SHŌGUN's Anna Sawai breaks down that intense ninth episode & previews the finale | TV Insider

[@VOTEDODY]

I’ll put this here too because it needs to be recognized. Anna Sawais portrayal of Mariko is not only the best acting I have seen all year, it’s some of the best acting I have ever seen. Building on one of the most incredible, strong and complex characters ever put to paper, the show was able to elevate Mariko into new dimensions; The writers gave Mariko focus and stoicism, and Sawai gave her heart and raw, unbridled power. Not many people can believably play a one-person army able to topple an empire. What a lightning storm of a performance she gives in episode 9 and all throughout this series. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of an Emmy.

[@JCMcGee]

Yes...This, 100%.

[@kenxiong6830]

Sawai brought the character to life. I watched the 60s version and was not as impressed as I was with the current Mariko

[@JCMcGee]

@@kenxiong6830 80s ...and you're about 1 out of 2 people in the world that weren't impressed...plus it's not an either or situ..

[@krisztianmayer]

I do the same as you. I comment everywhere because it truly needs to be recognized that something important happened when Anna's path and Mariko's path crossed each other. It was a God-blessed moment in filmmaking. I can't really recall when I felt the same way before about an actor's performance. When I saw Christoph Waltz in Inglourious Basterds, perhaps that was when I was so impressed, and Christoph's portrayal then deserved an Oscar.

[@misteral1083]

Here here!!!

[@danieleven315]

What's great about Mariko and the finale is, you don't realise she's actually the star of the show until she dies and when she's not in it, you truly miss her character.

[@sdottwal]

Exactly how I felt throughout the entirety of episode 10

[@kmp101]

Its pretty obvious she is a star character.

[@JoeMarch-wj1oy]

I knew she was the star lol

[@DisasterArtist1997]

her, Blackthorne and Toranaga are the 3 Stars of the Show clearly

[@xzxasxadxas]

@@DisasterArtist1997 yeah

[@fodaysankoh8930]

Anna was so good, that in the tea ceremony scene she actually made me feel sorry for Buntaro for a brief moment. She was THAT ice cold!

[@KevinUchihaOG]

also buntaros teary eyes was top notch acting,

[@markmywords3817]

Mariko had a hard life, but in retrospect, Buntaro had a hard life too as a side effect. Buntaro seemed to have really loved Mariko but has been acting out of spite after years of ice cold treatment because she was duty bound... only for her emotions to falter for the Anjin. No wonder Buntaro was always looking like he was about to kill Blackthorne with his eyes 😂

[@krisztianmayer]

Anna and Mariko is an excellent example of when a heartbreaking story meets a beautiful character and an actress worthy of it. It rarely happens that perfect way in movie history.

[@MrBuketman]

She learned English super fast.

[@shemarlosscott2656]

Anna Sawai is Gorgeous

[@BrokenhornKT]

Anna is an Amazing Talent and a True beauty, she has a Golden future!

[@Vlad6525]

It was mesmerizing watching her in Shogun and it’s mesmerizing watching her now…

[@safuwanfauzi5014]

Colocasia Mesmerizing Beauty

[@Arken2249]

💯 % agree!!🥰

[@Dani-ub3ve]

Watching the finale, all I did was cry because I was missing Mariko. Her presence was truly missed

[@somerset8088]

“It meant so much to me.” And that’s why it meant so much to us. Your gesture of deep respect for your role is not lost on us. かたじけない, Anna- -sama ❤

[@nicholassiple7838]

Incredible series and she was truly the heart & soul of the show. ❤

[@JohnLee-ff7hy]

Mariko, when you gave the order to kill Ishido's guards, that's been my favorite part of the whole series. I watched that part at least 20 times. Anna, you are such an amazing actor.

[@lanzknecht8599]

Well done, Anna Sawai! Hope to see more of you soon. Things you might have missed in this episode: Mariko is wearing a crimson kimono when confronting Ishido. She humbles him by reminding about her long samurai lineage. He was born a peasant. When her samurai confronts Ishido´s guards, he cuts off the fingers of the first one with his first slash, turns to the second and after finishing him, faces the first one again finally killing him.

[@michaelmunno]

I loved Anna's Mariko. she was awesome. very intense. I really felt for her throughout every one of her scenes. hard not to fall in love with her. Great character, fantastic actress. Anna Sawai is absolutely beautiful. outstanding.

[@Arken2249]

100% agree!!🥰

[@JCMcGee]

I think she talks about some of episode 10 here. Such an incredible actress....the show is an utter masterpiece.

[@philhayes1420]

The show is going to feel empty without her. Such beauty and talent.

[@Leonnie13]

That is how I felt after reading the book and seeing the old 80’s series. Mariko’s absence is felt in the remainder of the story.

[@skepticmind3296]

It s not gonna feel empty for very long though cuz there will be no season 2 😂😂

[@Георг-л5л]

The show is fucken over

[@godfirst9990]

That's right😂😂😂​@@skepticmind3296

[@bloom4807]

There is just one more episode.

[@pHaZe017]

She is an incredible actress, and i hope to see her in more shows in future.

[@fodaysankoh8930]

I've loved the original Shogun, and I had a HUGE crush on Yoko Shimada for the longest. That being said, Anna Sawai did a much better job of playing Mariko. They allowed her to really explore the depths of the character in a way that probably wasn't feasible in the original series. She knocked it out of the park.

[@Eliza-dn4sv]

Episode 9 is one of the best acting I have seen.

[@almo9060]

Her acting was amazing.

[@alecphommavong]

Actor of the year! She was amazing in the show

[@nandi123]

What an elegant beauty.

[@2bonosc]

You did an incredible job. One of the strongest female roles and you hit it out of the park!

[@michael_swardh]

Anna is an amazing actress and a stunning beauty.

[@richardwalling845]

I hope you, your castmates and producers/production staff realize what a fantastic accomplishment Shogun is. Thank you most sincerely for your dedication to your character and craft.

[@carlstanford7607]

Fantastic actor and great series

[@TheGordyb102]

I fell in love with Mariko fifty years ago when reading Shogun, Anna portrayed her beyond expectations and contributed greatly to the success of the series. I have always believed she was the ultimate Samari protagonist in the book.

[@eduardoalvarez1921]

Kashigi Yabushige definitely my favorite character in Shogun. Most colorful of them all. Lot more layers to him as well. He's that dude that is doing everything to stay alive. By no means a saint and constantly switching alliances and such but deep down I believe he hates the politics of it all and just wants to be free from it. Although he sides with Ishido when necessary, I believe his character also despises Ishido. That is my interpretation of him at least. Love this series and absolutely hate that it's ending. I've always had a secret love affair with Japanese culture, although I am a Mexican immigrant, my mother claims that she is part Japanese from her mothers side and if true that blood line although slight is in me as well. I can see it with old pictures of my uncles and even with my sister and I think its f*cking cool.

[@orangeswirls324]

She’ll be missed 😢

[@DisasterArtist1997]

This was one of the best Performances i have ever seen Even the Episode as a whole was of the best ever

[@NCAnglophile]

This show is outstanding across the board; every performance is top notch. But Mariko has been the beating heart of this show and Anna Sawai's performance is nothing short of astonishing. To convey so much emotion with just her eyes or the set of her jaw, but then to have that payoff in Episode 9 where Mariko finally gets to let everything just pour out of her was immensely powerful to watch. I'm gutted that we won't see Mariko in the finale, but Ms. Sawai should be soaring with satisfaction at the work she has done. A+++!

[@commonsenseisntcommon1776]

I loved the series!!! I'm sad it's over!

[@Ese_osa]

I will miss her

[@lawbinson]

Such a great show and amazing performance. Anna is also such a fantastic communicator on behalf of the show.

[@Arken2249]

What an amazingly beautiful and talented young woman! What an amazing performance!! I am absolutely smitten!!🥰🙏🎁

[@carole435]

Anna I was enthralled by you acting and the person you played. I cannot get over the acting ability of you all. I don't enjoy series watching they bore me but shogun I could not stop. Thankyou all for this Anna you will go far my best to my favourite samari Hiroyuki Sanada xxxxxxx

[@darkdrake13]

Shoutout to her perfect fluency in both english and Japanese. This lady grew up in Japan.

[@domn8dontw8]

Mariko.... One of the most cherished and incredible characters in the history of literature. And Anna was nothing short of perfection for such an amazing and important character. Amazing job. Incredible show.

[@IronMike64]

She and cosmo have to do more together tbh i love their chemistry it’s hella vibey not forced and cringe and not too shy just perfectly balanced cosmo is a great actor too i wish him all the best now that this series has done good he will get more recognition for his good acting

[@buchikamacrazy]

Couldn’t agree more 💯

[@edecildo]

This episode is so emotionally packed that it doesn't I can stop thinking about him. What a script! Anna Sawai´s Mariko sama is the ultimate representation of feminine power, balancing delicacy and attitude. Calm waters are deep... Unforgettable!

[@Zero_Point_Energy1]

Just give her the Emmy now and be done with it.

[@TheStrataminor]

Absolutely golden show, every episode was spot on, never dragged and was a beautiful interpretation of Clavell's Shogun...masterpiece!

[@somethingsomethingsomethingdar]

I had not seen the old series or read the books. Blackthorn stepping up to be her second was the biggest show of affection.

[@chrisfox961]

I agree that was such a powerful moment. It showed that he respected and embraced their culture and was more honorable than the regent who backed out of his obligation. It also showed how his love for her had no limits.

[@matty2457]

The most mesmerizing performance I have seen for many, many years. Superb script, and oustanding actors.

[@dproukous1570]

I agree with all the accolades for her performance.BRAVO

[@fragr33f74]

The way she expressed Mariko's complexity was incredible. Only after the show ended did I realise that Mariko was essentially the most important character in the show.

Mariko is a beautiful example of a strong, intelligent, elegant and amazing woman. We need more of this.

[@shayfranks23]

She was my favorite character throughout this series. I’m really gonna miss this show😢

[@nokta7373]

"Presence is felt most keenly in absence"

[@binadevaney7377]

She played this role beautifully. Amazing my wife said!!!

[@smiffyoh7894]

And some say there are no strong female characters anymore? What a masterclass of acting from start to finish. Absolutely incredible 🙌

[@meeeptheconqueror6759]

Anna, I hope you can get more projects as great as your character in Shogun. You did a great job!

[@mikemuponda1781]

This character was so well written in ways i cant even put into words, Anna absolutely knocked it out the park!!

[@Awakendabeast13]

Beautiful series and you brought Mariko to life simply superb omg broke my heart

[@KalvinPatel]

She is delightful. Big things coming for her for sure!

[@Dean1000...]

Great actress!

[@jasonahmarani315]

Loved her acting sooo much that I needed to watch her in the other series that is : monarch legacy of monsters. She's a brilliant actress and her role in Shogun was soooo damn good wow 👌👌

[@gtavgamer670]

Anna Sawai looks more cute and more beautiful when she dressed as Mariko. She is beautiful too in modern dress

[@antoniettacolella7798]

Bellissima interpretazione Anna meriti il Emmy oscar spettacolare ti seguirò altri Film❤❤❤

[@Kim28192]

We will miss Mariko-Sama 😢 thank you Anna for this amazing performance. Just... wow! Btw.. it's kinda hard not to fall in love with her/Mariko-Sama as a hetero woman 😂

[@mrmartinez8p]

I understand it’s the way it was suppose to happen and it’s been almost a week now I can get over it. It is the acting the way she slayed Mariko deserves awards! This show bro messed me up but I love it. Wish there could be a 2nd season.

[@G.MOBAStudios]

Maaaaaan talk about day and night....wasn't a fan of hers in monarch, but she was awesome in this series. Sad it's over

[@kenanganrindu90]

Anna Sawai, i love you❤❤❤

[@johnrobinson4445]

Crying all over again. What a ride this show was.

[@nephilimslayer]

I actually watched all 10 episodes in 1 day because she made me fall in love with her character....she is so beautiful and so talented. I also think she is the most beautiful woman I've seen. I fell in love with her just like blackthorn and when she gave her life at episode 9 I felt pain inside me. Asian women are the most beautiful women....I hope the best for this beautiful girl ❤

[@alistairlegge7225]

I have loved the book for decades. First reading it as a teenager. I worried that this series would be bad like the 80s version. However, this has been done excellently. Anna Sawai’s portrayal of Mariko has been superb. Great casting all round.

[@charlyjames9145]

Try reading the book again!

[@ericchild8845]

That is one beautiful, intelligent and awesome woman right there. 🥰

[@Dawes-Drummin]

This lady will go far in her career… destined

[@fabiofernandes9122]

depends on what movies she is on.

[@davideylerYT]

Fantastic questions too - great interview!

[@jesusmariagarciaarejula9032]

I sincerely hope that at least one of the two announced seasons will be focused on her story before Blackthorne. She was for me the main reason for attending the show.

[@キョロちゃん-p2z]

この将軍というドラマは 男臭い世界観の中 鞠子、落ち葉の方、藤、菊、吟の５名の女性陣たちは 非常に強力な骨格を さりげなく築いていた そしてドラマ序盤で死生観では全くブレずに覚悟が示されたのは藤だが ９話ではドラマ全体の主役は鞠子だった事がわかった それにしても各話各話でそれぞれのキャラクターたちの 個性と視点からの没入感が優れた俳優陣のお陰で高まり 無意味で無駄なものが皆無だ 全ては最終話で収束されるよう緻密な計算が施されていて 驚くべき大規模構造のドラマだよ

[@rayrecordings]

Anna-Mariko deserves an Emmy.

[@RDd188]

True gold performance from her. Long live her performance as Mariko Sama.

[@gaius5901]

She's literally the best character of the show Watching the finale felt like a huge part of my heart was missing 😢

[@RoyKoopaling]

She’s so great.

[@hotfmnews9755]

I would pay to watch any movie she's in,she's an amazing actor, i was Team Mariko from the start.

[@micca903]

This was such a wonderful performance, I hope she gets all the roles she wants and I will absolutely be watching. The whole cast was excellent but her performance was just phenomenal.

[@od1401]

I wanted very much for her to be happy, and was relieved when the seppuku didn't go ahead. This was a heart breaking moment.

[@SethGames]

She deserves an Emmy for this role. It was a fantastic show and episode 9 was one of the best episodes of a show ever.

[@Red-In-The-Head-LFC]

so beautiful and talented

[@insanepolarbear]

This show is one of the best tv series I've seen in a very long time. Absolutely amazing actors, costumes, visuals. You name it.

[@emiliosoto5912]

For about 40 or 50 years, Hollywood had not developed a female character to truly the actress performance. Ana Sawais should concentrate on serious film characters. As Mariko and Japanese culture, Shogun was the best tv show ever. Bravo Ms. Sawais. ❤

[@GreysonSharkpunch]

Just needed to See Mariko still alive. Thank you Anna.

[@uiflorin]

In the book, and the 1980 miniseries that follow the book, Mariko dies just before the end. I'm wondering what the next series will bring on screen, without her character. This new interpretation of the novel has focused more on the political landscape, with Anjin-Mariko romance as background story, while in the book is the other way around. They travel on foot and on horse to Osaka, for weeks, during which time they consume their relationship "until the first bridge of Osaka". In this FX production they only make love once, not expressing their love to the fullest. I scrambled the internet for the 1980 production and found it on archive and watched it again and again.

[@farukhtanveer7571]

Great character and brilliantly acted. Just awesome ❤

[@johncampbell9120]

Anna is beautiful😊

[@BlueGlimpser]

Her beauty is mesmerizing 🥰

[@aznesthirteen8168]

I like how as soon as she wrapped shogun she went to the beach and got an awesome tan

[@aerball]

She's so god dang pretty.

[@gamerxplanetx8637]

This is an instant classic

[@YeahYeahb-tch]

Oooh mariko sama 😍

[@commonsenseisntcommon1776]

She's so beautiful

[@ogion539]

She carried!!

[@Iamniko__]

If she doesn’t win multiple awards internationally and in the states, idk what will be “good acting”

[@DonLeStudio]

MARIKO FOR LIFE How do we even begin to watch Shogun Season 2 without her? Every episode will feel empty...

[@fvingerhoed]

Great actress. I was so sad she died..

[@Mr.Kn19ht]

She so beautiful ❣️

[@SlowBloke123]

Damnit my fav char by a mile in the show… sucks she is gone.

[@MycketKar]

I didn’t know how good she is when watching Monsters which doesn’t showcase her ability. Two very different characters. Bravo Anna.

[@kuldeepkarjee5024]

Anna sawai, please do a comedy movie, I haven't been out of the grief of Mariko's death, I was fully traumatized from the last scene of episode 9

[@Otohimeurashima]

She sang and danced in a J-pop group called FAKY in the Japanese entertainment industry. Search on youtube Please to heal your trauma It might be useful.

[@malalford]

This series made me appreciate the original so much more

[@user-ci5le3uk5l]

Ive become an Anna Sawai fan after that episode