I got to work on this show as one of the Samurai. My first job in film as a background performer. I am super excited to see how this show turns out. Great experience and very honored to have been part of it.

3 hearts = 3 different faces. One for the world, one for the close ones, and probably one that is real you with all the things you would like to keep hidden... Japan is the land of indirectness. Even nowadays the concept of tatemae (behavior and opinions one displays in public) and honne (a person's true feelings and desires) is present in society.

5:12 Last Samurai film depicts events of the early Meiji period in Japan which is like more than 200 years after Shogun. Shogun takes place during the 17th century during the Tokugawa Shogunate. The Shogun is the Military ruler of Japan while the Emperor of Japan served as a figurehead while real power was with the Shogun.

I have the collector's edition of the original on VHS. It's one of my most prized possessions. Toshiro Mifune will forever be the legend of all legends in Japanese cinema.

The character Blackburn is inspired by a real historical figure, William Adams, an Englishman who became a samurai, Miura Anjin, advisor to Tokugawa Ieyasu. The character Tobunaga plays the role of Ieyasu. You can see the Tokugawa family crest over his army. This is set in 1600, right at the start of the Edo period (1603-1868).

I just read the novel (in anticipation of this show) and a lot of it seems to be in the show.

Seriously mate, I am loving your reaction here as you know the books and author. Good man

It's a remake. Looks like it's going to be epic

Looking forward to this!

Shogun is a fictionalized account of the establishment of the Tokugawa Shogunate, the Last Samurai is a fictionalized account of the Meiji Restoration.

Don't forget that the original book was based on actual Historical Events with the names having been changed around. John Blackthorne is William Adams Toregawa is Tokugawa Ieyasu

I watched the 1980 miniseries 'Shogun' at the time. Although 'Shogun' is a work of fiction, it explores the major war that actually took place in Japan in 1600, known as The Battle of Sekigahara. Tokugawa Ieyasu, who emerged victorious in this war (referred to as 'Toranaga' in 'Shogun'), became the shogun (officially known as 'seii-taishogun'), and for almost 270 years thereafter, his descendants became the de facto rulers of Japan. While 'Shogun' is a work of fiction, the main characters are based on real historical figures (though their names have been changed), and their characterizations and roles generally follow historical facts. The protagonist of 'Shogun' is William Adams, an Englishman who actually washed ashore in Japan on a Dutch ship in 1600, becoming the first Englishman to set foot in Japan. In reality, he played no role in The Battle of Sekigahara, but later served in diplomatic capacities as an advisor to Tokugawa Ieyasu, who granted him territory (present-day Miura Peninsula), turning him into a samurai. While 'Shogun' depicts the cruelty of Japanese samurai, it's worth noting that the author, James Clavell, was a prisoner of war in Japan during World War II, experiencing captivity until the end of the war. I feel that some of his experiences are reflected in 'Shogun.' The trailer gives an impression reminiscent of 'Game of Thrones,' and it seems to be quite different from the previous works of the 1980s. I am looking forward to watching it."

I've read it like 10 times. I have hopes that they don't F it up. From what I saw, the casting seems decent and they hit a lot of lines and scenes from the book. TLS was probably influenced a bit by Shogun, because both have the 'White guy goes to Japan, learns the culture, befriends the lord, becomes Samurai, and falls for the girl' arc, but Shogun does go much deeper. I hope it gets reflected in the show. You were close with the 3 heart thing: One for everyone, one for family or those you trust fully, one for only yourself.

Seems obvious about the heart? One for the world, one for your friends, and one for yourself only.

I have vague memories of the 80's original adaptation. It was excellent, and just hope they don't turn the female character into some silly girl boss. She was a star in the original and very strong. Though, I do not mind her kicking some ass. Just don't make it silly. Though? I need to rewatch that old show, or even read the book.

Truly, the visuals are spectacular but I have one major apprehension. There seemed to be a few scenes where Anna Sawai (Mariko) was shown fighting, and holding her own, against several men. I know in this day of 'the message' it is frowned upon to show women in a feminine light but Mariko epitomized the grace and femininity of Asian cultures of the past. I was enthralled with the 1980 mini-series (I even have the Blu-ray in my video library) and I am looking forward to this new version. I only hope they are faithful to the source material and allow the sensibilities of the era shine through despite the current mindset of the entertainment industry.

Looks as epic as the "Last Samurai". FX has a "Game of Thrones" competitor.

Did she say "only fans"?

another White man goes to Asia story. So innovative.

James clavell's book the Asian sagas are awesome. Shogun and gai Jin are my favorite

In the book there's one ruler of Japan who can only be considered divine if he hails from one of the three divine families and Yaemon the child emperor is that whereas his deceased father was not of noble background but his mother was. His father left five advisors who are men with great power(daimyo)to rule and serve him until he is of age to take charge with Toranaga being the only one truly faithful while Yshido and the others are usurpers plotting to take power. In this dramatic struggle Toranaga uses his loyal servants like Mariko(the narrator)to protect Yaemon and keep the others from turning him into a puppet. Mariko seems to be a warrior here yet in the book she's not but her husband is while she's more like an informant and advisor and also charged with looking after Blackthorne by Toranaga. He also uses Blackthorne who never wants power but just to survive in this new world dreaming to return home one day. Toranaga burns his ship at first but allows him to build another while ordering without his knowledge that he will never be allowed to leave Japan as Toranaga sees him as very useful and loyal hence the three hearts saying. Blackthorne is always referred to as Anjin-san(pilot,captain) as they cannot pronounce his name. I read the book when i was a kid more than 20 years ago and i hope the show will be as good as it looks as this along with Japanese culture are my favourites.