Shōgun review This engrossing historical epic is one of the best shows of the year

"Based on James Clavell's 1975 historical fiction book, Shōgun tells the story of political upheavals in pre-Edo period feudal Japan in the 17th century. It's no easy task to revisit and modernize one of the seminal shows of the 1980s. Shōgun, a ten-episode limited series based on James Clavell's critically acclaimed novel, aims to achieve it with considerable ambition and skill. The main plot revolves around an English sailor from the 17th century who ends up becoming a samurai in feudal Japan. The show, which was developed by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, decides to take a broad approach to telling this story, covering both internal and exterior issues as it leads viewers through trade and honor, love and faith, politics, and war. (See also: Shōgun authors on the necessity of changing the book to appeal to the current generation: ""Where have we made so many mistakes over the years?"" The idea When English pilot John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) washes ashore on the coast of Japan, the mystery begins.

He promptly establishes his status as a hostile primitive by urinating on his head. Blackthorne gives in to the whims of the local leader after his remaining crew is taken in as prisoners, but he is soon summoned to report to Lord Toranaga (a magnificent performance by Hiroyuki Sanada, who also receives credit as one of the show's producers), where he learns of the region's crisis. He also observes the number of Protestant Catholics who have managed to hang onto power throughout the of the council, acting as interpreters. The larger dilemma arises from the death of Japan's king Taiko, who left behind a successor who is now mature enough to usurp the throne. He meets John, an unlikely friend, and the complicated combination of trust and agency forms the core of this captivating epic that captivates audiences with its superb period accuracy and perfectly timed performances. Also, keep an eye out for the arrival of a certain Lady Ochiba (Fumi Nikaido), whose presence adds mystery and complexity to the program."