'Shōgun' Review: Hiroyuki Sanada's stellar performance as Lord Yoshii Toranaga steals the show
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: One might easily describe FX's most recent historical drama, 'Shōgun', as a narrative accomplishment that provides a deep and engrossing experience akin to a magnum opus.
With its stunning production standards, complex character arcs, and ample emotional depth, the series, which is the brainchild of husband-and-wife team Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo, takes viewers to the fascinating world of feudal Japan.
The protagonist of the show is an English pilot named John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), who ends up on the coast of Japan.
Initially, Blackthorne and his crew face hostility and distrust. However, his expertise in navigation and weaponry caught the attention of Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada), a formidable and aspirational daimyō fighting for dominance over Japan.
Blackthorne's predicament is highlighted as the series goes on, as he is a foreigner who is now assisting Toranaga in gaining the title of shōgun and the ultimate authority.
The production design of 'Shōgun' is exceptional
Its extraordinary production value is what makes the series nothing short of a visual extravaganza. The production design is of the highest caliber and has the ability to take viewers back in time.
Exquisitely detailed towering castles, lifelike Minkas, and medieval artwork adorning the walls are all created with great care.
Furthermore, the clothes enhance the series' overall realism. These minute details provide a vivid and realistic picture of Japan during the feudal era.
Anna Sawai exemplifies elegance as Toda Mariko in 'Shōgun'
The individual performances in the series give the compelling plot greater substance.
The portrayal of the crafty and aspirational Lord Toranaga by Hiroyuki Sanada, who managed to avoid impeachment and enlist the aid of a foreigner to take over, is nothing short of extraordinary.
He epitomizes the mesmerizing depth, political intelligence, and drive of Toranaga. His small movements, such as a look or a flicker, speak volumes, demonstrating his true talent as an actor.
Cosmo Jarvis also portrays a stubborn guy who, unintentionally, becomes embroiled in the political intrigues of a faraway nation.
He presents an intriguing mix of the haughtiness and frailty of a guy struggling to survive in a foreign land.
Anna Sawai embodies all the elegance one might hope for from a highborn woman in medieval Japan. Her performance as Toda Mariko is fiery and empathetic, and she also emulates Mariko's intelligence.
Her portrayal of a strong woman negotiating the intricacies of a patriarchal culture adds dimension to the plot.
Interwoven character arcs add intrigue to the 'Shōgun' storyline
The show is capable of weaving compelling and emotionally poignant character arcs.
The fact that each character is motivated by their own sense of purpose and has ulterior motives makes the series much more engaging.
As the characters traverse the convoluted system, their relationships are challenged, friendships are formed or destroyed, and loyalties are called into doubt.
Kashigi Yabushige (Tadanobu Asano) is a perfect example of a complex character arc, as he feigns loyalty to Toranaga while harboring a hidden alliance with Ishido Kazunari (Takehiro Hira).
'Shōgun' should have multiple seasons
The fact that there are only 10 episodes in the series is perhaps its only significant drawback and feels unjust as James Clavell's intricate work is deserving of more.
Given all that it has to offer, the 1975 novel adaptation should have been developed into a series with multiple seasons.
The source material has a lot more to cover that cannot be done in a single season, such as Toranaga's problems prior to Blackthorne's arrival, complex political intrigue, and the slow-burning romances.
Nevertheless, Kondo and Marks have overall done a brilliant job.
With the help of outstanding performers, the series is a brilliantly created historical drama that is visually spectacular, emotionally powerful, and masterfully crafted, elevating the original material to new heights.
'Shōgun' is now streaming on Hulu and FX