Shogun Is Incredible: One Of The Strongest Series Starts In Years

The TJCS crew discuss the premiere of the Hulu series Shogun and give their thoughts about the show’s debut.
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[@DEVANS44]

I’m Incredibly proud to see how well Shōgun is being received! I worked as a 3D artist on the show and I’m so hyped now it’s finally out for everyone to see!

[@MrJimbeezee]

Congratulations and thank you for your hard work!

[@DEVANS44]

@@MrJimbeezee Thanks! It was a great project to be a part of!

[@fj6648]

Great job. Congratulations 🎉

[@Godzilladad]

How was the food for lunch?

[@TheKillerNut]

Bro if you worked on the intro that crap was tight dawg. If not, idk what other 3d effects are in there because I couldn’t see them so take that as a compliment in and of itself

[@jkid4855]

I'm shocked at how authentic the way the Japanese actors speak - the accent, and grammar are all of Japan from the 1600. It is really feel like I'm watching a Taiga drama from NHK. This is the highest praise I can give to a production coming from Hollywood. I can't believe they do this as not respecting Asian authenticity in culture and also actors has been the Hollywood norm for over a hundred years, and somehow they put aside all their built-in prejudices and made a TV show which respected Japan and the culture. Never expected this from Hollywood, ever.

[@easyislander]

Me too. The level of honorifics is amazing. Each Japanese character speaks differently to each in the olden days which is like us speaking Latin or Greek.

[@iamlinda100]

this is because Hiroyuki Sanada who also produces the show wanted the show to be as authentic as possible, so he specifically requested that all the Japanese characters must be played by real Japanese actors, and most of the production crew are also Japanese, they hired Japanese professionals who are experts in Japanese customs and etiquette during that period of time in Japanese history, to train all the Japanese actors. Most of the Japanese cast and crew were hired directly from Japan and for many of them this was their first time ever working on a non-Japanese production.

[@Chapa-pa-pa]

It's a crime we have to wait a week for episode 3 to drop. And then another week after that for 4 to drop. IT'S CRIMINAL!

[@christopherrymer3062]

I loved the original series. My father showed it to me when I started studying Japanese in junior high back in the 90s. I’ve been living in Japan for 16 years now, and when I heard Shogun was coming, I told all my work (Japanese) friends about it. The Classical Japanese teacher who has his desk next to me said the way they use Classical Japanese was great. Most Japanese people have to think while listening too, which is a plus because it pulls the Japanese audience in. Also, I am enjoying watching it with my (Japanese) wife. We have been married for 13 years now, and I told her that I always say myself in Blackthorne when I moved here. I can’t wait to see more!!!

[@celesteyar27]

It's true then that there were Japanese drafts of the script by experts in Classical Japanese.

[@christopherrymer3062]

@@celesteyar27 The Classical Japanese teacher and I are having a after episode chat for them. Ill pick his brain more on the topic.

[@spdcrzy]

I have a very high bar for new TV shows. I very rarely DON'T skip through slower moments in any episode I see on streaming services, because usually they're just clunky and not that great. I watched the first episode at 3am and didn't skip a SINGLE FUCKING FRAME. All one hour and ten minutes of it. It was perfect.

[@iLoveChrisSmoove]

Shogun is immersive, has great acting, no wasted dialouge, and an intriguing story.

[@MahKe03]

Shogun has so far surpassed expectations, even compared against the original TV miniseries in the 70s. The series boasts a superb cast besides Hiroyuki Sanada. Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano, Nestor Carbonell, Joaquim de Almeida. Eagerly awaiting the next episodes.

[@johnbull1568]

Joaquim de Almeida is unrecognisable. I knew I knew that voice, but I had to look up who played the character, and I still didn't recognise him. It's a shame he only had such a limited role.

[@kaylehenderson9222]

first two episodes got me jacked for the rest of the series.

[@33Duce]

Shogun is the best cinema that has been made for years.

[@loribowe1130]

I could not take my eyes off this for a second. In every way, I was stunned and impressed, shocked it was THIS GOOD!!!! Mind blown!!!

[@willyjohnson444]

The first two episodes aren’t action packed if people are expecting that, but the script, acting, cinematography, and just the intensity when everything comes together makes this a must watch. Can’t wait for the rest of the show

[@Godzilladad]

I’m fine with that

[@r.n.321]

Watched the first two episodes, and omg,, you could tell how much authenticity the producers placed on the japanese culture..and this story telling is great! Amazing actors and scenery..i hope this will be a start of a great series and much talks about it will boost its ratings so more seasons to come

[@mongezimaepa]

Shogun is on HBO level. It's as good as likes of Chernobyl, The Last Of Us, HotD and GoT S1-S4. HBO should take notice. We deserve more shows at this level of mastery of storytelling. I'm just so happy 😊 😃 😀

[@prawnstar9213]

Funny you put Chernobyl in there.. because I didn’t hear much hype surrounding and it and feel it remains a smaller title. But I’m in total agreement.. it is one of the best hbo shows ever. I’ve never felt so scared that perhaps some radiation could be in the air. I even bought those little rad cards you can put in your wallet that expire after 2 years. The account was spot on.. I was just a child of 2 and a half when it happened.. born in what is now Latvia but was the USSR then.. the show got the clothing.. cars.. god it was like being back there in our apartment.. and we immigrated to the US specifically because of Chernobyl.. we were SO lucky to have been smuggled out. and despite being 600 miles away from Kiev my whole family developed either thyroid cancer, prostate cancer, or brain cancer. My parents watched the first episode and couldn’t watch anymore.. but the show was so good. A+

[@phillipsalaises2782]

You are high it's no GOT especially only after one season. There will never ever ever be a show like GOT.

[@AlTaJr61]

I was ready to be disappointed because I saw the original and read the book. AND i was blown away even though I already knew the story.

[@semisaj5564]

Episode 3 is incredible

[@johnlocke4715]

You know a show is great when you beg your friends to watch it so that you have someone to talk about it with.

[@NDMatrix]

One of the best books I’ve ever read. Excited for the show.

[@monthsbehind9730]

A very strong showing for the first two episodes. Excited to see more to come.

[@kurtschaaf2165]

This show is honestly incredible 2 episodes in. Surpassed all my expectations. Must watch for everyone, if it keeps this quality and pace honestly gonna be in my top 5 maybe even top 3

[@leocmen]

It is a masterpiece

[@troyelam8978]

Shogun so far is on par with Vikings! I’m not easily impressed at all, but so far Shogun is GOOD, subtitles and all!

[@madtitan0825]

I love how they really take their time to lay out feudal Japan setting and its politics, usually I get overwhelmed by show with big scope and world building but for this one they really make a well though out set up and explanation that is not hard to understand but not in a spoon fed way

[@rafalczajkowski9988]

I remember watching shogun when I was a child growing up in Poland. I loved it and I'm happy with the new one as well. I'm sure it's just gonna get better each episode.

[@str1xt]

This is so, so good. I am hooked. I have watched all three episodes and then I rewatched, just in case I missed some of the subtitles, as I knew I would . 10/10 so far.

[@davidlord1810]

I'm completely hooked, Tuesday can't come soon enough.

[@blinksstayfresh2524]

Best show of 2024 so far

[@TonyEbikemeJr]

Not joking but the guy playing Blackthorn REALLY sounds like Richard Burton. I closed my eyes and swear it was him.

[@nicolajohnson1887]

I had to stop and Google it wasn't Tom hardy the, who is one of my fav actors, it's like they cloned him. But Burton was a legend still one of my top three male stars of all time, Sofia Loren being my fav female actor.

[@jahlink1ify]

Thank God someone said it Heroes season one and two was one of the best start to a show I have ever seen

[@Man_of_god91]

Shogun is 10/10

[@marksousa8595]

I'm Portuguese and love this show

[@TianmaoMa-rd1rn]

Portuguese architectural influences are still visible in places like Macao and Fuzhou, China today. Just like German ones for Qindao, China. To say nothing of foreign occupations below Yunnan's southern border neighbors like Laos and Vietnam. Western Colonialism and British Imperialism in China were demoralizing to its People. The enduring of collective shame from a regrettable, dark history beget impetus for modern military imperatives we witness today.

[@stephanl2409]

Shogun is a proper show, brilliant

[@Thisthat1234]

One thing is for sure, this series is WELL made. Objectively high quality. They are swinging for the fences and they are showing that budget. Love it!

[@marlonlam6959]

Yo wtf is with the spoiler talk lately? I thought you guys were professional. Dune spoilers and now shogun. Y’all are my favorite, but wtf man.

[@Jorge-tq1iu]

So annoying

[@chadhall9756]

This show is so good

[@nikolotolentino]

So good I saw both episodes twice then I told all my coworkers and friends to watch it lol

[@throfur3489]

Just finished episode 2 and I'm somewhat envying my mate who said he would wait till all 10 episodes are out to binge it, cause I can't wait for the next episode.

[@josenino7140]

So nice the Writers focused on writing and directors focused on directing...

[@jhonatanjhs]

Not just them, for it to be this good, everybody involved must've given their best.

[@alexanderp7083]

​@jhonatanjhs very true but if your writer, directors and actors are strong, then the show will be fantastic regardless of set/cgi quality etc.

[@NiGHTS1980]

Watched both episodes. First one was awesome but the second episode went to the next level. Can't wait to see where it goes.

[@user-rv9hp6bo3y]

I'm really starting to get into Asian period pieces, I enjoy Marco Polo and I loved Kingdom on Netflix, I'll definitely give Shogun a look.

[@celesteyar27]

Shōgun does remind me so much of Marco Polo, it's uncanny, although none of the Mongolian characters speak Mongolian, let alone 13th C Mongolian. Marco Polo made me acknowledge Benedict Wong as a dramatic actor.

[@derekchin6403]

Give Warrior (Netflix) a shot, too!

[@user-rv9hp6bo3y]

@@celesteyar27 When it comes to language we just have to give it the benefit of imagination. Give Kingdom a try if you haven't watched it. It's a bit more fantasy but it's still really good.

[@user-rv9hp6bo3y]

@@derekchin6403 I've heard only good things about that show that's definitely on the watchlist

[@MercF14]

Episode three is even better! Best ever miniseries.

[@babyyoda6549]

This series makes me want to live in Japan

[@Jedi_Esco]

I was extremely hyped for Shōgun & I was not let down in the slightest! Great show, I’m fully invested.

[@weneedareset]

You guys literally capture all of my sentiments about this show, I was hooked for sure and sold, when the Englishman revealed the intentions of the Portuguese....just subscribed, you gives gave the best breakdown.

[@piklezy6818]

I was in my teens when the original mini series came out and my love of everything samurai started , I loved loved loved the first two episodes I rewatched without the subtitles as I did with the original wonderful ❤

[@Shamino1]

For me the subtitles were hardwired into the show. How did you remove subtitles from FX's Shogun?

[@federicomanueldavila9853]

Dude, this show is soooo good. Can't wait until i see the complete season.

[@YellinInMyEar]

I just watched on Hulu. Amazing!!!!

[@ReigningWordsPublishingLLC]

Beautiful authenticity. I love how immersive the first two episodes have been.

[@nicolajohnson1887]

The main character sounds like Tom hardy I thought it was at one point, he has star power.

[@user-qb1we9lm2i]

演出も作法も、素晴らしいです。 茶道は、本来女性の嗜みではなく 戦国武将が戦に行く前に気を沈める為の 精神統一の為です。 武道、花道、茶道、書道、全て道が つきます。 この道は魂の修行の神道に通じます。 全てに神が宿る教え。 神の正体は鏡。鏡とは己の魂を映します。

[@Ngamotu83]

I've been eagerly anticipating Shogun since Disney announced it back in December 2020, and it does not disappoint at all. It's the best show I have watched in years. One thing I've since realised that makes this show really interesting, is that when any character is speaking English, in-universe they are speaking Portuguese. That's why John Blackthorne is able to communicate with the Catholic priests from Portugal, and why Mariko is questioned on how fluent she is in Portuguese but then later seems to be speaking in English.

[@ChRisu_Ojisan]

The spoken languages are supposed to be portuguese and Japanese only.

[@MaMastoast]

@@ChRisu_Ojisan That's what OP said? English represents Portuguese

[@ChRisu_Ojisan]

@@MaMastoast yes

[@WsbiKing]

John, you put this on my radar and I thank you. Only had time to catch the first episode but the cinematography was top notch. Anna Sawai's acting stole the episode. Here's to hoping it stays great

[@jimmy_x557]

It's so good!!!

[@Citadel1221]

I watched the 2 episodes; watched them again the next day and then immediately bought the book because I can't wait until Tuesday.

[@nsculley5576]

Enjoy the book!!

[@ramboluib2752]

Binge watched the first 3 episodes. OMG! 😱

[@epicwoad8999]

I really find it interesting so far, especially if you are interested in that time period and know about William Adams

[@DiogoPace]

It’s staggeringly amazing. Wasn’t expecting that.

[@vandeleonxto2097]

Asian Movies, Films and Shows RULE the World right now)

[@Piusplac]

What I missed else was John Rhys-Davies as spanish capitain ... there can't be a more brilliant spanish capitain than him in the world.

[@kjpphotography4764]

I really like this new version of it!

[@tastygravy6880]

Very good start, looking forward to the rest.

[@goodtimetoner]

Great series remake ! Love the costumes and production.. better than I remember as a kid.. my mom made me watch it

[@chrissmith4188]

I 100% agree with your review of this! It is so good! I too loved the original 1980 version and couldn’t wait for this 2024 reboot! I haven’t been able to find the 1980 version anywhere to stream. I’d like to rewatch it.

[@epiphany519]

This is an incredible adaptation of the novel. The characters are nuanced onions where every layer you peel away you find more and more. With "The Last of Us" and this (and Game of Thrones (original) before them all) I almost have faith that serialized storytelling (I don't want to call it TV anymore) isn't dead by 1000 non-scripted reality shows. Really hoping it doesn't drop off. Thanks John. Nice to see Vancouver in a different light.

[@justinhart2428]

I've already watched each episode twice

[@rafaelantoniovidalbranco2844]

I start to watched it last night I love it hooked, greetings from UK

[@lukaszepesi]

I loved the start of Shogun it's the best show since Arcane imo.

[@mlandvojohnshongwe4072]

This show is freaking awesome, hands down.

[@user-dn8mw4uw7q]

One of the reasons for Japan's isolation was that missionaries from Portugal exported Japanese people as slaves.

[@shivamarya5225]

Also they were converting people to christanity in exchange for rice grain, people were fine with it but the king didnt agree

[@Tz3952ii]

That I heard about it too and also they encouraged people to destroy some Buddhist and Shinto buildings and statues like Muslims do sometimes? I read somewhere that the missionaries were often used to colonize foreign lands and their ships often equipped with huge cannons and they carried so much unnecessary weapons

[@williamthomas3710]

best 2 episode start in a while for me - cant wait to see if this ends up show of the year - def seems like it

[@user-dn8mw4uw7q]

Sanada san made great effort to make this series truethful, authentic and entertaining. So happy to see US audience are now enjoying the show!

[@cscentrl-tv5877]

I watch Shogun & Dune, the latest version of their movies, at the same time. They are great!

[@user-dn8mw4uw7q]

Costume was done by Kazuko Kurosawa, eldest daughter of Akira Kurosawa.

[@simoonly1]

It's definitely the best Tv show last years, if they keep doing what they do , could be TV show of decade.

[@toysylvania]

Love the 2 episodes❤ I am basically in awe of everything, production, dialogue, everything... But please, try to pronounce it correctly 😂 it's Shō-goon, not Shō-gun.

[@troyelam8978]

John: “You don’t know me.” Old man: “Ha, I’ve known a 1000 of you.” I’m taking this line, I’m claiming it, and using it on anyone younger, who gets sassy!

[@johnkim163]

Have you seen the OG version with T. Mifune and Richard Chamberlain?

[@ongayoan]

The sepukko ritual should been shown as part of the ending scene on the dirst episode. At least the slash, not necessarily the head falling off, itd make the ending sequemce more dramatic

[@JAF729]

I am such a huge fan of the original. I grew up with it and fell in love with the story. I liked it so much that it interfered with me enjoying part one of the series. It was like an internal struggle - I knew what I was watching was good but I couldn't stop comparing the new cast to the old cast - Richard Chamberlain, Toshiro Mifune, Yoko Shimada, and John Rhys Davies had become these characters for me. After part one I turned it off because I felt I needed to try and adjust my mindset because I could tell this was going to be special too. I am going to try and watch it again tonight with a more open mind so I can give these actors a chance.

[@user-dfgcxxsdfd4rt]

this is great show❤i love japan ❤❤❤

[@heavycritic9554]

It's really fucking good! So far, the 1980 version follows the novel more closely, but I can't really fault the 2024 version for the changes. It gives the Japanese characters more agency and depth, while still letting Blackthorne be the main character. I'm also glad to not have a cheesy voice-over like in the 1980 version, even though it was done by the legendary Orson Welles. In both versions, they absolutely nailed the actor playing Toranaga. Hiroyuki Sanada being one of the few people I can think of off hand, who could take over Mifune's mantle.

[@derfliv206]

I am so relieved this show is this good. Seeing movie after movie and show after show repeatedly shoot themselves in the foot with the most obvious blunders and stupid decisions is just soul crushing. So far, shogun shows that all you need to do when you have source material as great as james clavells novels is fucking stick to it, and only make changes when it benefits the story or medium.

[@aliasmontana1355]

This show is 🔥

[@CuriosidadeseDicasFitness]

Hi, I'm 45 years old and I've read the book about 30 times or more since I was 15. I've also watched the adaptation with Richard Chamberlain and Toshiro Mifune from the 80s. In my opinion, the ideal would be to merge the two, because while the older one is more faithful as they hardly used the famous poetic license to change events and scenes from the book, from what I've seen in these first two episodes of the FX series, that seems to be the main mistake, to the extent of completely altering some events.

[@cwsohio]

I'm trying to set aside my favorite book and a loved miniseries and give this a chance. I cringe at somethings (Toranaga saying Blackthorne could change the tide before even meeting him), glad to see somethings from not from the book (Fujiko holding her son for the last time) and sad that Rodriguez isn't given his chance

[@MarekWachowski]

I Love to see inner child in both of you

[@simpolang]

This is what scorpions been doing before hunting the Lin Kuei

[@Billy01113]

I liked the original show, so far I LOVE this version.

[@Truthbetold-sl9wu]

The best start for me was Black Sails! It started with a ship attacked by a Pirate ship!

[@kona883]

The book is incredible! It’s tied for my favorite novel with Lonesome Dove and Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse!

[@joelvicuna8982]

I read lonesome dove and without remorse and both are crap😂😂😂

[@MIZZ.BLKNRD]

So far so good. Episode 1 was a bit better than Episode 2 IMO. I cannot wait for the next one to drop.

[@jacob-mikaldorsey3893]

Pretty crazy I’m pretty sure they announced shogun the same time they announced only murders in the building

[@73richg]

Pillowing? YES PLEASE.

[@jonathanjensen8268]

John Campea, what do you think of the series Tokyo Vice, which currently in the midst of the second season?

[@kenbozu1]

Saw it on FX after i came home from watching Madam Web. Hiroyuki Sanada is perfect as Toronaga just like Toshiro Mifune was for the original, but the other actors who I think could've played Toronaga as well in this version would've been Sonny Chiba (RIP) or Ken Watanabe.

[@johnbull1568]

Love the show so far. The big advantage it has over the original is that the original was like watching the same stuff twice. The Japanese characters would talk in Japanese, and then Mariko would explain absolutely everything to the audience via Blackthorn, which got tiresome really quickly. Nice to see a non-HBO show treat the audience like adults.

[@RajDeelish]

Totally agree. Rings of Power lacked power and Shogun was AWESOME! I really liked the original Shogun and was wondering if the modern version was going to be a waste of time. Turns out...WOW!

[@burchfarmer8176]

this is by far a perfect TV series and it has me hooked, when you have Hiroyuki Sanada in it you just know its going to be a great show.

[@yv3652]

So question about ratings? How the deck is Shogun TV-14 in the US but 18 rating in the UK? Especially with the graphic violence?

[@tk98jd]

US rating system is overly tolerant of graphic violence but extremely prudish about sexual content.

[@SamJDaGreat]

I love it not gonna lie

[@kduton1]

I think it's a great show. I'm sad there's only 1 season.

[@davidtennien39]

Agreed...