bigverybadtom The series did roughly follow the James Clavell novel, though much was left out. Partly due to the novel being so complicated, but also because the series was geared less to explain history of 1600 Japan and its relation to Europe than it was to introduce America to Japanese culture when most Americans knew little about sake and ninjas.Visually the movie was pretty, but the story focused far too much on the love affair between Blackthorne and Mariko, wife of another samurai, with their spending a lot of time laying together and saying repeatedly how much they love one another. Enough already, we got the idea. And what about Mariko's husband, he just lets it all happen? (The novel explains how this problem ended up being bypassed.) Good if you want light entertainment, but read the novel for a much more long and complicated but more thorough and logical story.

Debbie IT'S WORTH RESAYING & NO WAY I COULD SAY IT BETTER THAN THIS: Credit goes 100% to actor man us from CA!!!Ultimate mini-series. 5 July 2005 There was a time in TV when the mini-series was king. They were great prestige products for the networks who, risking immense financial expenditure, hoped to create a cinematic masterpiece on a small screen.SHOGUN may be the ultimate expression of this neglected TV format. Based on James Clavell's sweeping epic novel of the same name, it succeeds fully in transporting the viewer to another time and place. Through John Blackthorne's eyes (Richard Chamberlain in a now iconic performance, blending moments of delightful scenery chewing with moments of genuine emotion and subtlety), we become ever more involved in the political dealings of the Japanese nobility and the mixed motives of the Jesuits.One of the great triumphs of SHOGUN is to ensnare the viewer despite long segments in Japanese with no subtitles. The filmmakers were trying to tell the story through Blackthorne's eyes and save for a few moments of narration explaining the dialog, we are left to slowly comprehend the action at the same pace as Blackthorne. It's a device which works wonderfully well, leaving the viewer to figure out what's going on through context and character.In addition to Chamberlain, SHOGUN is replete with glorious performances. Toshiro Mifune's Toranaga, a Japanese nobleman with grand political designs, possesses great power and yet Mifune's performance is also very nuanced. Toranaga is a man who's mind is always trying to figure three steps ahead and we see this aspect of Toranaga's personality in Mifune's work- a considerable feat considering his dialog is exclusively in Japanese and without subtitles.Yoko Shimada plays Mariko with a captivating beauty and ethereal grace. Becoming Blackthorne's interpreter and love interest, we cannot take our eyes off of her. Her performance is made doubly impressive by the fact that Ms. Shimada spoke no English and had to be told what her lines met with great care.Additionally, John-Rhys Davies gives a wonderfully bravura turn as Rodrigues and Damien Thomas gives his Father Alvito real depth and dignity.SHOGUN does show its age. The quality of the video image does have a bit of that TV glow to it and Maurice Jarre's score, seeming so lush back in 1980, sounds as if it were recorded by a very small third-rate band in a backwater recording studio- it reeks of TV. Still, these are comparatively minor quibbles to an otherwise completely engrossing epic. SHOGUN succeeds mightily in taking the viewer into a strange land filled with wonder and intrigue. By the end, it's a land you aren't ready to leave- perhaps the ultimate compliment for any film.

thinker1691 The extraordinary six-part novel " SHOGUN " was written by noted author James Clavel, superbly directed by Jerry London and came to American audiences in the 1980s. From the first chapter to the last, the cast which included Richard Chamberlain who plays Anjin-san (Pilot), Toshirô Mifune as Lord Yoshi Toranaga and Yôko Shimada and Lady Mariko, captivated American's attention for Japanese culture during the entire length of the series. Indeed, the romantic love story between two two principals prompted a loyal viewing audience and a million letters to the network. Clavel set his story of John Blackthorne in the 16th century Japan where he lands. During his stay, he is soon adopted into the civilization where he meets Lady Toda Buntaro (Yôko Shimada) as his Interpretator and later as his love interest. Further, he is also acquainted with both his friends and enemies which include the ever spreading European explorers and Christian Church. The series itself is an interesting blend and exchange of culture, idea and beliefs, mixed with romance and political intrigue. Many audiences are treated to the incredible cast which include the likes of Alan Badel, Damien Thomas and John Rhys-Davies. In addition, there is the beautiful and spacious landscapes which include the impressive customs, Japanese gardens and surrounding Architecture. All in all a great Mini-series. Highly recommended****

ebiros2 Based on a real life English pilot William Adam's (Japanese name Miura Anjin) life, Shogun is a fictional account of John Blackthorn's adventure in the feudal era (Azuchi Momoyama period) Japan. Some other characters are also based on actual historic figure (Like Kagetora is caricature of Iyeyasu ), but their names are changed in this story. Tossed by a storm, John Blackthorn's (Richard Chamberlain) ship Erathmus reaches the shore of Japan. He's met with Lord Yabu's (Franky Sakai) soldiers. Blackthorn is initially shocked at the barbaric deeds of the samurai but gradually leans the ropes to live in this foreign country.Cultural depiction of Japan of the era is not entirely accurate, and behavior is exaggerated to bring the point to the viewers. This was in the early '80s when the Americans were still getting acquainted with sushi, and knew lot less about the Japanese culture. But it was bold move on NBC's part to broadcast such epic story for 5 nights in a row when this series first aired. Japanese actress Yoko Shimada won the Emmy for best actress that year.It's not an authentic portrayal of samurai culture which is bit unfortunate, but the series deserves an A+ for putting the period drama of Japan in the early '80s. 20 years later, Hollywood does a much better job with the likes of "The Last Samurai" that impressed even the Japanese with its accurate depiction of Japanese towns and villages.The show should be viewed with couple of grains of salt, but the adventure of John Blackthorn is an intriguing and exciting tale to watch.