"Shogun" (1980) TV mini-series

Director:

Jerry London

Writers:

James Clavell (novel)
Eric Bercovici (writer)

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

15 September 1980 (USA)

Genre:

Adventure | Drama | History | War

Plot:

A English navigator becomes both a player and pawn in the complex political games in feudal Japan.

Plot Keywords:

Japan | Power | Shogun | Jesuit Priest | Honor

Awards:

Won 3 Golden Globes. Another 5 wins & 13 nominations

Cast

Richard Chamberlain

...

Anjin-san / ... (unknown episodes)

Also Known As:

James Clavell's Shogun

Runtime:

60 min (10 episodes)

Country:

USA | Japan

Language:

English | Japanese

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Australia:M (DVD rating) | Finland:K-15 (DVD rating) | Singapore:PG | UK:15

Filming Locations:

Daiei-Kyoto Studios, Kyoto, Japan

Company:

Asahi National Broadcasting Company

Trivia:

As Nagashima (location for Anjiro) was very remote it was very difficult to find accommodation for the whole crew. Due to a misunderstanding the entire crew lost their bookings on the 1st of September, and not the 15th as planned. Changes had to be done in order to be able to finish by September the first but they managed to do it. Exactly the day the shooting ended, September the first, a typhoon destroyed the whole set of Anjiro.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Anjin-san is showing Torunaga a map of the world in some sand, his shoes change between being Geta (Japanese clogs) and Zouri (Japanese sandals).

Quotes:

Vasco Rodrigues: Listen to me, you whore-gutted, pock-marked, motherless scum... I need a favor.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Indiana Jones: Making the Trilogy (2003) (V)

Soundtrack:

BLACKTHORNE'S SHANTY

Cool introduction to Clavell

One of the most famous mini-series in television history, "James Clavell's Shogun" tells the epic tale of an English pilot who is washed up on the shores of Japan in the 17th century and becomes involved in the local political struggles. "Shogun" proves to be both an engrossing story, and a fascinating piece of television history.

Based on the life of the English navigator William Adams, "Shogun" is a complex story that explores both the political struggles of Feudal Japan, as well as analyzes the cultural differences of East vs. West. The story revolves around Pilot Major John Blackthorne, played by Richard Chamberlain. Coerced by Catholic Portuguese missionaries, with whom the English were at war, the Japanese authorities, or daimyos, throw the shipwrecked Blackthorne and his ailing crew into prison, and torture them as pirates. We soon learn that Lord Toranaga, the most powerful daimyo in Japan, is in the midst of a power struggle that could possibly lead him to be Shogun--the most powerful military ruler in Japan. In a final interview before his execution, Toranaga sees Blackthorne as valuable, and he spares the Englishman's life. Toranaga decides to employ him in training his troops in the Western methods of battle to help them prepare for the upcoming war against his rival, Ishido. Along the way, the audience is given a fascinating introduction to Feudal Japan through Blackthorne's eyes.

Shot entirely in Japan, director Jerry London took great care in using authentic costumes and believable sets. The casting is commendable, with Richard Chamberlain embodying the perfect Blackthorne (his performance garnered an Emmy nomination in 1980). Lord Toranaga is played masterfully by Toshiro Mifune, who also appeared in Akira Kurasawa classics such as Yojimbo and The Hidden Fortress.

Without a doubt, "James Clavell's Shogun" is worth a watch.