With perfect reviews from the specialized press and based on the best-seller by James Clavell, the series Shogun It stands as one of the most epic television shows in history. Although the novel was already adapted in the 1980s with Richard Chamberlain as the protagonist, this new production promises to compete against projects of the stature of Game of Thrones and the dragon house. Read on and discover the story behind this incredible series set in 17th century Japan, at the beginning of a civil war that will change history.
What is the series about? Shogun?
The Serie Shogun It is based on the successful novel of the same name by Australian James Clavell. The story takes place in Japan in the 1600s, at the dawn of a civil war, where Lord Yoshii Toranaga fights for his life while his enemies from the Council of Regents unite against him.
When a mysterious European ship turns up abandoned in a nearby fishing village, its English pilot, John Blackthorne, arrives loaded with secrets that could help Toranaga tip the balance of power and devastate the formidable influence of Blackthorne’s own enemies: the Jesuit priests. and the Portuguese merchants.
The fates of Toranaga and Blackthorne are inextricably linked to their translator, Toda Mariko, a mysterious Christian noblewoman and the last of a disgraced lineage. As she serves her lord amid this tense political landscape, Mariko must reconcile her new companionship with Blackthorne, her commitment to the faith that saved her, and her duty to her late father.
¿Shougun it is based on a real story?
The Serie Shogun It does not tell a true story in itself, but certainly several characters are inspired by real historical figures. To begin with, the plot conceived by James Clavell was inspired by the mythical Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu and English navigators such as William Adams to create the characters of Yoshii Toranaga and John Blackthorne, respectively.
Raised within a noble family in 1543, Tokugawa trained as a military strategist from a young age. He knew how to take advantage of the upheavals of the time to accumulate influence and followers until he was appointed by the emperor as Shogun – general in chief of the armed forces who holds military and political control of the country. It was Ieyasu who, after numerous battles and conspiracies in his rise to power, managed to reunify Japan and leave a peace that would last 250 years.
For his part, William Adams, born in 1564, was the first English merchant and navigator to settle in Japan. He eventually became one of Ieyasu’s most important advisors in promoting trade between Japan and other nations previously considered inaccessible. He established a trading post, built ships, and even traveled to Southeast Asia to build relationships.
In the novel and the series, the importance of shogunate, military governments in which the loyalty of the vassal was exchanged for the patronage of the lord in power. Likewise, the impact of Christian missions in Japan will be addressed, both in political, social and cultural issues.
Who is behind the series Shogun?
Created by the marriage of Justin Marks (screenwriter of Top Gun: Maverick) and Rachel KondoShogun has in the leading roles Hiroyuki Sanada (John Wick 4) as Lord Toranaga, Cosmo Jarvis (It Is In Us All) as John Blackthorne and Anna Sawai (Monarch: Legacy of Monsters) as Lady Mariko.
In an interview granted to Salon.comSanada opened up about the great efforts of the entire team involved to offer as authentic a representation of 17th century Japan as possible.
“Yes, this time we have tried to ensure that the series is not too westernized or modernized. We want to stay true to Japan in the 1600s. That’s our goal. Beyond the original entertainment, story or characters, the story’s background, costumes or movements had to be authentic. We had a Japanese team with experience in historical theater. Wigs and gestural mastery are very important. We had a team of professionals, and that helped us a lot,” he explained.
The rest of the main cast is made up of Tadanobu Asano (Daimyo Tosan) as Kashigi Yabushige, a character inspired by the daimyo Honda Masanobu; Takehiro Hira (Grand Tourism) as Ishido Kazunari, based on the samurai Ishida Mitsunari; Tommy Bastow (The Window) as Father Martin Alvito, inspired by the Jesuit missionary João Rodrigues and Fumi Nikaido (Fly Me to the Saitama 2) as Ochiba No Kata, who is based on Yodo-dono, Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s concubine.
Directors included Fred Toye, Charlotte Brändström, Jonathan van Tulleken, Takeshi Fukunaga, Hiromi Kamata and Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour. Meanwhile, the writers room included Shannon Goss, Rachel Kondo, Matt Lambert, Justin Marks, Emily Yoshida, Maegan Houang, Caillin Puente and Nigel Williams. The music was composed by Nick Chuba, Atticus Ross and Leopold Ross.
When and where to see Shogun?
The Serie Shogun premieres with a double episode on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 in Disney and Star Plus. A new chapter every week until completing the 10 episodes of the miniseries.