The conversation between Yabushige and Toranaga on the cliff in the finale left we with my jaw on the floor. The actors clearly put everything into their characters and the writing was just on another level. Absolutely incredible television.
Yoooo PenguinzO nation crazy how my parents said if I hit 30 subs they'd buy me a professional camera as a twin girl 😘begging you guys literally begging !!.
I love Yabushige for being the definition of "I play both sides so I always come out on top" also love all the grunts he makes, look up a compilation its great
@@vlad5042 He got played like a fiddle, and you could tell he always knew this. From the start he's like "yo can you let me know the plan", but Toronaga's plan is to trust Yabushige to betray him.
The most beautiful part of the finale for me was how many people were affected by Mariko’s death, either by regretting it (Ishido, the Regents, Yabusige), remembering her poetry (Lady Ochiba, Toranaga) remembering her words (Blackthorne, Fuji), or honoring her wishes (Toranaga, the Monk Alvito). Toranaga’s vision (and four-dimensional chess game) was finally realized, but the show never forgot that Mariko was the true heart of the story, transforming everyone by her life and by her death, and destroying Toranaga’s enemies in a way an army never could. She was such an unforgettable character in a such a wonderful show. Thank you, Mariko-dono. You are the beautiful flower that finally fell, but, thankfully, you have been carried by the wind for all of the world to see and cherish, and you will never be forgotten. 🌸🌺🌸
after watching the first 4 episodes of monarch, I thought 'damn, that actress was shit', then I watch this and realise she's actually an insanely good actress. says a lot about the writing quality of monarch tho....
I have spent a lifetime wondering how Hiroyuki Sanada hasn't been a consistent leading man. The man has the cool, the calm, the presence to absolutely kill whatever he's in.
When Mariko said: _"if I could be a flower in this flow of wind, raging against winter's breath, I'd probably not because they just sit there and swing and shit like for real what can you do as a flower"_ got goosebumbs, one of the best performances of the year
So I've been wondering about this line a lot. Why is it so significant? Flowers can and are appreciated while they are still on their trees, and fruits also fall from trees, and actually gain more value after they have fallen in comparison to flowers. Why do you think it is a significant line?
Yabushige: "How does it feel to shape the wind to your will?" Toranaga: "I don't control the wind. I only study it." There are so many great lines in Shogun!
@@DeptalJexusThat’s not at all what it implies. He doesn’t control it but he studies it and has a great understanding of the winds machinations, so he can put himself in a position to best use it for his own gain.
Im 67 and wondered if you ever saw the miniseries Shogun with Toshiro Mifune? My husband and were engrossed and invested in every episode. It was our first experience with subtitles and felt grateful for an opportunity to learn and experience the Culture, religious, and politics of Japan during the fuedal/Edo period. I havent watched this new series but it sounds as though I really should! Thanks Charlie
You are right. Thanks for pointing out my error. I meant to say "with no subtitles". It was really an emersive experience with another culture and time!
I LOVED the book Shogun, but my one complaint is it’s 1300 pages of “wow not much time left to wrap this up in an epic way”…..then the entire war takes place in one paragraph on the last page. But the show makes it feel so much more intense and rewarding!
@kevinking2380 i never read the book either, but i feel that thematically speaking, the war didn't need to be shown in its entirety. The entire theme of the story is fate, and Toranaga is always destined to win and become the shogun no matter what. Everything played out in Toranaga's favor, so the war became meaningless. Im actually a little glad that this story doesnt need a game of thrones or lord of the rings battle to get the point across. Although, there are a lot of plot holes like whatever happened to Toranaga's brother, why specifically does Lady Ochiba hate Toranaga, how did Blackthorne return home when his fate was against that. Perhaps just one more episode could have resolved this, but im fine.
The first like.... 7 episodes were amazing, the end / conclusion wasn’t ..... underwhelming, but the episodes “felt” different, They weren’t as deep as the others.
After the final episode I can say that Shogun is a show that I personally consider a masterpiece. From the sets, cinematography, costumes, mannerisms, and the superb writing and acting. Every character had layers to them, and Yabushige is the perfect example of how fantastic the writing and acting was. You could go from hating him, to loving his character, to then hating him again, and then in the final episode you still somehow manage to feel a bit sorry for him after everything he did. ALL of the actors were phenomenal. Fuji's line to Blackthorne on the rowboat, "Let your hands be the last to hold her" was such an incredible call-back to episode 1 when Mariko said the same thing to Fuji in comfort as she was about to lose her child. That moment made me tear up.
Shogun was so amazing. The actors were phenomenal, the story, everything. One of the most high quality productions of anything I’ve ever seen. A masterpiece.
Man when I tell you all of the cast is incredible in its acting, every one of them like damn, perfection, and I love how it makes you completely engulfed in the time period with the insane attention to details, best series of this Year
Yoooo PenguinzO nation crazy how my parents said if I hit 30 subs they'd buy me a professional camera as a twin girl 😘begging you guys literally begging !!.
the ending left me wanting, felt like they ran out of budget for the actual big battle...They're only doing one season, so we'll never see it. Pretty disappointing.
Shōgun was a breath of fresh air in a sea of shyte that is current television. Could've stuck the landing a little better but was a phenomenal show overall. The acting, writing, dialog & commitment to authenticity was simply next level.
The honorable traditions and the use of them for scheming is so fucking cool. Like everyone involved knew that a character would use the grieving period to bolster their forces but they couldn't outright do anything about it, and the person themselves was only moving pieces around in the background to keep up that appearance. I hope there's more to this story, it ended in a really great and conclusive way but I want more.
I've already seen a bunch of people complaining there was no big battle at the end and like, that was never 'really' the point. Toranaga was always playing to win, and the easiest way to win is to win so completely even having to risk fighting a battle would be a pointless waste of time. His plan came together so completely, outplaying his opponents, that the battle was won before it ever needed fighting.
@@Blisterdude123, I was first a bit annoyed by it but the more I dwelled on it I came to the same conclusion and now found the ending satisfying. He had won the war before it even started and there was no need to see it anymore. And also, as it is based on historical events, I did go watch a documentary on the Battle of Sekighara to "finish" the story.
@@SouthernSouthAsian While yes, Toranaga's historical counterpart did engage in a more high-stakes military campaign, for dominion, Shogun's Toranaga was creative-licensed to be a 'touch' more of a schemer and thinker. The emphasis was always more on his mind, and plans, than his battlefield acumen. And honestly, yes, I don't believe it does diminish the narrative consequence. It was a marvelous adaptation.
@@PWRGEUTTP literally no one cares. No living being has seen a comment on a RU-vidr's video saying "I mAkE bEtTeR vIdEoS tHaN ChArLiE" and actually went and watched any videos of that person. Kindly piss off.
The acting was incredible all around. The actress that played mariko gave some of the best performance I've seen in years. This show deserves all the glory and rewards. Also yabushige is the goat man was just trynna survive you gotta respect it lmao
You know the writing is good when you actively WANT to get in the headspace of the characters, and you know you're watching a masterclass actor or actress when you're intentionally scanning their face for any faint muscle twitch to get inside that headspace. That is what makes cinema.
For the first time in my life me and my dad have made an event out of a TV show, every tuesday wed just cut the lights and watch the newest episode of Shogun. Literal masterclass tv show ty Chester for this true meter❤
I havent started it. My gf and I are watching another show and will start this when we are finish with our current show. I have a question for you...does the series end with an opening for a season 2? I know they said it is a limited series, but did you finish with a feeling it could continue on for more seasons?
@@Mercenary-1914 Shogun is a novel by James Clavell I won’t spoil what happens at the end, but it’s an anti-climactic end and there won’t be a season two as it was only a one novel series, and the show was written just for James but it is definitely worth the watch to get into it’s a masterpiece a Mastercraft beautifully written show.
The concept that, " how you die is just as important, if not moreso, as how you live." Is fascinating. One doesn't necessarily trump the other, but the finality of death elevates its importance. Thus, an otherwise unimpressive life lived can be redeemed if the circumstances of your death are of significance. And, in contrast, a dishonorable death can negate a lifetime of service, or leave a blemish on the memory. It's a fascinating culture with a LOT of nuance. The Catholic in the Osaka prison scene alluded to it, "their rules are too opaque." Rules on top of customs, on top of precedent, on top of tradition, on top of expectation. Love this show!
I’ve been watching Shōgun with my mom and ITS SO GOOD BRO WTFFF the characters, the story, even the fucking intro bro, it’s all beautiful and must watch
It’s not an understatement to call Shogun a cinematic masterpiece. Everything about this show was so well done, and I hope we get more shows like this going forward
SPOILERS (DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVEN'T FINISHED THE SHOW): I believe the death you are speaking about is Hiromatsu killing himself in front of everyone. The significance of that was to gain some time/doubt from the Christians who were there to witness it that would believe that Toranaga is genuinely surrendering. I wasn't sure at first if that actually bought them any time as the Christian leaders seemed to still believe that was a ruse but it definitely led to hesitation in the Japanese Christian leaders with their dealing with Mariko, while she was in Osaka castle. Furthermore, it may have led to the eventual deal with sparing the barbarians life, ultimately I believe it showed the Christian portugese that either Toranaga still had a plan and the Anjin would not be allowed to return to his home country or that if Toranaga was truly surrendering then they would have access to the Anjin after he was gone anyway. The main importance, arguably, also actually came in the form of quelling the other generals of Toranaga who believed that Toranaga was giving up as Hiromatsu kept claiming, "do not give up on our lord even when he seems to be giving up" which prevented the other generals from either acting on their own due to thinking toranaga didn't have a plan or killing themselves due to disobeying (or thinking they were disobeying) Toranaga. I hope that made sense, and I'm still confused about several parts of the show so I'm welcome to more discussion.
Yeah, this was 100% it. They needed everyone (including all on their own side) to believe that the surrender was genuine. So many still had their doubts that Toranaga could just give up, but sacrificing his oldest friend convinced many that the act of surrender was indeed genuine and all hope was lost so the enemy would put their guard down.
One thing people tend to get wrong about Hiromatsu is that they think that he was in on the plan. He wasn't. He just figured it out in the moment and kind of gave a look of recognition to Toranaga. He knew he'd have to give his life in order to make the plan succeed. That is true loyalty.
Funny enough Hiromatsu's death was not neccessary. Toranaga never planned on punishing the generals. And while the death did make the situation more serious, it was never needed. It was a tragic preventable loss
Really thankful for Charlie for getting this show on my radar. Got hooked from ep 1 till the very last but still want something more, I want each ep to be even longer man this show is amazing
Yoooo PenguinzO nation crazy how my parents said if I hit 30 subs they'd buy me a professional camera as a twin girl 😘begging you guys literally begging !!.
You forgot to mention the effing subtitles. Almost a character of their own, the interplay of language, translation, misunderstanding.... UGH! It's sooooo good! And Jesus Christ, getting Americans to watch a show that's 85% in impenetrable Japanese is a feat worthy of some kind of effing award.
In recent memory, Shogun has to be among the top (if not already the top) shows I've had the absolute *honor* of watching. The set design, the acting, the cultural values of the past, collision between East and West, it's a marvelous journey all around. Highly recommend.
This really is one of the best shows I’ve ever seen fr, it never feels like ur on a set and all the actors deserve every bit of praise they get. These were Oscar worthy performances by almost every single person in the show.
Yoooo PenguinzO nation crazy how my parents said if I hit 30 subs they'd buy me a professional camera as a twin girl 😘begging you guys literally begging !!.
I also LOVED it. Had fun watching it with my siblings every Tuesday night when we could all get together. It made me cry several times, chortle with glee many more times. The costumes, the acting, the atmosphere was wonderful.
Everything about Shogun was spectacular, but one thing I especially loved about it was the dark comedy. The timing on several of the jokes was incredible, and they felt very natural and organic as opposed to “in-your-face” and forced; especially the ones from Blackthorne
As an enthusiast of Japanese history, culture and traditions, I was absolutely stunned with the accuracy, the emotions portrayed and breathtaking sets. The writing and acting which is portrayed here by the likes of Anna Sawai and Cosmo Jarvis are truly award worthy. It really does feel like they took the novel and stuck all of its beauty to a show, hence making it truly immortal. The final episode where they were on the cliff took me to a whirl, like it was a sudden realisation of what Toranaga did and how everything folded. The ending is beautifully ambiguous and ended where the book did....I will remember this show for a long long time
This show is amazing. I loved every episode and that is rare for me. Top notch production, based on a true story, cool ass samurais and stuff, what more could you want.
@@funkrobot9762 Like the showrunners said they wont be making a season 2. Season 1 is the only thing we are getting. By comparing it to "everything went right" GOT i mean a good ending, good writing and a good show overall.
@@aditya-mp9jjUnless they adapt taipan by the author, but even then that's a different setting/ time period. It would be cool if they make it an anthology.
I said this before and I’ll say it again. This show was one of those shows that very few managed to do which was that for every Tuesday night, for two months, for 90 minutes, I felt like a fly on the wall. Every episode felt like I was there because the writing and performance was so well executed. I seriously don’t think I’ve seen a show of this quality before..maybe besides Better Call Saul. But still, this show impressed me in more ways than one and I couldn’t be happier with the ending as well as the show itself. 100% worth it. 💯
Show was great! Finale was a nice send off, too. Some lovable characters taken away, questions were answered while leaving us wondering how Toranaga’s plan will go.. it really did do a great job with the story. Really enjoyed it, and I’m super excited for the next season!
Simply making a show about a different region is not diverse national representation, it's just diverse storytelling and representation of foreign countries.
It wasn't necessary to show the battle. Toranaga won it before it even began. This is the genius of his character. It is a great example of the quote “Every battle is won before it's ever fought.” - Sun Tzu
I don't think it was really a budgetary thing. Shogun was never about battles on the battlefield, but battles of words, and politics, and faith. Toranaga was always playing to win so completely, that any battle he fought was won before it began.
The characters and dialogue carried the show, and it ended with the characters and dialogue. No need for grandiose battle scenes to understand the outcome.
I love how much this version of Shogun is so different from the 80`s version, but still the same in a weird way. The perspectives are so different. Where the 80`s show is the perspective of Blackthorn and what he does not understand or know, you also do not understand or know and this modern version is the perspective of the people he met. You learn so much more about the personal situations of the people around him. And it is beautiful.
