Current:Home > FinanceReview: Dazzling 'Shogun' is the genuine TV epic you've been waiting for -FutureFinance
Review: Dazzling 'Shogun' is the genuine TV epic you've been waiting for
View
Date:2025-04-13 09:53:32
Style is easy. Substance is hard.
There is a glut of big, expensive and expansive TV shows these days, but there isn't a glut of big, expensive and expansive TV shows that are actually worth watching. They might look pretty, but they don't always have great stories and performances (and sometimes they don't even look that pretty). Big sets, costumes and casts don't make a good show on their own. It's not easy to make something epic.
But FX's "Shogun" (premiering Tuesday, 10 EST/PST, and streaming on Hulu, ★★★½ out of four), a new historical drama based on James Clavell's 1975 novel about the first English contact with feudal Japan, makes epic look easy. Beautiful, rich and deeply compelling, it might just scratch that "Game of Thrones" itch you've had since the HBO fantasy folded in 2019.
There are no dragons here, just juicy political intrigue, lush visuals and instantly memorable performances. "Shogun" invites you to the fully formed, delectably dangerous and curiously complex world of Osaka in 1600, a setting most Americans likely know less about than Westeros. But after viewing a few episodes, you may find yourself perusing your local library for books on Japanese history. The series encourages gluttony; even after 10 episodes, you may be asking for more.
The novel (and 1980 NBC miniseries) is an outside-looking-in story, focusing on wayward Englishman John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), who's on a mission to bring his country's interests to Eastern Asia (and take out his Catholic rivals, the Portuguese and Spanish traders and missionaries). A welcome change is the preeminence of Japan and the political players vying to rule it, vastly expanding the world and context about the feuds between the local lords.
All about the show:FX's 'Shogun' brings a new, epic version of James Clavell's novel to life: What to know
The lord we're rooting for is Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada), one of five regents on a council ruling Japan while the heir to the throne is a child. Toranaga has been targeted by his fellow regents as they try to consolidate power, and the arrival of Blackthorne and his ship full of gold and guns is an opportunity Toranaga won't waste. Helped by Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai) as a translator for the "barbarian," as many of the Japanese characters call Blackthorne, Toranaga tries to keep himself and his people alive, and perhaps win power for himself. Those pesky Portuguese priests also may have more than Catholicism on their minds as they try to get a firmer foothold on the island nation.
Everything you need to know:FX's 'Shogun' brings a new, epic version of James Clavell's novel to life
The production design of "Shogun" is impeccable, full of intricate details and gorgeous renderings of historical buildings, costumes and swords. But those trinkets come alive when worn by the actors, who are simply superb. Sanada, a veteran you might have seen in "John Wick 4" or "Avengers: Endgame" who's also a producer of the series, is a magnetic presence. It's easy to see why Toranaga inspires such loyalty in his people. Jarvis is hilarious, playing up Blackthorne's fish-out-of-water comedy (he thinks Japanese people bathe far too often) and spitting his holier-than-thou lines with sizzling venom. Sawai has a much harder job (and not just because of the restrictive kimonos she wears). Mariko is a more reserved, subtle character who lights up the screen, even without self-righteous tirades.
The 1980 "Shogun" was a ratings juggernaut and Emmy Awards darling. There isn't always a compelling creative reason to remake a story. But the nuance and innovation that the new "Shogun" brings, particularly in its extensive Japanese-language dialogue and perspective, more than justifies the project. If we are doomed to a future of intellectual property-driven content from Hollywood (and we really are), it should be like "Shogun" – familiar in some ways but unique in telling different and more diverse stories.
"Shogun" is the kind of series that reminds you that TV can be an event, not just something casual you click on while folding laundry. It demands your full attention. So don't scroll, don't cook dinner, or get some work done while the TV happens to be on. Sit down. Watch. Take it all in. It's not every day you get a free ticket to Japan in 1600.
This is one adventure you won't forget.
veryGood! (24)
Related
- 2025 'Doomsday Clock': This is how close we are to self
- Two Missouri men accused of assaulting officers during riot at the U.S. Capitol charged
- Looking for a baked salmon recipe? What to know about internal temp, seasoning, more.
- Finland convicts 3 far-right men for plotting racially motivated attacks using 3D printed weapons
- DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
- Henry Winkler on being ghosted by Paul McCartney, that 'baloney' John Travolta 'Grease' feud
- Funeral home gave grieving relatives concrete instead of ashes, man alleges in new lawsuit
- Business group estimates several hundred thousand clean energy jobs in EV, battery storage and solar
- Skins Game to make return to Thanksgiving week with a modern look
- Serbia’s president sets Dec. 17 for snap parliamentary election as he rallies for his populist party
Ranking
- Nearly 400 USAID contract employees laid off in wake of Trump's 'stop work' order
- Funeral home gave grieving relatives concrete instead of ashes, man alleges in new lawsuit
- A woman who left Texas for India after her 6-year-old son went missing is charged with killing him
- Toyota more than doubles investment and job creation at North Carolina battery plant
- 'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
- UN forum says people of African descent still face discrimination and attacks, urges reparations
- Serbia’s president sets Dec. 17 for snap parliamentary election as he rallies for his populist party
- 'Grief is universal': Día de los Muertos honors all dead loved ones. Yes, even pets.
Recommendation
Global Warming Set the Stage for Los Angeles Fires
China keeps up military pressure on Taiwan, sending 43 planes and 7 ships near self-governing island
2 killed in Russian attacks in eastern Ukraine that also damage Kherson city center
See Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt’s Incredible Halloween Costume With Sons Gunner and Ryker
California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
Hopeless and frustrated: Idaho's abortion ban is driving OB/GYNs out of the state
Walmart stores are getting a $9 billion makeover. Here's what shoppers can expect.
Police seek suspect in Southern California restaurant shooting that injured 4