Current:Home > FinanceReview: Dazzling 'Shogun' is the genuine TV epic you've been waiting for -Wealth Momentum Network
Review: Dazzling 'Shogun' is the genuine TV epic you've been waiting for
View
Date:2025-04-16 12:32:48
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! (4)
Related
- Why Sean "Diddy" Combs Is Being Given a Laptop in Jail Amid Witness Intimidation Fears
- France’s train network hit by 'massive attack' before Olympics opening ceremony
- Horoscopes Today, July 26, 2024
- This Mars rock could show evidence of life. Here's what Perseverance rover found.
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- Hugh Jackman Gets Teased Over His Divorce in Deadpool & Wolverine
- Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman surprise Comic-Con crowd with screening, Marvel drone show
- Bougie bear cub takes a dip in $6.9M mansion pool in North Carolina: See video
- Trump invites nearly all federal workers to quit now, get paid through September
- North Carolina Democrats sue to reverse decision that put RFK Jr. on ballots
Ranking
- Scoot flight from Singapore to Wuhan turns back after 'technical issue' detected
- A 3-year-old Minnesota boy attacked by pit bulls is not expected to survive
- 'Nightmare': Wildfires burn one of most beautiful places in the world
- MLB's best make deadline deal: Austin Hays to Phillies, Orioles get bullpen help
- The Louvre will be renovated and the 'Mona Lisa' will have her own room
- Arkansas standoff ends with suspect dead after exchange of gunfire with law enforcement
- Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman surprise Comic-Con crowd with screening, Marvel drone show
- Leagues Cup soccer schedule: How to watch, what to know about today's opening games
Recommendation
DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
Last week's CrowdStrike outage was bad. The sun has something worse planned.
Oregon wildfire map: Track 38 uncontrolled blazes that have burned nearly 1 million acres
North Carolina regulators says nonprofit run by lieutenant governor’s wife owes the state $132K
Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
'Percy Jackson' cast teases Season 2, cheers fandom: 'This show's hitting'
Three men — including ex-Marines — sentenced for involvement in plot to destroy power grid
Belgium women's basketball guard Julie Allemand to miss 2024 Paris Olympics with injury