Shogun

[Drunk Monk]

6 eps in and still thoroughly enjoying it. It moves like an old skool chanbara - lots of political intrigue and unrequited love, then a burst of sanguineous violence, then back to that refined and purposeful Japanese style.

It’s so much about Anna Sawai. She’s delivering an intricate performance, maintaining that stoic geisha-esque composure, but letting the slightest twitch of her perfect face betray her inner tragedy. Stunning and precise.

Blackthorne plays out much better, a conflicted barbarian Englishman, trying to sort out ‘the Japans’ as he says.

I never read Shogun. My impression is based on the previous miniseries which I didn’t like because Chamberline’s take on Blackthorne was more of a white savior, a cliche I’ve always disdained but back then, there wasn’t a term for it. My take on it is more about the historical Tokugawa Ieyasu upon whom Toranaga (Sanada) was based. 

I’m now 60% done but I’m taking a break for MJF. Hopefully I’ll be able to remember where I was…