyuki Sanada who simply has to walk on screen and he feels noble and awesome. What a gift to have.
"Anjin" sets the tone and the mood so well through an epic scale that it beautifully shows through an incredible visual style and A-plus production value. The story is still in its early stages and the pacing can be a little slow, but given time to adjust to that, this is sure to be something unforgettable.
As someone who already knows the broad strokes of where this story is going to go, the biggest task this show had was to really sell the look of it. With FX behind them, it's clear that a lot of money was going to be available to the creators, and it definitely seems like they've put it all to good use. The look is incomparable and the show definitely feels like we've been put in a time machine and brought back into the 1600s, often showcasing the grandness of the landscapes as well as a beautiful recreation of Osaka that just blew my mind away. The VFX are sharp, despite a few notices here and there, which is something that will stand out in the first episode and then quickly fly away in subsequent episodes if the quality keeps up like this. In terms of the characters, it does feel like they've captured the essence and the nobility of the culture that the book also brought to a worldwide audience, and a lot of that is achieved through an expanded focus on the Japanese characters, which seems right in the day we live in. All of the cultural influences on the show's narrative are cool and so really gets you invested early on. They have certainly captured the beginnings of an epic story here, and they have given the material to some truly great actors, especially Hiroyuki Sanada who simply has to walk on screen and he feels noble and awesome. What a gift to have.
"Anjin" sets the tone and the mood so well through an epic scale that it beautifully shows through an incredible visual style and A-plus production value. The story is still in its early stages and the pacing can be a little slow, but given time to adjust to that, this is sure to be something unforgettable.
- lassegalsgaard
- 4 de jul. de 2024
- Link permanente
I had been noticing discussions on social networks about this TV show for about a month or so. When it was released, the IMDB rating was astonishing. Everyone was comparing this TV show to the major ones. So, I told myself, let's give it a try. The 6/10 rating I gave to this first episode is because I love Japanese productions, and I'm a fan of Hiroyuki Sanada. Based on the first episode, there seems to be a plot, but everything feels slow. Perhaps the next episode will be better, but this one doesn't deserve to be the masterpiece everyone is talking about. For me, it's an average first episode. I'll give it a chance; maybe it will improve, but for now, it's just an ordinary TV show.
- imyosa
- 8 de mar. de 2024
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In this reboot of "Shogun," Hiroyuki Sanada shines as Lord Yoshii Toranaga, bringing an instantly captivating depth and magnetism to the character. While the 1980 TV series was faithful to the source material, the 2024 version offers a visually stunning experience tailored for modern audiences, thanks to advancements in AI and CGI. The scale of the visuals in the reboot adds a grandeur that was lacking in the earlier adaptation.
However, condensing such a rich and nuanced story into one-hour episodes inevitably sacrifices some of the depth found in the original book. Despite this, the characters in the show are all engaging and hold the audience's attention, with none feeling like mere placeholders on the screen.
While the camera lens and angles may not be to everyone's taste, the overall presentation promises an exciting revisit to a classic tale. It serves as a solid reference for enthusiasts of Japanese culture and history. Hiroyuki Sanada's performance makes this reboot worth watching, as his brilliance, previously showcased in "The Last Samurai," continues to impress.
Overall, while perhaps not reaching the heights of the original book, "Shogun 2024" offers an enjoyable viewing experience for old and new fans.
However, condensing such a rich and nuanced story into one-hour episodes inevitably sacrifices some of the depth found in the original book. Despite this, the characters in the show are all engaging and hold the audience's attention, with none feeling like mere placeholders on the screen.
While the camera lens and angles may not be to everyone's taste, the overall presentation promises an exciting revisit to a classic tale. It serves as a solid reference for enthusiasts of Japanese culture and history. Hiroyuki Sanada's performance makes this reboot worth watching, as his brilliance, previously showcased in "The Last Samurai," continues to impress.
Overall, while perhaps not reaching the heights of the original book, "Shogun 2024" offers an enjoyable viewing experience for old and new fans.
- RottinApple1975
- 28 de abr. de 2024
- Link permanente
Its ok, just better picture quality. Cosmo is no Richard Chamberlain, that is for sure so I have to get used to him. Do not get me wrong he is a great 'method' actor with a lot of emotional expression, but would not be my first choice for a love story. What I can remember it follows the same storyline, that is a shame and most important the same slow tv as the eighties hit show. I hoped for a more modern take on the whole, with better dialogue or at least some surprising twists. A theater approach with solid performances. A seven at best. Certainly nothing to get a subscription for. But good enough to 'slowly' binge.
- rogerlahaye
- 7 de mar. de 2024
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- Oslo_Jargo
- 22 de mar. de 2024
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Oh, come on?! Why are the characters are not speaking portuguese? We are in 2024. It's simply stupid using english when the characters are speaking another language. Are the english native so stupid that they can't read subtitles? If that so, what are they doing when the japanese are speaking? Come on, FX! Tou guys nailed so many details; to fail in a such basic aspect is frustrating, specially for me, a portguese native speaker. That is the only reason I am rating this with 9 stars.
Regarding the setting and cinematics, whoa, outstanding! I have nothing to add. Just perfect. Clothes, architecture, everything about Japan is magnificent.
Finally, I must mention that the actors are plenty skillful on their craft.
I'll watch it until the end. I recommend you do the same. It will definitely worth it.
Regarding the setting and cinematics, whoa, outstanding! I have nothing to add. Just perfect. Clothes, architecture, everything about Japan is magnificent.
Finally, I must mention that the actors are plenty skillful on their craft.
I'll watch it until the end. I recommend you do the same. It will definitely worth it.
- ian_fmd
- 11 de mai. de 2024
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I have never seen the original show with Richard Chamberlain, or read the source material, so i have nothing to compare it to, and this is my first experience with this story!
The thing that struck me the most, was how authentic and well made it is! This the kind of stuff i miss sometimes! When the people behind has a clear vision and you can feel the ambition and love for the source material!
Huge plus to have the japanese characters speak japanese! It really feels like you are transported back to 1600 Japan!
A nice introduction to the characters as well! Blackthornes journey has potential to be very interesting! The japanese characters are great as well! The actors are going all out!
The story has great potential to with Blackthorne trying to survive in a foreign country with a political powergame in the making!
Definnitely has potential, its unique, authentic and nothing quite like anything else!
The thing that struck me the most, was how authentic and well made it is! This the kind of stuff i miss sometimes! When the people behind has a clear vision and you can feel the ambition and love for the source material!
Huge plus to have the japanese characters speak japanese! It really feels like you are transported back to 1600 Japan!
A nice introduction to the characters as well! Blackthornes journey has potential to be very interesting! The japanese characters are great as well! The actors are going all out!
The story has great potential to with Blackthorne trying to survive in a foreign country with a political powergame in the making!
Definnitely has potential, its unique, authentic and nothing quite like anything else!
- and_mikkelsen
- 5 de abr. de 2024
- Link permanente
The old Shogun with Richard Chamberlain is still perfectly watchable but the differences here are apparent in the first episode. This is obviously going to be well worth watching too.
Richard Chamberlain's Blackthorne was an elegant gentleman but this new guy is a rough and tumble, profit-motivated sailor without a lot of social graces. Much more believable that a guy like that would survive a round-the-world voyage.
His harsh religious attitudes demonizing Catholics might be shocking for modern audiences but it's perfectly in line with his times. And he has noble qualities as well: loyal to friends, brave, quick to recognize and respect bravery in others.
But the real focus is on the Japanese characters. Blackthorne is just the wild card being thrown into their roiling political situation.
Other big changes: special effects, of course. The "storm" sequence in the 80s version is pretty hilarious. Here, it's hair-raising.
And Nestor Carbonell steals the show as the Spaniard Rodriegues.
Thank you, FX, for making a serious historical drama of the type we get far too infrequently.
Richard Chamberlain's Blackthorne was an elegant gentleman but this new guy is a rough and tumble, profit-motivated sailor without a lot of social graces. Much more believable that a guy like that would survive a round-the-world voyage.
His harsh religious attitudes demonizing Catholics might be shocking for modern audiences but it's perfectly in line with his times. And he has noble qualities as well: loyal to friends, brave, quick to recognize and respect bravery in others.
But the real focus is on the Japanese characters. Blackthorne is just the wild card being thrown into their roiling political situation.
Other big changes: special effects, of course. The "storm" sequence in the 80s version is pretty hilarious. Here, it's hair-raising.
And Nestor Carbonell steals the show as the Spaniard Rodriegues.
Thank you, FX, for making a serious historical drama of the type we get far too infrequently.
- nerrdrage
- 8 de abr. de 2024
- Link permanente
Shogun, a historical epic, has been compared to Game of Thrones, but the first episode does meet these expectations. Set in 1600 Japan, a feudal society without a supreme ruler, the taiko appointed five powerful daimyo to share power until his son came of age. The show follows the perspective of Lord Toranaga, an elder statesman and war hero, whose bloodline and popularity put him at odds with the other four daimyo. The show is moderately compelling, with a better understanding of power dynamics as the show progresses. In the first episode, Shogun switches between Toranaga's perspective and that of English navigator John Blackthorne. Blackthorne is lost at sea, doubting the existence of Japan's rumored island nation. His captain commits suicide, leaving John as first-in-command. The show's rigor, ritual, and notions of honor are not groundbreaking, but the show remains moderately compelling as the show progresses. The first episode of Shogun switches between Toranaga's perspective and that of John Blackthorne, who is left as first-in-command after his captain commits suicide. Blackthorne and his crew are taken prisoner by Yabushige, a schemer with unusual ideas about death and sexual fetishes. The episode's tone is confused by cutting from serious political drama to Blackthorne's culture-shock capering. Blackthorne's interactions with the locals are mainly in the form of grunts or wild gesturing, or they are mediated by a Papist Portuguese priest. He is Protestant, virulently so, as he shows by stomping on the priest's cross, which seems to impress Yabushige. This sense of religious strife becomes increasingly relevant as the pernicious influence of the Catholic Church in Japanese affairs becomes apparent. The Japanese cast does speak their language, which helps with believability. English is often substituted for Portuguese, which can be confusing but is a concession to popular appeal. By the end of the first episode, both Blackthorne's and Toranaga's narratives have converged, which is not so much a spoiler but the inevitable direction of travel. In my view, Shogun really picks up steam, as the mist lifts and its qualities become clearer. The first episode demands a lot of attention due to the sheer amount of information it churns out, as well as the regular shifts in perspective that can be dislocating. The bizarre fish-eye lens and chromatic aberration make the picture look cheaper than it is, even if the CGI and greenscreen do occasionally fail the eye test.
- moviesfilmsreviewsinc
- 22 de abr. de 2024
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Because of money -there's gold in them thar hills for streaming presold series concepts. But this remake of a classic, and without Toshiro Mifune of course, is deadly dull. I barely made it through the first hour.
Sure, they spend lots of cash on production values and special effects, but visually this was awful to watch. Drab and dim opening scenes weren't even atmospheric. And when the Japanese actors took over, the teeny subtitles oddly dominated the screen, though one wouldn't expect that to happen.
The power struggle of warlords didn't grab my interest at all, and the lead actor, so familiar for TV fans by way of his many roles in shows like "Helix", was way too stoic to grab one's interest. Mifune, who I once interviewed way back when at Japan House in Manhattan when he was promoting a Kon Ichikawa movie, is such a charismatic and animated actor, especially his subtle humor in the Kurosawa classics, that the deadpan approach here is by comparison, in a word, dull.
Sure, they spend lots of cash on production values and special effects, but visually this was awful to watch. Drab and dim opening scenes weren't even atmospheric. And when the Japanese actors took over, the teeny subtitles oddly dominated the screen, though one wouldn't expect that to happen.
The power struggle of warlords didn't grab my interest at all, and the lead actor, so familiar for TV fans by way of his many roles in shows like "Helix", was way too stoic to grab one's interest. Mifune, who I once interviewed way back when at Japan House in Manhattan when he was promoting a Kon Ichikawa movie, is such a charismatic and animated actor, especially his subtle humor in the Kurosawa classics, that the deadpan approach here is by comparison, in a word, dull.
- lor_
- 10 de mar. de 2024
- Link permanente
The first episode of Shogun: Anjin, titled "Anjin," introduces viewers to a mesmerizing and historically rich portrayal of Japan in the 17th century through the eyes of John Blackthorne, an English navigator. The episode begins with the dramatic arrival of Blackthorne and his crew after their shipwreck on the shores of Japan. The tension is palpable as they encounter the mysterious and unfamiliar culture of the samurai. Blackthorne is immediately thrust into a world of political intrigue and power struggles, with the feudal Lord Toranaga playing a pivotal role. The episode sets the tone for a complex exploration of clashing cultures, as Blackthorne tries to adapt to the customs and traditions of Japan while maintaining his identity.
The strength of this episode lies in its atmospheric tension and character introduction. Blackthorne, portrayed by Richard Chamberlain, brings a rugged intensity to the role, perfectly encapsulating the bewilderment and determination of a man out of his element. His initial interactions with the Japanese characters are fraught with cultural misunderstandings and growing tension, especially in scenes where he is confronted by samurai warriors who do not speak his language. The series does an excellent job of showing the vast gulf between the two cultures, not only through dialogue but also through subtle gestures, clothing, and rituals. This is exemplified in Blackthorne's first encounter with Toranaga, a moment filled with unease and uncertainty.
The episode's pacing is methodical, taking its time to build the world of feudal Japan and immerse the audience in its unique rhythms. Some may find the pacing slow, but it serves the purpose of drawing the viewer into the intricacies of this new world alongside Blackthorne. The direction by Jerry London is careful and deliberate, ensuring that each scene feels like a piece of a larger puzzle. However, there are moments where the episode feels bogged down by exposition, particularly in the early dialogues that attempt to explain Japanese customs to the viewers through Blackthorne's perspective. While these moments are necessary for those unfamiliar with the historical context, they can sometimes detract from the otherwise smooth narrative flow.
Visually, the episode is stunning. The cinematography captures the beauty and harshness of Japan's landscapes, from serene mountain ranges to the intimidating castles of the samurai. The use of natural light and traditional Japanese architecture adds authenticity to the setting, making the world feel lived-in and real. The contrast between the oceanic scenes with Blackthorne's ship and the stark, formal world of the Japanese court reflects the theme of cultural collision that runs throughout the episode. The editing, while generally strong, could have benefitted from tighter cuts in certain scenes, particularly those focusing on Blackthorne's internal monologues or contemplative moments that sometimes stretch a bit too long.
The supporting cast, particularly Yoko Shimada as Lady Mariko and Toshiro Mifune as Lord Toranaga, bring depth and gravitas to their roles. Shimada's portrayal of Mariko is particularly noteworthy for its quiet strength, as she navigates the complex court politics with grace and subtlety. Mifune's Toranaga, on the other hand, is a commanding presence, exuding power and intelligence, making it clear that he is a force to be reckoned with. The chemistry between Chamberlain and the Japanese actors is still developing in this episode, but there are already hints of the intense relationships that will unfold as the series progresses. The cultural exchange and power dynamics between Blackthorne and Toranaga promise to be a central focus of future episodes, as Blackthorne's survival depends on his ability to adapt to this alien world.
One of the most striking aspects of the episode is its exploration of the theme of identity and survival. Blackthorne's journey is not just a physical one but an existential struggle as he grapples with the loss of his familiar world and the necessity of adopting a new one to survive. This theme is reinforced by the stark differences in the Japanese worldview, where honor and duty take precedence over individual desires. The samurai code, as represented by Toranaga and his retainers, clashes with Blackthorne's more individualistic and Western mindset, creating dramatic tension that propels the episode forward.
In conclusion, the first episode of Shogun succeeds in setting the stage for an epic saga of cultural conflict, survival, and political intrigue. While the pacing may feel slow at times and some exposition-heavy scenes could have been trimmed, the episode's strength lies in its rich world-building and strong performances. The direction, cinematography, and acting come together to create a visually stunning and emotionally compelling introduction to a story that promises to be as deep as it is expansive. The themes of identity, power, and cultural collision are introduced with subtlety, leaving viewers eager to see how Blackthorne will navigate this dangerous new world.
The strength of this episode lies in its atmospheric tension and character introduction. Blackthorne, portrayed by Richard Chamberlain, brings a rugged intensity to the role, perfectly encapsulating the bewilderment and determination of a man out of his element. His initial interactions with the Japanese characters are fraught with cultural misunderstandings and growing tension, especially in scenes where he is confronted by samurai warriors who do not speak his language. The series does an excellent job of showing the vast gulf between the two cultures, not only through dialogue but also through subtle gestures, clothing, and rituals. This is exemplified in Blackthorne's first encounter with Toranaga, a moment filled with unease and uncertainty.
The episode's pacing is methodical, taking its time to build the world of feudal Japan and immerse the audience in its unique rhythms. Some may find the pacing slow, but it serves the purpose of drawing the viewer into the intricacies of this new world alongside Blackthorne. The direction by Jerry London is careful and deliberate, ensuring that each scene feels like a piece of a larger puzzle. However, there are moments where the episode feels bogged down by exposition, particularly in the early dialogues that attempt to explain Japanese customs to the viewers through Blackthorne's perspective. While these moments are necessary for those unfamiliar with the historical context, they can sometimes detract from the otherwise smooth narrative flow.
Visually, the episode is stunning. The cinematography captures the beauty and harshness of Japan's landscapes, from serene mountain ranges to the intimidating castles of the samurai. The use of natural light and traditional Japanese architecture adds authenticity to the setting, making the world feel lived-in and real. The contrast between the oceanic scenes with Blackthorne's ship and the stark, formal world of the Japanese court reflects the theme of cultural collision that runs throughout the episode. The editing, while generally strong, could have benefitted from tighter cuts in certain scenes, particularly those focusing on Blackthorne's internal monologues or contemplative moments that sometimes stretch a bit too long.
The supporting cast, particularly Yoko Shimada as Lady Mariko and Toshiro Mifune as Lord Toranaga, bring depth and gravitas to their roles. Shimada's portrayal of Mariko is particularly noteworthy for its quiet strength, as she navigates the complex court politics with grace and subtlety. Mifune's Toranaga, on the other hand, is a commanding presence, exuding power and intelligence, making it clear that he is a force to be reckoned with. The chemistry between Chamberlain and the Japanese actors is still developing in this episode, but there are already hints of the intense relationships that will unfold as the series progresses. The cultural exchange and power dynamics between Blackthorne and Toranaga promise to be a central focus of future episodes, as Blackthorne's survival depends on his ability to adapt to this alien world.
One of the most striking aspects of the episode is its exploration of the theme of identity and survival. Blackthorne's journey is not just a physical one but an existential struggle as he grapples with the loss of his familiar world and the necessity of adopting a new one to survive. This theme is reinforced by the stark differences in the Japanese worldview, where honor and duty take precedence over individual desires. The samurai code, as represented by Toranaga and his retainers, clashes with Blackthorne's more individualistic and Western mindset, creating dramatic tension that propels the episode forward.
In conclusion, the first episode of Shogun succeeds in setting the stage for an epic saga of cultural conflict, survival, and political intrigue. While the pacing may feel slow at times and some exposition-heavy scenes could have been trimmed, the episode's strength lies in its rich world-building and strong performances. The direction, cinematography, and acting come together to create a visually stunning and emotionally compelling introduction to a story that promises to be as deep as it is expansive. The themes of identity, power, and cultural collision are introduced with subtlety, leaving viewers eager to see how Blackthorne will navigate this dangerous new world.
- fernandoschiavi
- 6 de out. de 2024
- Link permanente
This was an incredible pilot, filled with beautiful cinematography, I was transported to medieval Japan. The pilot does an excellent job of quickly establishing the political situation in Japan, the power structures, the political scheming, the plots of the time. We also are shown the honor culture of the time very early, the need felt to commit Seppuku to maintain your honor. It shows the clash of cultures, and how shocking this would be to an Englishman arriving onshore (a stand-in for us American viewers). This episode shows a lot of promise and seems to be setting up a great season with complex political dynamics and interesting characters who bring their own cultural backgrounds with them.
- brendan-63701
- 31 de ago. de 2024
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People are comparing this to the game of thrones but that's an insane comparison. The whole first episode is super slow and boring. Nothing really happens. The setup seems interesting and the cinematography is really pretty but that's about it. This feels similar to Marco Polo in that it's made for westerners who don't know history.
Maybe if this was all released at once it would be worth watching through but there is nothing worth waiting for with this one. Could barely get through this episode.
It's a shame because the commercials makes this look really good, but it is not. It's background noise at best.
Maybe if this was all released at once it would be worth watching through but there is nothing worth waiting for with this one. Could barely get through this episode.
It's a shame because the commercials makes this look really good, but it is not. It's background noise at best.
- alexanderhatkins
- 1 de mar. de 2024
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The first episode of Shogun sets a high bar with its captivating storytelling and exceptional production quality. I was immediately drawn in by the stunning visuals and meticulous cinematography, which truly transport you to feudal Japan with remarkable detail and authenticity. The lush landscapes and intricate set designs create a rich backdrop that enhances the narrative and immerses you in the era.
The casting choices are spot-on, with performances that bring depth and complexity to their roles. The lead actor delivers a compelling performance, perfectly capturing the nuances of their character and setting the tone for what promises to be an engaging journey. The supporting cast also shines, contributing to a well-rounded ensemble that adds layers to the unfolding story.
While the premiere episode shows a lot of promise, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the series maintains this level of quality. There are moments where the pacing feels a bit uneven, and I'm curious to see how the narrative will evolve in subsequent episodes. However, the strong start and the potential for deeper storytelling make me optimistic about what's to come.
Overall, Shogun Episode 1 is a promising beginning with impressive visuals, a talented cast, and engaging storytelling. If the series continues on this path, it could become a standout addition to the genre.
The casting choices are spot-on, with performances that bring depth and complexity to their roles. The lead actor delivers a compelling performance, perfectly capturing the nuances of their character and setting the tone for what promises to be an engaging journey. The supporting cast also shines, contributing to a well-rounded ensemble that adds layers to the unfolding story.
While the premiere episode shows a lot of promise, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the series maintains this level of quality. There are moments where the pacing feels a bit uneven, and I'm curious to see how the narrative will evolve in subsequent episodes. However, the strong start and the potential for deeper storytelling make me optimistic about what's to come.
Overall, Shogun Episode 1 is a promising beginning with impressive visuals, a talented cast, and engaging storytelling. If the series continues on this path, it could become a standout addition to the genre.
- Abdulxoxo
- 17 de ago. de 2024
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I'm a massive fan of the original Shogun, starring Richard Chamberlain. In fact I watched it last year (2023), so it is very fresh in my mind.
Having seen the trailer, I had high hopes for this series. I think the fight/battle scenes are going to be phenomenal. The sets and costumes are stunning.
However, so far that is all I can see that is better with this remake. It's early days, I know, but the tone of this remake is not as brutal. The original Shogun was very brutal and no-one's sensibilities were spared. For me, this is what made the original so compelling. I also don't like Cosmo as Blackthorne, as I feel he lacks Chamberlain's charisma and good looks. It's early days so I am hoping for a vast improvement!
Having seen the trailer, I had high hopes for this series. I think the fight/battle scenes are going to be phenomenal. The sets and costumes are stunning.
However, so far that is all I can see that is better with this remake. It's early days, I know, but the tone of this remake is not as brutal. The original Shogun was very brutal and no-one's sensibilities were spared. For me, this is what made the original so compelling. I also don't like Cosmo as Blackthorne, as I feel he lacks Chamberlain's charisma and good looks. It's early days so I am hoping for a vast improvement!
- MazzyMayhem-117-544511
- 2 de mar. de 2024
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- niamhglw
- 15 de mar. de 2024
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I saw the 9.2 rating so I was really expecting something special. It was a completely mediocre story with so many names and characters thrown in that it's very hard to follow by the end who is who. I just don't get the hype. I see many people who read the book or saw the original gave good reviews, maybe it helps if you already know the story. As someone who had no previous information about it, it was nothing special, nothing of the events depicted on the screen were surprising or special in any way. Visuals were okay, sometimes at the wide shots, the CGI was too obvious. Also, he navigator's acting is weird, I couldn't ignore the unnatural way he was talking.
- mblasko-25348
- 7 de mar. de 2024
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