I have since read the book!! Here are my thoughts on it! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/a6-WfLSS2bCpYWw.html

This show was my "gateway drug" to all things samurai and medieval Japanese history. It's quite dated now but I will always remember it fondly.

My opinion is that a major factor in the success of the miniseries _Shogun_ is Richard Chamberlain's participation. He was extremely proficient at calibrating his performances to whatever size screen and whatever scope of shot in which he appeared. He, in great degree, manages to elevate what was basically a 1970's American TV-style show into something classic. He was also a strong enough performer to be able to share the screen with the great Toshiro Mifune without being outshone or upstaged.

This was a TV miniseries, not a historical docudrama or Kurosawa film (or any film, for that matter). It was a sexy star in a made-for-TV event, like Roots or Rich Man, Poor Man (or, a few years later, The Thornbirds, also starring Chamberlain). That's the context against which you judge a series like this - as entertainment for the masses sitting at home in 1980, when most households had only had color TVs for less than a decade. The series opened a window to a world most people were completely unfamiliar with, and here we are 44 years later still talking about it. That's a monumental accomplishment. While it's true that the series strayed from history and leaned heavily into romantic subplots, what do you really expect from a series competing with Dallas and the Love Boat? It's too easy to judge art in an evolving medium based on current sensibilities....just enjoy it.

Something to keep in mind when considering media retroactively is just how HUGE a big mini-series would be in those days. Basically, for the vast majority of viewers, this would be the only exposure to this period of history they would have

I read the book in just over two days in 1975 - I could hardly put it down. I was well into Samurai history back then, ending up with all of Stephen Turnbull's books. I avidly watched every episode of Shogun when it was first released and thoroughly enjoyed it.

I was 8 when this series was released, a few years later i read the novel and fell in love with the book as well, and let me tell you my 8 year old mind was filled with wonder and awe at the presentation of feudal japan. My love of japan, its people, history, and culture all stem from this series and later the novel. I cant wait to see the FX series and i hope and pray that it is more like the books than the original series.

I've read Shogun: A Novel of Japan, several times and had no idea it was loosely based on a real person. The book is a wonderful read and I highly recommend it. The Seppuku scene was intense and very well written - much better than the mini series. The ending was setup perfectly for a sequel and I've always wondered why Clavell never wrote one (Noble House doesn't count).

I can understand how you feel about the romance. However, you should read the book. It fleshes out Mariko's character much better. She is so much more than Blackthorne's love interest and delves so much more in her relationship and duties to her church and to Lord Toranaga. She might be the most important character in the novel.

Read the book! It's great. Also as I think has been said before the book is an exploration of big themes like Duty, Death, Love, Revenge and Honour and the differences in European and Japanese attitudes to these themes. The Mariko Blackthorn relationship is a major vehicle for exploring this in the book and I think this gets somewhat lost in the TV series.

I'll admit to being a fan of the novel and the mini series. I read the novel when it first came out and as direct result, I read every one of James Clavell's novels. I have only one quibble with your review. You looked at the mini series through the eyes of someone who knows much more of actual historical events which this story fictionalized. I think that this story should be viewed through the eyes of an audience who knows little or nothing of the lives of their nonfictional counter parts. That's the audience whom the book and mini series were aimed at. That being said, I agreed with most of your review. I knew very little of the feudal history of Japan when I first watched this miniseries, but this was when I started to learn about the history of Japan and realized that many of fictional characters were based on real individuals and many of the events were similarly loosely based on actual historical events. When first broadcast I arranged my work schedule so that I could see this mini series. I was telling everyone I knew about how great the novel had been. A group of coworkers watched the mini series with me. My primary remembrance was that the mini series should have been longer, as the story in the mini series had a number of jumps in the story. I had to explain to the people viewing, events that were fleshed out in the novel, and were either not explained or were referred to but not shown in the mini series. The people who watched this series got lost on what was going on, or the reason's that motivated a characters actions or reaction. I suspect that much more was filmed and ended on cutting room floor. Your complaint that the story didn't have enough of the real events taking place in Japan, is similar to complaining that Gone With The Wind didn't fully show all that was occurring in the Civil war at the time the events that were depicted as occurring in that novel and film. The two hour movie that was made out out of mini series is an unwatchable mess. If you want to watch this, see the full ten hour mini series. If you're really interested read the book, before you watch the mini series, because it will give context to parts of the story that didn't make it in the mini series. This book and mini series inspired my interest in feudal Japan. Clavell's Asian series inspired me to search out the real world places mentioned in his books when I visited Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore. For years the only Japanese I knew was that from this book and mini series. I have learned everything I could about Williams Adams (Miura Anjin) or John Blackthorne as his fictional counter part is called. It led to me visit Japan twice and there is still more see. I am also learning Japanese, so I can better understand what I'm seeing, and can interact better with unilingual Japanese. In fact without the existence of the novel, Shogun and the mini series of the same name, I probably would not be a subscriber to this channel. I plan to travel to Japan and spend three or four months learning Japanese, when they will let me in, and visiting historical sites I have yet to see. So this book and mini series have had a profound effective on me.

The miniseries plays up the romance, because made for TV at the time needed romance to sell commercials. And the miniseries was the staple of the old time Network sweeps season. Not to say the romance isn't important to the book. But it serves the theme of duty vs love. And also serves to illustrate the meeting of two worlds, despite fundamental differences. Also, the Anniversary Edition is simply beautiful. And belongs on the shelf of any lover of historical fiction. Aside from the fact I think that, along with Winds of War, it's a masterpiece of modern historical fiction. Also, I would submit Clavell had the right of it when choosing to change names for this series, and thus allowing himself to conflate events. I am reminded of an essay G.G. Kay wrote, discussing this issue (as most of his writing is Historical Fiction with a thin gloss of fantasy on top). When you use actual historical figures, you are beholden to represent their personalities and motivations as they are known. Failing to do so is borderline defamation. And certainly misrepresenting history. But using the veil of fictionalization allows for a level of conjecture and interpretation that would otherwise be disrespectful. And it allows for conflating minor characters into one more important one. It allows the essence of the story to be conveyed, without the danger of flattening historical characters.

I saw this series in the 80's as a small boy in East Germany and it was so exciting and interesting to see another culture far away. Great review of the series. Thanx

As I recall, the great thing about the book was how layered it was in revelations. But somehow, each time a new layer was revealed, you would be tricked anew into thinking "NOW I know what's really going on" until the next revelation, and you would be convinced "This time for sure, I know what's going on".

As someone who watched shogun and read the book NOT when it first came out, IE: with less nostalgia, I still found it a very fun story and was captivated the whole way through. The miniseries is extremely close to the source material and the actors did an amazing job at playing their roles. Nothing but good things to say honestly...

It was an important film for that time in America. There was in the late '70's into the '80's a real anxiousness about Japan's growing economic influence which triggered cultural xenophobia. (Toyota, Honda, Datsun, etc. were killing the American auto industry; Japanese entities were buying up huge portions of markets; Fuji was killing Kodak & etc.). At that time, everyone's granddad was still alive who had viciously fought the Japanese in the war. There were still many who had no understanding or interest in Japan or Japanese culture. Shogun did a really good job of being a sort of cultural bridge. Everyone nowadays loves & admires Japan (except maybe Koreans or Chinese). I think it's probable that Shogun had a little something to do with it.

When it was shown on TV in the 80's , I was about 30 years old. It was a hit TV series starring Richard Chamberlain and the world got a glimpse of Japan's strange mixture of fragile beauty and perfect order as against the severe brutality and punishment for disobeying strict protocol. I actually watched the series again a month ago, and enjoyed it.

I remember watching this as a kid when it first aired. I asked my mom what they were saying when they were speaking Japanese. She told me back then they were speaking an older form of Japanese, so it was a little difficult for her to understand/translate. I didn't know Toshiro Mifune was responsible for the dialogue, that is so cool!

There is a scene early in the series where they have to force Blackthorne to take a bath. Months later he meets his crew again and when he leaves he says 'I need a bath'. It shows how much he has changed which does make it sad that they divert from history. On the other hand, the end shows nicely the intrigues that are going on and surprisingly how many friends he has that he will never know and will never guess. It leaves me with a mixed feelings about then ending.

One of the best miniseries of all-time! A remake of the series is set to be broadcast by FX starting in February 2024 :) Can't wait!!!

Rest In Peace, Yoko Shimada.

Anyone here from the commercial for the 2024 remake ?

I read Shogun and watched this film so many times. I love this film. I do not know where I saw it or where I found out but I heard the Japanese worked on this film very hard and did all the sets and were so proud to do this series for Western Audience. I do think this film showed how brutal the samurai like many warrior cultures but this series showed so much respect of them and their culture. Love Story was well done and so nice and you can see the cultural differences. Yes. I know some Japanese personally that really liked this film adding there are films in Japan like this. One saying to me that he remembered when it came out in Japan and it was shown once but when miniseries come out, they do not show over and over again because companies own the rights to them. Not like today like cable networks showing series over and over again for 2 years. I learned so much history of the West and of Japan with this series or inspired me to research more about the time. This is one of my favorite films or series of all time. I own this as well. I think it was well done and the acting was so good. I wish more films were like this today. I am sure you would not agree. Coming series FX I am nervous because I feel the remakes are not usually better and updated versions many times are not so good. Story can be changed and much more.

I first saw Shogun with my parents at age 9. It was not my first time viewing Japan, but it did lead to me falling in love with Japan. I visited and stayed in Japan during the '90s for around 6 years. But I did sit and watch this again about 6 months ago, and I still love it. However, I have a much more in-depth knowledge of the history of Japan at my age now and experiences in Japan. Still, I would recommend this series. It's just way too good to pass up.

I enjoyed the series as quasi-accurate historical fiction in 1980. I think it has aged fairly well. Way better than most, considering. I look forward to any updated versions. I live in Japan and watch "Taiga Drama" epics ever year. I would like to see NHK re-do Shogun.

I read the book and saw the old miniseries. I knew the story was historical fiction, but it aroused an interest in Japan's history. This is important, because I grew up in a country that suffered from Japanese occupation in WW2. As far as the 80s, people there still hated the Japanese. Shogun was a starting point for me to look at history and understand why things in the past influence things in the present and future. For the most part, I agree with your review of the tv show.

I was so enthralled by Shogun when it first came out that: nothing else was accomplished on the evenings it was broadcast; I bought the VHS and DVD versions and watched it at least once a year for decades; and I purchased the book (probably have read it 10 times over the years.) It also made me a lifetime fan of James Clavell - I have read all of his books multiple times too. Please keep in mind that in 1980 the only other TV event to perhaps rival the scope and quality of this production was Roots. That's it - at least to me. The insight into a culture I was totally unaware of plus the amazing beauty of everything from the costumes to the sets constructed for Shogun put this production into a class by itself in 1980. The performances were all outstanding too. There is at least one excellent 'making of' video explaining how difficult it was to get Shogun onto TV - well worth the watch. The DVD box set has some great stuff on it too.

Anyone here after watching Hulu's Shogun????

I am one of those who loved this Shogun miniseries, It definitely opened the door explaining Fudal Japan

watched it just a few months ago and still love it... compared to the NHK dramas, this still brings something "else" ínto it which keeps me entertained and I really do like the romantic touch it has as well

It served as a gateway drug for me. Born in '71, I witnessed the television show in late '82 and was utterly fascinated. In the pre-internet era, pursuing this interest-especially for a child-was not as straightforward as it is today. Nonetheless, my curiosity remained piqued. Fast forward 15 years, I read the book and found myself captivated once again. In my late 20s, after a 'career' in épée fencing, I embarked on my journey in kendo, revisited the book and the TV show, delved into everything about William Adams, and travelled to Japan several times, visiting some of the locations he lived in or owned. Now, at the age of 52, I have been fortunate enough to attain a 6th dan in Kendo. My command of Japanese, however, remains rudimentary, but the few phrases I picked up at 11 while watching the show are still readily accessible in my memory.. 🤣

A few fun facts, many of the actors playing the Dutch sailors were Expats who were working in Japan as English Teachers, my Aikido Sensei was supposed to be Richard Chamberlain's stand in / stunt double but the pay was too low compared to what he was making in Tokyo. (he was working as a private tutor to many celebrities) Also, apparently Kurosawa despised this movie! When someone asked him if he and Toshiro Mifune would ever work on a film together again he said he could never work with any actor that had apeared in Shogun!

I was in the Navy when this came out. I got to watch it all the way thru and I was able to find a mint copy of the mini series. It was a excellent series!!!

Watched it when it first came out and loved it. While stationed in Japan I got to see some of the castles and to learn more about Japan's feudal period. Saw the show again recently and still like it.

This is what inspired me as a kid to go to Japan....I spent 8 years there, and I miss it every day. First place we visited when we moved to Japan was Osaka "Jo" (Castle)... They used Himeji Jo in the show, but it was still a dream-come-true to finally be in Osaka.

I understand that Blackthorne's romance with Mariko might be off-putting, but it does work at making a stark contrast between the "Western" view of sex and relationship and the "Eastern" one, based around ownership and submssion. Even at the end, when the geisha Kiko is finally allowed to become Omi's consort, the only Japanese couple shown in a mutually-consensual loving relationship, it's by a gift of her contract from Toranaga to Omi. Blackthorne is a refreshing novelty in Mariko's life. Her husband Buntaro's way of expressing his love to her... is by beating the living crap out of her and raping her because she dares denying herself to him. Her death-seeking is the only way she could find any sort of escape. But, then, Blackthorne came. He became the only good thing in her personal life; a komojin who is neither in any sense Japanese, nor a chaste, Lord-abiding Jesuit. A man who, from her point of view ,see her as a partner to cherish and treat as equal, outside of any bind of society and feudal duty. There is absolutely zero sense of obligation for Mariko in that relationship, she's for once, even for a fleeting moment, free to explore herself without fear of being judged or reprimanded. It's as much about Blackthorne discovering the Japanese viewpoint through her than her discovering both us and herself through Blackthorne.

Having read the novel 10 times over my life and watched the mini-series around the same amount, I can assure you that the love story is MORE overdone in the novel. The main difference is that in the novel you are getting POV chapters and sections on Toranaga all the way down to the Jesuits and Rodriguez. Which gives you a break from all the damned thou's floating around. The next best thing about the series is the actress that plays Fujiko is absolutely gorgeous. Unlike the book where she is described as rather plain. You need the book though people. If you don't want to read get a month trial of Audible and pick that as your free book. It's 54 hours and you can fall asleep to it, listen on long drives or during some other dull task. I'm listening nightly now. To the point where Kasigi Yabu and Blackthorne arrive in Osaka after leaving Edo. Will count as my 11th completion of this wonderful novel.

It's been a while since I watched it, but even before watching this review I'd recently decided to watch it again. At the time I really enjoyed it. It will be interesting to see if I still do. One thing will remain regardless, and that is my wholehearted admiration and fondness of Toshiro Mifune. I have seen him in several famous Japanese movies, such as Throne of Blood, Rashomon, The Seven Samurai, Yojimbo, and most recently in a Western (a French-Italian-Spanish co-production which also starred Alain Delon and Charles Bronson) Red Sun, which actually sparked the desire of watching Shogun again. I find him unique and most impressive. He's the main reason I loved to watch this miniseries.

I read it when I was an adolescent. It sparked my deep interest for Japan, Japanese culture. So you could say this was one of those books that shaped me. The historical accuracy or the quality of the mini serie i regard as a non issue. It's fiction.

Thank you so much for bring me some beautiful memories of my distant school days. Greetings from Peru, South America.

It is nice to realize that most people feel nostalgic while watching this miniseries, I feel the same. I saw it when I was 12 and fell in love with Japan. Later I read the book.

Dude thank you so much for making the video it really helped me out with my shogun packet that I had to finish for my Japanese class, you’re literally a life saver!!!! :,)))

Good review! Looking forward to your review of the new upcoming series.

I loved it as a kid; and watching it recently, I would still hold it above a lot of what is put out now. Great show!

Refusing to be smuggled out of Japan is no proof that Adams wanted to stay. He had ties including a second family there. The love story was another gateway of transformation. This story is not about the battles of samurai but about the battles of one man and the world he found himself in. A battle of transformation and changing allegiance...to his country to his crew to those who had been his captors to his lover and ultimate gateway and through to himself while staying true to other things.

Great job, thank you. My opinion, I love the mini-series, it’s entertaining, informative in it’s own way, and thought provoking. It is a work of art with many great actors and part of film history. I like what you did and I may have to read the novel now.

I have just recently watched the whole series for the second time since watching it 20 years ago. And it was even more amazing than remember. I'm sure being more mature and having a deeper love and understanding of japanese culture has something to do with it. I loved binging on the DVD set had no breaks or repeating intros and credits, it played like a 10 hour movie. We got through 7hr the first night and finished the next morning, and I wished the story would continue. Also I have not read the book as of yet.

Hi! I’m a longtime fan of the channel. Please allow me to explain why you are, with respect, very wrong. First, so you know I’m not talking from my ass, please know that I am a history buff, particularly of feudal Japan. Japanese was my minor in college and I studied Japanese history at Nihon University in Mishima. I saw Shogun for the first time in 2003 and still own the DVD box set. I’ve seen it about 10,000 times and i’m watching now as i prepare to go back to Kyoto. Where I think you get this review wrong is a matter for my other area of interest. I have a Master’s degree in acting and think you must shift your point of view in order to appreciate Shogun fully. I believe you were on the right path when you admitted Shogun was historical drama and therefore not bound by history, but you fail to see that it is a movie as well and that every art form must be appreciated on its own terms. Now, saying something is a movie does not by any means give it a pass to be bad. It only means that you can’t miss the point by expecting it to be something it’s not. The romance is not a distraction here, it is the whole point. Mariko represents an ephemeral love for Japan that many white boiz like me feel when we are young and it is only when that dies and we embrace the harsh realities of Samurai history, like the inevitable war, that we achieve some understanding and acceptance. Mariko even says “love is a Christian word, Anjin-san.” Mariko herself is a christian. The couple and their love is a mix between western and Japanese philosophies at odds with each other and the drama is a result of the two of them making difficult choices between allegiances and between those philosophies. I don’t know what gave you the impression that Blackthorne was trapped. He expresses some desire to return but he’s faced with hard decisions he has to mull over, as anyone would. I believe he makes his choice to abandon Europe when he visits his men and is disgusted by them. At the end, his emphatic building of the new ships represents person we’ve followed allowing Blackthorne and his previous life to die so that Anjin the Samurai can live. This is the opposite of a big budget battle movie- this is a tiny story about one man’s choices and his ability to accept hardships, including the most diff one of all- accepting that someone you love with all your heart is gone and you have to face the new, scary world alone. In this regard, I believe Shogun is a masterpiece and though the shots and sometimes lines are cheesy, this is a romance at its core. I believe Blackthorne serves as Clavell’s insert character. A Westerner who comes to Japan an esteemed pilot respected and feared by his enemies. A lord. A man of means and vast knowledge. Then he gets pissed on and built back up, but still, only a pawn in someone else’s schemes.

I was eleven when Shogun came out. It was a national event, it's like the country came to a standstill. I read the book much later as an adult, and while it has much more detail (as books tend to do), I'd say the series was a very faithful adaptation.

In my mind I still rate this series the best I have ever seen. Epic is such an inadequate word describing this mini series. Everything about it from the cast to the acting to the costumes and set designs and locations are just perfect.

The series is very true to the novel - this novel is one of 3 I make a point to reread once every 2 years (yes, it's that good).

It was a conscious decision to not include most of the political machinations that were in the book. It was thought that the dialog would have to be subtitled and would turn off American audiences. In addition, the estimate for run time would balloon to about 22 hours. As it was at the time, the usual miniseries occupied a 4 hour slot over 2 nights. Shogun was epically proportioned in that it ran for five nights. As a result, Blackthorne is THE central focus of the production. Narration was added to explain the interaction of the principal Japanese characters when Blackthorne was not present. Hopefully, the new series will include the entire book since what is happening behind the interactions with Blackthorne raises the tension level considerably and is more interesting than the love story alone.

What the series lacks is the extensive perspective of the Japanese, which Clavell himself cut out of the script for „Shogun“ as to make it not too complicated for the viewership. Today that is considered the major flaw of the series which would have elevated it from a very good series to a outstanding one. Let’s hope the current re-make will do the book more justice.

Sweet! I was hoping for a review of this movie!

Read the book after watching the TV miniseries, actually several times! Having visited Japan in 1971 on a Boy Scouts World Jamboree I love all things Japanese! It's the Bible and definitive history book into feudal Japan.

I loved this shows. It was one of the reason I started to learn Japanese

I need to watch again now. One of my best shows top of my list.

The producers liked the Japanese actress who played Mariko and expanded her part and interaction with the STAR, Richard Chamberlain.

Ì read the book, i listened to the audio book. I saw the Miniseries. Watching the trailer of the upcoming version, my heart was racing with excitement. I am so full of anticipation to watch the new one. So hoping it meets my expectations.

Yoko Shimada (Lady Mariko): Love at first sight. Even after 40 years my feelings for her are alive. RIP, my dear!

Yo! Thanks for the review! Just found a VHS box set of this series at a Goodwill and I was a little daunted by the run time. Good to know it has it's merit.

Thank you for this review. As someone that just finished reading the book and watching the mini-series,, but not being immersed in the history, lore and other treatments the way you have been, I find the series to be much better than I expected it to be. I do feel that you should read the book. The battle is also a footnote in the book. You mention that Blackthorn was not like Adams because he wanted to go home, but in the video you did on Adams, you say that Adams took time to embrace Japan fully. Considering that Blackthorn is relatively early in his life in Japan, that is not unlike Adams. I am waiting with much anticipation for the upcoming series.

So glad you won the copyright claim! This video was worth preserving!

I've watched the series from start to finish a few times as I own it on DVD. Loved the show! The heavy focus on the romance didn't bother me as much, but it certainly is less interesting than everything else that happens in the show. I just hated the abrupt ending that seemed to come out of nowhere. The first time I saw it I was confused and thought there must've been more of it. I don't have much hope for remakes or 'new versions' made today of old, great shows like this to be any good. But when it comes out I'll check out your review of it to see if it's any good.

Great job!!!

I read it before I saw the miniseries, and I will say that the miniseries captured the feel and atmosphere of the book almost flawlessly. The characters were played to a T, their relationships were exactly how they were in the book, and just for the record, both the single assassin and the ninja mob attack were true to the book; although in the book the solo one wasn't ninja, but Amida Tong. And not for nothing, but the love story isn't overplayed, that's exactly how it plays out. I freaking cried when Mariko gets killed in the book, because that's what it does (this just occurred to me); as a ginger gai-jin myself, I wasn't reading a story about a character. I WAS Blackthorn. I became Anjin-san. I fell in love with Mariko. I hated Buntaro. I was in awe of Toronaga. The Jesuits made my skin crawl. I was proud of Oil-seller, but didn't like how it got it's name. Etc. etc. etc.

Ahhh… my nostalgia for 1588. Those were the days…

What struck me is that the scenes at the start of the series where the crew where chucked in a hole without sustenance is clearly the Author’s personal experience - he was a POW of the Japanese in Singapore. Clavell stated if the atomic bombs hadn’t been dropped he’d of died there. Makes it all the more harrowing.

I know a lot of people don’t like that there is no subtitles. But I think it was brilliant because you are left in the dark to the Japanese spoken as Blackthorn was, and you learn some Japanese as he does

Watched it for the first time in the 90s as old kid or young teenager and I loved it. Got me hooked on Japanese history which was not really on my radar until that point. Later also read the book, which is well worth the time. Clavell later wrote another book playing in Japan (for the most part) - the first sequel to the fantastic (China-based) "Tai-Pan" by the name of "Gai-Jin".

yesterday while searching for some NHK drama, Ive seen that there will be a remake of Shogun miniseries coming in 2022, with huge stars like Hiroyuki Sanada as Yoshi Toranaga... really looking forward to see it. Blackthorn will be played by Cosmo Jarvis.

I must have been around 12 when I watched Shogun. It taught me to meet foreign cultures with humbleness, respect and curiosity and has thus been very defining for My life.

As someone who only watched this last year, I loved it. I had read the book the year before and then found this. Also good to note that FX are currently remaking this with some good actors attached, I'm looking forward to it very much

My brother turned me on to the book and thoroughly enjoyed it. Later watched the mini-series and was so pleased how it stayed so close to the book. Probably my favorite mini-series of that era.

Unrelated to the video, but I wanted to congratulate you for your upcoming achievement. May your Ambition grow ever larger, rising to the heavens.

This does have a big nostalgia factor for most people. Richard Chamberlain also did The Bourne Identity as a made fir TV mini-series, and I definitely had nostalgia blocking what I remembered of it. I think people mix this Shogun with other more action heavy samurai movies from the era, and forget how much time is spent on the love affair, and the odd pacing forced by being filmed and edited for the television medium. I have high hopes for the new adaptation, as streaming series, and even many cable shows aren’t tied to a set time limit or any limits on what level of violence that can be shown, as well as language and sex. FX on Hulu seems to be the producer, so there really aren’t any limits to what they can do, at least not anything that a network mini-series would’ve hindered in the past.

wonderful review and i get nostalgic on its airing in the 80s

This was the mini-series that started my interest in Japanese history(and James Clavell's books). While I enjoyed the series greatly, I found the actual historical figures and the events of that time period(from Nobunga to Tokagawa) to be even more enjoyable. and discovered my favorite figure of that time, Masamune Date.

Thanks for the review. I remember first watching this as a kid & really enjoyed it at the time but now I see the inaccuracies of it also but still good though 👍🏻 maybe Sunday I should rewatch it because it's been some years.

I’m rereading the book Shogun because of the new upcoming mini-series and your review of the 1980’s mini-series. You’re right I have a lot of positive feeling for the book and the mini-series. And that’s gone unchallenged for 40yrs! I think it’s time to challenge those feelings. Looking forward to learning how I feel about the book, 1980’s mini series and upcoming mini series.

Great video!

We watched this in history class freshman year of high school. Interesting listening to a review 27 years later.

Who is here after new trailer? Can't wait 😊

I only saw the four part cut. I'm actually glad, since I now have a reason to watch the whole thing again

I loved Shogun the book, and read it before the mini-series was made. I've always been disappointed by film portrayals of good books. This one came closer than any other, but the book is still better. The casting was so good that I recognized the characters as soon as I saw and heard them. Much of the descriptive material of the book was well-incorporated into the visual presentation without the lengthiness, and thus the atmosphere and surroundings were very well-presented and correlated with that of the novel. I enjoyed them both.

Adams did try to visit back home, so far as wikipedia claims from his letters: "At this meeting, Adams asked for and obtained Tokugawa's authorisation to return to his home country. But, he finally declined Saris' offer to take him back to England: "I answered him I had spent in this country many years, through which I was poor... [and] desirous to get something before my return". His true reasons seem to lie rather with his profound antipathy for Saris: "The reason I would not go with him was for diverse injuries done against me, which were things to me very strange and unlooked for." (William Adams letters)" Tokugawa did initially refuse Adam's request to return home.

I just have to say a miniseries with Richard chamberlain in his heyday would not have been doing it’s mission without a romance and shogun’s is one of his best

I was young at the time but Shogun was really a gateway for a lot of America. It is not the first look at Japan, but unlike many others it was an attempt to get more right about historical Japan but still maintain audience interest. I personally think the romance had a couple of purposes and it achieved them (ratings showed that). So it is very cool to see them doing it again though I wonder what they will do with it. Thanks for the review and for staying with it.

There is a Ninja Television series on DVD somewhere. But I can't seem to find it. Does anyone know of any recommendations similar to this one?

Bro, you recommend history books of Japan an sendoku jidai ?

As a young kid, I remember watching the Shogun Series with my father. Awesome.

Yet another excellent video Shogunate! About the FX version, at the time of writing this we have a trailer and release date for 2024. I'm already worried that they are following current Hollywood trends. They seem to be portraying Mariko as some kind of skilled assassin or fighter. But I'll wait and see what they do before I criticize it.

Loved the book and the original miniseries. I very much look forward to the new series!

I had watched this mini series twice: first time in 1980, when I was a high school boy, last one, some years after the pandemia. I liked it and I still like it. It's a jewel of the international television.

Having read the book several times one hopes the new version keeps closer to the book and wides the overall scope and yes I did enjoy the original mini series Chamberlain was pretty awesome literally chewing the Atmosphere👍😁❤️

Somehow I missed the news of this new adaptation. Very exciting! I hope it maintains the same tone and avoids camp while adding the flair a modern TV budget can bring. Either way, always down for a new samurai film.

Watched this during its initial run with my grandparents, who served in the USN and lived in Okinawa post-WW2. While noting and agreeing with your highlights of the flaws (and having read the novel), I *still* love it. Call it nostalgia, call it a gateway “drug” to the time and place, call it what you will…but definitely call it born of an absolute and undying love for Japan and her people. Even if it means enduring pop-culture tropes sewn on to historicity. 👍🇯🇵❤️

i recently watched this miniseries again with my wife (was her first time). i love it. i don't care if is not historically acurate, or cheesy, i CAN enjoy kurosawa and this.

My favorite book of all time.read it 3 times

Is there any chance that you'll review "Dokuganryu Masamune" (1987) with Ken Watanabe and Hiroyuki Sanada?