So after episode 4 this is my final review:
This Shogun adaption just feels wrong, way too often. Diverting from the source and adapting a story to a modern view can be a good thing, if done right. In this case: It's not done right. And you almost get the impression, that all the good stuff was cut after filming.
Switching from muskets training for the regiment to cannons? An ambush with cannons? The Napoleonic Wars? Come on. Cannons in feudal Japan wouldn't be possible, they had virtually no roads and no way to use them in land wars. But hey, it looks cool, so why not?
And remember in the book, Blackthorne being outraged after the offer to "pillow" with a man? Guess what: That's gone in the FX Adaption. Blackthorne now merely shakes his head and gives a short remark. That's all.
Honestly, Disney and FX are going way too far in their censorship of the story. Yeah, the story that takes place at the end of the 16th century. By that time, there wasn't anything like political correctness in the teachings of the Pope.
Or maybe that's what the makers of the show mean, when they talk about a modern adaption of the book. I'm sure, James Clavell would die of shame if he wasn't already dead.
Shogun by James Clavell isn't a book easily adapted as an TV-Show, and FX did an overall good job. The visuals are stunning, the music is good enough, and the actors aren't bad at all. Sadly, the actors in some key roles could do a lot better, though. Anna Sawai isn't really a good fit for Mariko, if you imagine the well refined woman you read about in the book. But that's something one can live with.
The real problem is the kind of loveless adaption of the minor details from the book. Blackthorne walking by the prisoners being crucified or how dehumanizing being pissed on really is for Japanese people - all those important cultural clues are missing in the show.
It's a good show, don't get me wrong, but it could be a lot better. So, if you haven't read the book or have never seen the '80s Miniseries, I guess you won't be disappointed.
This Shogun adaption just feels wrong, way too often. Diverting from the source and adapting a story to a modern view can be a good thing, if done right. In this case: It's not done right. And you almost get the impression, that all the good stuff was cut after filming.
Switching from muskets training for the regiment to cannons? An ambush with cannons? The Napoleonic Wars? Come on. Cannons in feudal Japan wouldn't be possible, they had virtually no roads and no way to use them in land wars. But hey, it looks cool, so why not?
And remember in the book, Blackthorne being outraged after the offer to "pillow" with a man? Guess what: That's gone in the FX Adaption. Blackthorne now merely shakes his head and gives a short remark. That's all.
Honestly, Disney and FX are going way too far in their censorship of the story. Yeah, the story that takes place at the end of the 16th century. By that time, there wasn't anything like political correctness in the teachings of the Pope.
Or maybe that's what the makers of the show mean, when they talk about a modern adaption of the book. I'm sure, James Clavell would die of shame if he wasn't already dead.
Shogun by James Clavell isn't a book easily adapted as an TV-Show, and FX did an overall good job. The visuals are stunning, the music is good enough, and the actors aren't bad at all. Sadly, the actors in some key roles could do a lot better, though. Anna Sawai isn't really a good fit for Mariko, if you imagine the well refined woman you read about in the book. But that's something one can live with.
The real problem is the kind of loveless adaption of the minor details from the book. Blackthorne walking by the prisoners being crucified or how dehumanizing being pissed on really is for Japanese people - all those important cultural clues are missing in the show.
It's a good show, don't get me wrong, but it could be a lot better. So, if you haven't read the book or have never seen the '80s Miniseries, I guess you won't be disappointed.
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