James Clavell's Shogun
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Movie Reviews of James Clavell's Shogun
Movie Review: Incredible! Time well-spent.
Summary: 5 Stars
I wanted this set for a long time, then once I finally got, it sat on my shelf because watching it takes commitment. Finally, I invested the time, and it was worth it. I stayed up well past my bedtime every night to watch it, it is riveting and timeless. I suspect it requires at least a modicum of intelligence and worldliness to be approachable. That said, I was not bored even for a moment during the entire 9:07.
I concur with those who say Chamberlain was the weakest, unless you consider minor characters, because the sailors from the Erasmus were *lame*. Chamberlain's Blackthorne didn't suffer because of the actor, however, it was the dialogue. He speaks normally, except when wooing Mariko, when he falls into thees, thous and thines. It is grating to hear, especially when the timing is completely inappropriate, like during a troop march. There are times when he is faced with a situation, and it is clear what a prudent man would say. Then, he says the opposite. You are left thinking, "are you stupid or something?" But it eventually becomes clear that karma truly is on his side. Even though he never establishes himself as particularly bright or cunning, he succeeds. That might be a flaw in the story. He gets to spout off, but no one lops off his head as they would of a native.
I was surprised there wasn't more battle, there really isn't any, just references to battles. But this isn't a war movie, and there are enough ninjas to hold up that aspect. It is odd that Blackthorne seems to be such a mighty swordsman, though he is from the era of the gun in the west. If samurai trained the way western squires did in the Middle Ages, Blackthorne would have been outclassed immediately. I would expect more contempt from true samurai, such as that shown by Lord Bultano (sp?), the yeoman. The picture does not really make clear whether samurai is a title earned through training, or just handed out to fighters, because there are many, many samurai in the story. Perhaps it was easier to just have all samurai than to also have ashigaru, since again, this was not about war. So there are some holes in the story, but were there not, this could easily have been twice as long.
My gripes are minor. The scope and depth of the story are simply awesome. The sets are well-done, the variety of events is great, and the story takes you on a wild ride, with enough of the unexpected to please without getting ridiculous. Many of the actors were perfect in their roles, such as those who played Toranaga, the Portuguese Blackship captain, Yabu and Omi. I will enjoy watching it again.
Movie Review: I love it
Summary: 5 Stars
I love japanese history and culture, and this is one of my complete favorites. Im not expert on asian history, nor have i read the book this mini-series is based on, so i review it for what it is.
In brief, this is an great tale of an english man, captain John Blackthorne, who is shipwrecked on the island of japan in the early 17th century, and gets one hell of a culture shock if there ever was one. Eventually he finds himself in the middle of what seems to be a geo-political conflict, secrecy and war, as he trys to just stay sane and stay alive and cope with this ancient yet alltogether new world.
This is just as good as any film made for the theater, but very epic in length. And every hour is great classic entertainment. You'll meet many interesting characters from good,to bad, to the mysterious. A lot of the characters are likable and fasicinating.
The performances are charming and fun. Theres even a good dose of humor through out the parts of the film, which is welcome becouse theres plenty of serious stuff going.
The action is decent, from intense scuffles, assassins in the night, and various battles. Theres no all out massive wars, but theres still enuff sword weilding and explosive events that take place.
The music that accompanies this mini-series is well done, and memorable; the main theme in particular. That youll hear immediatly with the opening credits.
A story filled with adventure, intrique, laughs, and a little romance.
Its lots of fun and even educational, i learned some of my first words in japanese becouse of this film, since there are various scenes where John Blackthorne is given lessons the japanese language. As Blackthorne learned various things, from language to beliefs to way of life, i learned.
The depth of this feature mini-series is rich and just so interesting, nothing im typing does it proper justice. The things John Blackthorne experiences and all the happenings that take place are so indepth that it would take so much longer to type it all out. And im sure this series cant even compare to how wonderfull and utterly deep and vividly lavish and powerfull the book must be.
But,ill just say that its a captivating world that unfolds and its unforgettable.
Movie Review: Thank you, Paramount!
Summary: 5 Stars
Paramount was generous enough to transfer the classic TV mini-series to DVD. It could be seen as a risk since something this broad and expansive will not hold the attention of all audiences. Even with compression technology of the DVD format the movie still runs through four discs with a supplementary fifth disc. It is certainly a whole lot better than...what, ten VHS cassettes? That is a little trite.First, the story. James Clavell's book Shogun is an all-time classic with many plots with multiple characters, not just the seemingly "main character" Major Pilot John Blackthorne. The book covers a lot of ground that the movie epic amazingly does not have the time to reveal. If that does not say something about the complexity of the story, nothing will. The movie basically tries to mostly cover Blackthorne's adventure through the Japans, with additional focus on the machinations of the Jesuit 'enemy'.
The transfer to DVD wasn't perfect but the source film is a little dated and grainy but the picture quality definitely passable. No major complaints and I appreciate the effort by Paramount to improve the image. The dialog sound is also not perfect but it does not degrade the experience. I only have one complaint, however tedious. The music is mixed slightly too high as compared to the dialog. The effort to keep turning the volume up and down between music and speaking does compromise the DVD production, but it shouldn't count against the movie.
The casting for the movie is spot on for the most part. Chamberlain is believable as Blackthorne, and no one else cast at that time would've come close. The legendary Toshiro Minfune reveled in his role as the calculating Yoshi Toranaga. Damien Thomas is exactly how I imagined Father Alvito looked and acted while reading the novel. Yoko Shimada spoke with class and elegance as Mariko Buntaro. And John Rhys-Davies (yes, Gimli of the Lord of the Rings) gave a rolicking performance as the Spanish Pilot Rodrigues caught up in choice of friendship and duty.
So, once again, a giant "arigato gozaimash'te" to Paramount for the DVD version to the movie production of one of the most intriguing novels ever. It is a commercial gamble to reach the 'big audience' of today, but I'm glad the true fans of this epic were not forgotten.
Movie Review: The Conversion of Pilot-Major Blackthorne.
Summary: 5 Stars
"Shogun" (1980) TV series came as a major surprise as I usually do not expect too much from TV products. First puzzled, then absorbed, waiting each week for the next step. I enjoyed this very faithful to the original book (as I had later opportunity to verify) mini series.
Mr. Clavell (author of the book and one of the executive producers) constructs a master piece reflecting how two so different symbolic universes interact and react to each other. European vision and values embodied by Pilot-Major Blackthorne, Japanese ones by Toranaga-sama and Mariko-san. Characters are based on real-life people: Pilot-Major William Adams and Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Situated in the late 16th century Japan, at the critical transition from a feudal state to a centralized administration (the Shogunate) that will last until 19th century, the story depicts the struggle of Toranaga to be designed Shogun..
Blackthorne, step by step, discovers the values of Samurai code, learn Japanese, understand the complex psychology of the people surrounding him and fall in love with a noble woman. Finally he is converted in a true Samurai with a high rank in Toranaga's entourage.
The story also reflects the deep conflicts aroused between different European groups, struggling to obtain exclusive access to this huge market. Portuguese, Spaniards, Dutch and English are opposed not only by commercial rivalry but also by religious drives.
The mini series has a big budget support, reflected in the care put to recreate ambiance, wardrobe, weaponry and amazing interiors and gardens.
Japanese actors and actress greatly contribute to render verisimilar the whole play.
As for the characterizations: Richard Chamberlain, as Pilot-Major Blackthorne, gives a very sober and realistic composition; Toshiro Mifune, as Toranaga-sama is outstanding; Yoko Shimada, as Mariko-san is delicate and beautiful. Supporting cast is also very good and we may point out Frankie Sakai (Yabu), Damien Thomas (Father Alvito), John Rhys-Davies (Rodrigues) and Yuki Meguro (Omi) as over par.
It also may be noted that "Shogun" has been nominated and won some Emmy Awards.
Enjoy this mini series!
Reviewed by Max Yofre.
Movie Review: Fabulous after all these years!
Summary: 5 Stars
Shogun has been, and always will be one of the best Mini Series to hit television!Never has there been a more perfectly constructed use of television to convey a story either before or since this mini series. Put simply, Shogun is a masterful adaptaion of the James Clavell Novel that translates with complete perfection to the screen. Personally, I have been waiting for the release of this movie on DVD since DVD was invented. The VHS tape was just too expensive, and not good enough quality to merit the honor this film deserves!It is the story of Pilot Major Blackthorn
(an English navagator aborad Dutch sailing Ship who lands on the "Japans")played by Richard Chamberlain, who is forced to learn the Japanese language and culture because if he does not, his crew and entire villiages will be put to death. He is taught the language and customs through the teachings of Mariko(Yoko Shimada), a japanese lady who is trusted by one of highest lords of Japan: Lord Toranaga(played by Toshiro Mifune). Pilot Major Blackthorn, eventually falls in love with Mariko, and forms a love triangle with Lord Buntaro(Mariko's husband) on their journy to fulfill Lord Toronagas ambition fo becoming a "Shogun" warlord.The only title more powerful than Emperor.This is only a infinitessimal glimpse of the plot! It is a huge whilrwind of honor,political boundaries, culture, and tradition amidst a touching story of love. All of which are portayed beautifully in fuedal Japan. The costumes and settings are pristine, and the language is kept as close to the original time period Japanese as was possible for the translations.
Just as "American Yakuza" (a film from the 1990's) was true to
the current Japanese language and culture, so was this film true to the ancient culture and language of Japan.
The Mini series is a masterpiece. All the performers were perfect in the roles. Which range from Traditional Japanese roles to Spanish traders, to Jesuit priests. If you value history, and cherish tradion, this is a film to covet! There are not enough words in the English language to describe how wonderful this film is. By all means if you enjoy things from Japan, and value their history and culture, this fim is for you!