The year is 1600. Having discovered a better sea route to the Orient, the Portuguese have established relationships with the Japanese, leading to advances in their two main objectives: profitable trade and the incursion of Catholicism into the region.
A Dutch vessel, the Erasmus, beset by scurvy, drifts aimlessly through dense fog until it grounds near Osaka, where the crew is captured. They are treated badly. One sailor---an Englishman named John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis)---is sent to the castle as a prisoner, to be looked over. Fortunately for him, a young woman (Mariko, played by Anna Sawai) there speaks English, having been instructed by a Portuguese priest. Through her, he communicates with those in power, though they have little regard for this outsider.
This is a time of political intrigue. A board of five regents is in charge, but some have designs on more power. And long histories of conflict color every decision, every posture. Blackthorne struggles to understand what is happening and how he might regain possession of his ship.
Based on the James Clavell novel of the same title, this is an excellent mini-series. I admit I took to it slowly, as the narrative established the context for the entire series, but there was a moment near the end of the second episode when I was hooked by the story and I knew I would enjoy its entirety.
Besides some strong acting, there is a strong element of design (costuming, sets, atmosphere) that infuses the production. But all is not beautiful, as there is death and brutality all around. Nevertheless, immersion into the culture of feudal Japan transports the viewer. We can identify with Blackthorne's struggle to understand his surroundings. At the same time, Western understanding of feudal Europe, with its warring factions and systems of fealty gives us an analogous example that allows basic comprehension from the beginning.
This is an excellent story and a convincing glimpse into the history and culture of Japan in 1600.
A Dutch vessel, the Erasmus, beset by scurvy, drifts aimlessly through dense fog until it grounds near Osaka, where the crew is captured. They are treated badly. One sailor---an Englishman named John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis)---is sent to the castle as a prisoner, to be looked over. Fortunately for him, a young woman (Mariko, played by Anna Sawai) there speaks English, having been instructed by a Portuguese priest. Through her, he communicates with those in power, though they have little regard for this outsider.
This is a time of political intrigue. A board of five regents is in charge, but some have designs on more power. And long histories of conflict color every decision, every posture. Blackthorne struggles to understand what is happening and how he might regain possession of his ship.
Based on the James Clavell novel of the same title, this is an excellent mini-series. I admit I took to it slowly, as the narrative established the context for the entire series, but there was a moment near the end of the second episode when I was hooked by the story and I knew I would enjoy its entirety.
Besides some strong acting, there is a strong element of design (costuming, sets, atmosphere) that infuses the production. But all is not beautiful, as there is death and brutality all around. Nevertheless, immersion into the culture of feudal Japan transports the viewer. We can identify with Blackthorne's struggle to understand his surroundings. At the same time, Western understanding of feudal Europe, with its warring factions and systems of fealty gives us an analogous example that allows basic comprehension from the beginning.
This is an excellent story and a convincing glimpse into the history and culture of Japan in 1600.