Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
Cast: Cosmo Jarvis, Hiroyuki Sanada, Anna Sawai, Nestor Carbonell, Tadanobu Asano, Takehiro Hira, Tommy Bastow, Fumi Nikaido, Tokuma Nishioka, Hiroto Kanai, Yasunari Takeshima, Moeka Hoshi, Yuki Kura, Ako, Ned Dennehy, Hiromoto Ida, Toshi Toa, Takeshi Kurkawa.
James Clavell’s seminal novel Shogun is arguably one of the reasons that the West became more than enamoured with Japan’s almost secret history, that the role played by the country in World War Two could be, if not forgiven, then explained in a deeper context of a period of time in which its present was heavily dictated to, and inspired by its honour, as well as what could be seen as its brutality.
The opportunity to place the two era of Japan’s history side by side, possibly the two most defining periods in the minds of those to whom who find no solace in the period of isolationism declared by the country, and see it with the eyes of a society bound by courage and a feudal system is overwhelming, and that is exactly how the latest adaption of the book, and starring Cosmo Jarvis as the English sailor John Blackthorne and Hiroyuki Sanada as the indomitable Toranaga, casts its spell over the viewer with charm, elegance, and a sizeable amount of intrigue.
To think of out-performing the original adaption 1980s version with Richard Chamberlin in the lead European role could be seen as act of wanton instability in television terms, but the sense of the seismic clash of culture, the cruelty of church and state is powerful, it is almost terrifying to con template just how the start of the 17th Century was starting to reveal, and it shows with detailed logic and fierce drama within this absolutely shining example of television performance.
Cosmo Jarvis is terrific as the outspoken and unbowed English sailor, Anna Sawai just makes the viewer swoon with her courage as the translator Toda Mariko, Nestor Carbonell is as assured in his role as ever, and Hiroyuki Sanada is outstanding as Toranaga; it is to this and others within the framework of the extensive narrative that brings the tale to extraordinary life, such depth, such meaning, almost mind blowing in its delivery.
Shogun is a masterpiece of expression and historical reveal, a production with few rivals.
Ian D. Hall