Too much of everything

One of my all time favorites.

I wanted to but couldn't!

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

The extraordinary six-part novel " SHOGUN " was written by noted author James Clavel, superbly directed by Jerry London and came to American audiences in the 1980s. From the first chapter to the last, the cast which included Richard Chamberlain who plays Anjin-san (Pilot), Toshirô Mifune as Lord Yoshi Toranaga and Yôko Shimada and Lady Mariko, captivated American's attention for Japanese culture during the entire length of the series. Indeed, the romantic love story between two two principals prompted a loyal viewing audience and a million letters to the network. Clavel set his story of John Blackthorne in the 16th century Japan where he lands. During his stay, he is soon adopted into the civilization where he meets Lady Toda Buntaro (Yôko Shimada) as his Interpretator and later as his love interest. Further, he is also acquainted with both his friends and enemies which include the ever spreading European explorers and Christian Church. The series itself is an interesting blend and exchange of culture, idea and beliefs, mixed with romance and political intrigue. Many audiences are treated to the incredible cast which include the likes of Alan Badel, Damien Thomas and John Rhys-Davies. In addition, there is the beautiful and spacious landscapes which include the impressive customs, Japanese gardens and surrounding Architecture. All in all a great Mini-series. Highly recommended****

When I was eleven and I decided to take Japanese at my soon-to-be middle school, my dad immediately showed me the book "Shogun" by James Clavell. Due to fact that I was an eleven-year-old boy during the summer, I did not get very far past the first chapter. So when my dad suggested we watch the movie, I was skeptical. I didn't really like the book when I read it--too young to understand it I guess--and I wasn't expecting the movie to be much different.I was wrong.The movie is a great movie! It made many confusing parts of the book understandable, and was a very suspenseful and (approximatley) accurate representation of Japanese history and culture.Although the movie drags a bit in the second hour, it is action packed and very interesting. The romance between Blackthorn (anjin-san) and Mariko-san is believable and understandable, and her death and funeral is moving and heartbreaking.The un-subtitled Japanese was a nice touch, making us as confused as Blackthorn. However, you are still able to understand it due to context and body language, and by the end you will have undoubtedly learned some Japanese.Definitely worth the watch, especially if you are interested in Japan and Japanese.(extra note: the movie inspired me to re-read the book which I can now understand and am enjoying.)

There was a time in TV when the mini-series was king. They were great prestige products for the networks who, risking immense financial expenditure, hoped to create a cinematic masterpiece on a small screen.SHOGUN may be the ultimate expression of this neglected TV format. Based on James Clavell's sweeping epic novel of the same name, it succeeds fully in transporting the viewer to another time and place. Through John Blackthorne's eyes (Richard Chamberlain in a now iconic performance, blending moments of delightful scenery chewing with moments of genuine emotion and subtlety), we become ever more involved in the political dealings of the Japanese nobility and the mixed motives of the Jesuits.One of the great triumphs of SHOGUN is to ensnare the viewer despite long segments in Japanese with no subtitles. The filmmakers were trying to tell the story through Blackthorne's eyes and save for a few moments of narration explaining the dialog, we are left to slowly comprehend the action at the same pace as Blackthorne. It's a device which works wonderfully well, leaving the viewer to figure out what's going on through context and character.In addition to Chamberlain, SHOGUN is replete with glorious performances. Toshiro Mifune's Toranaga, a Japanese nobleman with grand political designs, possesses great power and yet Mifune's performance is also very nuanced. Toranaga is a man who's mind is always trying to figure three steps ahead and we see this aspect of Toranaga's personality in Mifune's work- a considerable feat considering his dialog is exclusively in Japanese and without subtitles.Yoko Shimada plays Mariko with a captivating beauty and ethereal grace. Becoming Blackthorne's interpreter and love interest, we cannot take our eyes off of her. Her performance is made doubly impressive by the fact that Ms. Shimada spoke no English and had to be told what her lines met with great care.Additionally, John-Rhys Davies gives a wonderfully bravura turn as Rodrigues and Damien Thomas gives his Father Alvito real depth and dignity.SHOGUN does show its age. The quality of the video image does have a bit of that TV glow to it and Maurice Jarre's score, seeming so lush back in 1980, sounds as if it were recorded by a very small third-rate band in a backwater recording studio- it reeks of TV. Still, these are comparatively minor quibbles to an otherwise completely engrossing epic. SHOGUN succeeds mightily in taking the viewer into a strange land filled with wonder and intrigue. By the end, it's a land you aren't ready to leave- perhaps the ultimate compliment for any film.

Great mini-series, but I was under the impression that there were TWO versions of the series, the second about 4 hours longer and following the book in far greater detail than the one available now on DVD. For example, I remember Miko-san as fighting a samurai before she was to commit seppuku in the 4th DVD, which occurred before Lord Yabu betrayed them in Osaka Castle. Also, this one had English sub-titles when the Japanese were speaking. Please tell me I am right before I start trying to find which reality I saw that series in, I really want a DVD of the fuller version. As for the series, either version is to be treasured, I know I treasure the one I have.