Shogun

Rating:
Summary: The White Samurai
Review: Shogun. Finally, this beloved mini-series from 1980 comes to DVD, offered in a beautiful package. For years it was only available on a ridiculously over-priced VHS set. But now all nine hours are presented with a crisp, clear DVD transfer. Awesome. There is nothing else like Shogun, nothing else will transport you to 17th century Japan like this. The Samurai films of Kurosawa are works of art, but, for a Western audience, nowhere near as accessible or emotionally fulfilling; the recent Last Samurai has a sweet Hollywood budget, but was ruined by its simple-minded, anti-Western agenda. And while Shogun does contain an anti-Catholic edge, with its corrupt, manipulative church, there is a degree of refreshing honesty to this tale, loosely based upon the real life of William Adams, the English navigator who came to Japan in 1600 and became a close, respected friend to Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. While James Clavell's massively popular novel attempted to explore all its characters, writer-producer Eric Bercovici's (ultimately more sympathetic) adaptation wisely avoided this and concentrated its narrative through the perspective of John Blackthorn, the Protestant English navigator who finds himself thrust into Japan's political turmoil, becoming a major player as a result of his knowledge of the true extent of the Catholic Churches reach into Asia; knowledge that makes him powerful enemies. Which is somewhat ironic considering that, in the novel, Blackthorn was the character Clavell seemed to be the least interested in.

But it is through the eyes of John Blackthorn that mediaeval Japanese culture opens up and reveals its duality. We admire its deceptive simplicity and noble beauty, we recoil at its brutality; indeed, while Shogun maintains a respectful reverence for the samurai class, it rightly acknowledges its suppression and violence. Even as Blackthorn finds himself unconsciously assimilating into Japanese culture, culminating in becoming the first White samurai, he never fully loses his European heart, and longs to return home. As John Blackthorn, Richard Chamberlain can over-act with the best of them, and his arrogance can become obnoxious. And yet, he strikes a necessary contrast to the well mannered Japanese. John Rhys-Davies is a delight as usual, and legendary Toshiro Mifune is hypnotic as the pseudo-benevolent tyrant, Toranaga, who is eager to learn of the West from Blackthorn. However, everything belongs to Yoko Shimada, the beautiful interpreter who falls deeply in love with the White samurai, an ultimately forbidden and dangerous love. Shimada radiates a subtle emotional power that invokes a deep sense of sorrow over her tragic destiny. For an old TV film, Shogun has aged wonderfully: its production values are still impressive, with authentic sets that establish an effective atmosphere. If there is a weakness to Shogun, it is its lack of sub-titles. Initially, this lack of subtitles works because we see this world through the eyes of Blackthorn, and so we share his confusion, but there was no excuse to leave conversations between Japanese characters a mystery beyond the silly narration of Orson Wells, who gives only a basic outline as to what is being said. Very frustrating. Nevertheless, Shogun is perfectly told and balanced; everything breathes and the film never drags. Simply put, it is a classic.

Rating:
Summary: A Beautiful Box Set Worthy of the Masterpiece
Review: Just recieved the "Shogun" DVD box set, the most beautiful dvd box set I've ever seen. This box set does due justice to the greatest TV mini-series of all time and one of the greatest literary masterpieces of the Twentieth Century (Shogun by James Clavell). The DVD box follows a Japanese motif and features the lovely Yoko Shimada and Richard Chamberlain on the cover, adding legendary Toshiro Mifune on the back. Inside, three DVD's each feature one of the three stars, including a unique profile of Shimada (the back cover also features Shimada's hair with perfect 'disarray' following genuine Japanese aesthetics. When you fold up the DVD's to put them back, you see an Origami of the Two Samurai swords. This is really a work of art, I give thanks and kudos to the team which put this DVD together, a worthy tribute to a true cinematic work of art. I can't wait to view the DVD itself, if the technicians were as good as the design team we are in good hands. Please also read Shogun the novel, as it is even a hundred times more beautiful than the TV mini-series. cheers!

Rating:
Summary: A one of a kind experience, but imperfect.
Review: This is recommended for those who have an interest in feudal Japan. Those looking for an action-packed samurai epic may want to stick with the way-too-Hollywood "The Last Samurai". This is a thinking man's epic; character driven, full of political intrigue (though not nearly as much as the book), and filled with rich details that really transport you to that period in time. As great as it is to see such an excellent book done such justice, the film is flawed. Richard Chamberlain gives an often Charleton Heston-esque performance (not really a bad thing) but delivers some unintentionally hilarious lines (to his ship caught in a storm and about to crash into a reef: "Turn you whore from hell, TUUUUURRRRN!"). Rather than have subtitles for the few scenes where Japanese characters meet and speak amongst each others, we have annoying voice-overs (delivered by Orson Welles, no less) describing the conversation. Cheesy. Also, much of the political aspect of the story was simply cut out to make room for more Blackthorne and Mariko. Lastly, for a story about samurai that was already starving for action to actually have several battle scenes shortened or entirely cut out was unforgiveable. Yabu's duel with Blackthorne's retainer and the battle at Ishido's castle as Mariko tries to leave would have been awesome to see, but are simply skipped. Don't worry though, the ninja attack is entirely intact and the highlight of the mini-series. Most of the action we do get to see is very brief and without any excitement or flair; this is where a little Hollywood touch might have helped. Thankfully, the action is far from the main reason to watch. This is a STORY. It's got romance, drama, comedy,and much more. John Rhys-Davies (that's Gimli for you LOTR fans) steals every scene he's in as Blackthorne's friend/rival pilot Rodriguez and Toshiro Mifune is absolutely flawless as Toranaga. The disc of extras is a happy bonus. It's full of interesting observations from cast and crew and offers a lot of insight into the making of the film and the impact it had when it originally aired. I prefer the book and with this mini-series clocking in at 8+ hours, it might take you less time to read the book. But know that this DVD collection does it justice and that is a rare thing these days. If you have a genuine interest in Japanese culture and thought "The Last Samurai" was too Hollywood, this is a must-buy.

Rating:
Summary: brilliant historical and cultural television
Review: Extraordinary mini series about japan that was shot in japan with japanese actors and, somewhat frustratingly (but intentionally so), with lots of real japanese dialog. Chamberlain is the only reasons this piece is not one of televisions best moments ever. He is so outclassed by the rest of the fantastic cast that it really takes away from the series. One gets the impression of a terrible actor walking around feudal japan.
The series' depiction of the culture of the time is accurate and in a way can save you feudal japan 101. The constant suicides everywhere might seem overdone or even silly, but are actually quite in keeping with the times depicted. Visit one of the actual castles in japan and you will find a rediculous selfslaughterfest among some of its regal inhabitants (if a lord kills himself a good dozen woman around him do the same and there are many "goodbye" poems on display, ah there is so much our culture could learn...). I found this knowledged made the series more enjoyable to watch, knowing that this was very real and giving some insights into the origins of this behaviour.
So much has been said about the movie I only want to add that this is a shortened version of the original 12.5 hour piece. This is very frustrating, because having additional material never shown on tv (the great american fear of nipples)seems ideal for dvd releases. If ever there was an opportunity for added value dvd this was it. That is why I gave only 3 stars, well and Chamberlain.

Rating:
Summary: A few quick notes
Review: Everybody here loves this serial, with good reason! I'll mention a few details that haven't been covered. The color is vivid and the picture quality is excellent. The sound has been re-mixed into an impressive stereo surround, although the original mono track (this was broadcast before the days of stereo TV) is available for you armchair purists.

Shogun was so popular that a special 30-minute summary version was shown a few days after it ended for viewers who had to miss the final episode to observe a Jewish holiday. Despite its success, someone at NBC decided that parts of the story needed to be clearer, so narration was added. The bad news is that this is not the original version from 1980, but that somewhat re-worked Shogun that aired a few years later. Sometimes the editors went overboard with this, adding redundant details that would come out five minutes later anyway.

The last disc in the set includes a fascinating collection of extras, including some spectacular "bloopers" caught on 35mm film. We get a rare glimpse of Yoko Shimada looking lovely in 2003-- I recall that she appeared at least once as a guest star on an American TV series after Shogun, but didn't thrive in Hollywood. And we get to meet a Paramount exec who happens to look a heck of a lot like John Belushi reincarnated!

Rating:
Summary: Domo! Wakarimasu!
Review: This miniseries is hilarious! It's worth buying just to watch the first disc, while the rest of the series has plenty of hilarious moments too.

First of all, all of the costumes look like something you'd see a monkey running around wearing in a planet of the apes movie. My favorite was the clothes Blackthorne was wearing before he started wearing those sweet 70's kimonos all the time.

But by far, the funniest part of this whole miniseries are the portions involving any white person speaking in Japanese (with the exception of Father Alvito, who was a little more laid-back and seems to have put a little more work into it). An early highlight is the first appearance of Jonathan Rhys-Davies, jumping around screaming at the Samurai in a mix of Japanese and English ("Is this the Anjin, ka?!" "Kinjiru, eh? Well not for me, it's not kinjiru!"). Then there's Richard Chamberlain, whose performance really made this picture shine. He delivers singularly the best line in the picture. He asks the lady Mariko how to say truth in Japanese, she tells him the word is "hontoo." And then he lets loose this baby: "Then is is hontoo that you are the most beautiful lady in all the Japans!" Or something along those lines. I guess he was supposed to be gaining fluency in Japanese but he never seemed to say anything other than "Domo, Toranaga-sama!" "Wakarimasu!" There are a few parts where he tries to piece together slightly more complex thoughts, with questionable but amusing results. Of course it makes sense that an Englishman who ends up in Japan with no prior knowledge of the language would be bad at it, but Rhys-Davies has no excuse!

For non-Japanese related humor, theres the part where Blackthorne realistically stops a Japanese Feudal Lord from killing his own master by jumping around, shouting and clapping his hands like he was in a gospel choir. "Ho, ho, ho! Ho, ho, ho!" I watched this scene several times.

Unlike the western actors, most of the Japanese actors did an excellent job. But their parts were so underdeveloped, apparently in favor of having 70 scenes where Blackthorne and Mariko sit around saying things like "I love thee and I wish to be with thee." Eventually it gets to the point where you want to ask, "I wonder if they love each other? Gee, it sure would be sad if she ended up dying!"

Anyway, great fun if you don't take it too seriously. Domo! Wakarimasu!

Rating:
Summary: A Beautiful Box Set Worthy of the Masterpiece
Review: Just recieved the "Shogun" DVD box set, the most beautiful dvd box set I've ever seen. This box set does due justice to the greatest TV mini-series of all time and one of the greatest literary masterpieces of the Twentieth Century (Shogun by James Clavell). The DVD box follows a Japanese motif and features the lovely Yoko Shimada and Richard Chamberlain on the cover, adding legendary Toshiro Mifune on the back. Inside, three DVD's each feature one of the three stars, including a unique profile of Shimada (the back cover also features Shimada's hair with perfect 'disarray' following genuine Japanese aesthetics. When you fold up the DVD's to put them back, you see an Origami of the Two Samurai swords. This is really a work of art, I give thanks and kudos to the team which put this DVD together, a worthy tribute to a true cinematic work of art. I can't wait to view the DVD itself, if the technicians were as good as the design team we are in good hands. Please also read Shogun the novel, as it is even a hundred times more beautiful than the TV mini-series. cheers!

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Classic
Review: Truly an entertaing and very informative mini series. The story is captivating and even though the Japanese speak in their own language one is not lost but is held bound as the saga unfolds. A love story and war/power struggle wrapped into one package guaranteed to deliver satisfaction.

Rating:
Summary: More action would = Better.....
Review: Great 9 hour series, but not enough action. I thought there would have been at least a couple major battles but there was only minor skirmishes, like the ninja seen etc. Those samurai have all those Katana but don't use them enough.

Rating:
Summary: sorry.
Review: Sorry, but William Adams was not a trusted advisor of Tokugawa Ieyasu's, or even his friend. I've read two books on the subject, both bought at Amazon. Conrad Totman's book, for example, in page 104, states: "He lived in Edo and was a shadowy figure whose path occasionally crossed Ieyasu's", "Ieyasu furnished them with simple homes and modest stipends in Edo", "Ieyasu found Adams helpful on occasion as interpreter", etc.
The novel and the series, however, are magnificent.