Shogun Matches Game of Thrones' Brilliance 

8:50 "Gives her character an explosivly outstanding resolution" I'm crying

When yabushige is on screen I don't need subtitles 😅😅😅 his facial expressions say everything

Before episode 10: It's Game of Thrones if Ned Stark was smart. After episode 10: It's Game of Thrones if Tywin Lannister was the main character.

The acting in this show is absolutely brilliant. Every muscle twitch in the characters' faces is there by design, and gives away important information on their feelings and thoughts, much more than their words.

"Flowers are only flowers because they fall But, thankfully, the wind." I won't tell you how much I cried when I first heard that.

I really like how the producers of the show treated the audience with respect and realised that we are adults and can understand the nuance and subtlety of reserve that was inherent to the actual being of the production. Two examples really stood out for me. The first when Blackthorne's consort Fuji raises her voice at and say 'ANJIN-SAN' when he refuses to give up his pistols. She then proceed to threaten Omi beckoning him to leave at gunpoint. The other when Mariko in front of the whole council of regents raises her voice to Ishida and said. 'The matter is closed when you have the manners to allow me to finish'. Out of context many would say so what? But in the context of Japanese 16th century, culture, manners, ritual and duty, it was so impactful. A masterclass of production and respect for the intelligence of the audience.

At first I was disappointed we didn't see the Battle of Sekigahara, but then I realized that the battle itself was never the point. Mariko's sacrifice and the realization that Toronaga truly was the villain who was willing to sacrifice anyone and anything to become Shogun, was more powerful then any on screen battle we could have seen.

For non Japanese language speakers, you can not begin to appreciate the nuances in HOW the nobles speak. It’s an entirely different way of speaking than everyday Japanese. Even to this day. And to say one had to be careful in the words one spoke is an understatement. My wife (Japanese) said she would not have survived long in that era and it would have been exhausting living as a courtesan.

Looking to see Anna Sawai get the best actress Emmy.

I felt that there was a ned stark esque moment, when you find out toranaga is actually kind off evil and sacrificed multiple people including his son to become shogun was a shocking reveal for me.

My opinion it was spectacular in every way , from choosing the perfect characters, cast and the dialogue for each one. It was an emotional , exciting and left you glued to the screen.

I don't think the team behind Shogun could (or should) do a GoT spin off. So much of this show's excellence is tied to how much they cared about representing Japanese culture and history faithfully. Each line written went through several rounds of experts and translators to make sure it was something a person of that particular standing would say. Almost half the crew was flown in from Japan, not to mention they had Hiroyuki Sanada as producer checking everything. The result was that instead of being merely set in Japan, the story of Shogun literally could not happen anywhere else, the culture informs everything the characters do. The reason Shogun turned out this good is because of the deep love and care the creators have for Japanese history and culture and how they made it an integral part of the story, not because they are simply good at medieval themed political dramas. So I don't think this success would translate well to a GoT spin-off.

Shogun is a once in a decade kind of show. So glad to watch it week by week. Episode 9 was a master piece and I refused to believe otherwise.

IM SO GLAD you've made a video on this show. Personally I didn't enjoy it, but I'm hoping your review and analysis will shed more light on it and explain things I didn't understand and give me some appreciation for it in a way I cannot create myself

The greatest thing about the show is its subtlety. It respects the audience enough to not chew out every plot twist to them and makes watching so much more satisfying. (Understanding Toranagas sickness or Blackthorns dream in the last episode)

Thank you for speaking the words into existence that I couldn’t think of regarding the intro music and how it made you feel. I never skipped it either I loved it lol.

A Shōgun review with the Ghost of Tsushima soundtrack in the background? BASED

I would like to see a Fargo formula; different cast, different story but loosely connected. Tai-pan should follow.

Finally one of my favorite creators uploads on another good show, stay blessed and never stop grinding

Since I saw the last episode I've been waiting for this video:)

Love ur videos, keep going❤️

Lord Toranaga: ''All sacrifices are good to achieve power'' Littlefnnger: ''It'is may my father''

bro sneaked ghost of tsushima music fits perfectly

Me and the Mrs watched this show because of this review, and I just want to thank you for your service. Amazing show

Brilliant show. All the superlatives. Having no expectations, I only tuned in to check out Sanada and was immediately enthralled. It delivers everything at a high level--even a 'surprise' ending! And instantly iconic, quotable, meme-able; Chiseled directly into the zeitgeist. Its better that we are left yearning for more. That suffering is the cost of watching this masterpiece.

How dare you compare GOT to Shogun lmao

Ghost of Tsushima soundtrack in the background 🥵

I just love the subtlety and never sacrifice that part for entertaining audience

As someone who came of age with James Clavell’s epic novel and the 1980 miniseries, it’s fascinating for me to listen to someone reviewing this show more in the context of it being its own thing, or even as a comparison to “Game of Thrones.” As an adaptation that is pretty faithful to the source material thematically but makes some fairly substantive departures from it in terms of plot and character, it would also be fascinating to know what Clavell would have made of it.

Just finished the show. While it was a good show, I would not say it comes close to the brilliance of the first 4 seasons of Game of Thrones.

1 minute - a new record !

Because of Shogun my test in serials and movies overall has evolved and elevate

Nope! It's not even Clooooose.

Its good but GOT is still in its own lane

Just right now i finished watching shogun and the vid comes out, perfect timing Edit: The line: "unless i win" and how it affected toranaga is just amazing

Still reading the book before watching the show but I'm eagerly looking forward to it! If people want a great book series turned TV show comparable to Game of Thrones, I highly recommend "The Expanse". I say comparable to GoT because the books were written by George RR Martin's writing assistants and has a similar conflict of human factions fighting against one another via political scheming and literal warfare all the while an ancient inhuman threat lurks on the edges of the conflict before it becomes central to the human conflict. The difference with GoT though is that The Expanse show worked with the authors throughout the run which allowed it to keep its quality/faithfulness to the books, any changes from the books actually improved the story/characters, and it was ended before it could finish adapting the books. I also recommend people reading the final three books of The Expanse (the ones the show couldn't adapt before its cancellation) if they don't like the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy because it frankly mirrors a lot of the Sequels' plot points and character roles but with actual good writing to back it up.

I love whenever Mariko-sama says "So sorry..." because you know she aint

I just wanted more action. Left me with blue balls

Honorable Mentions: Yabushige Gin & Kiku Omi Father Alviro

Using ghost of tsushima music for this is brilliant.

“In some areas,” I wonder what that could possibly mean

There are a lot of debates between Shogun and GOT as for its brilliance. And the former mini series is based (at least quite inspired) on the real history, and the latter one is completely fictional. But I think the both are brilliant!

If you like, you could watch the original 1980s Shogun starring Richard Chamberlain and the legendary samurai actor Toshiro Mifune, and the book which the series were based on.

*The only thing I didn’t like about the finale* was the 30 second resolution of the Ishido / regents storyline.. *and no* I didn’t want a giant battle sequence - idgaf about those.. I just found it odd they resolve the biggest plot line with a small flash forwards sequence. Other than that loved the finale.

you should do more shogun content

One of the best shows this year for sure

Shogun is a lot closer to season 6 than the first 4 seasons of GOT. Pretty good with some amazing moments and a few not so amazing moments

Best show in years! Loved the ending and there wasn't a bad episode. The only one I didn't love was the Kabuki one, but I get why it was in there. I just thought that part dragged.

Based on how incredible Shogun turned out, I would love to see a continuation or spin-off based around the fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate / Meiji Era period.

Please make some Shogun compilations

8:40 good one

The most incredible show I’ve ever watched! Absolute masterpiece

I think there is a lot to read between what characters say and what Mariko chooses to translate.

Can we talk about how toranaga escape Tokyo? Wasn’t his brother army sounding them

this man can not let go of got lmao

CdawgVA was amazing as John Blackthorn

It would be awesome if you could shine some light on Tokyo Vice.

I'l have to give this one a watch, than🤯

Tell me I'm not the only one who think that Blackthorne kinda look like Tom Hardy?

love Shogun, Love GOT. Good vid

Mariko is for sure the best character in the show. Blackthorne is maybe the worst... yet of course he is also great.

Imagine this with 4 seasons ... And a Battle of Bastards...

I was SO shocked this isn't leading to more seasons, they should tell the entire creative team that naw there's 5 more seasons Edit: Yes the adapted story is over, I'm well aware, I mean more this in a sense that with a creative team and writers that work this well together, they need to make more like this. Even if it's not with the same characters.

I must say though, the original definitely matches it. Don't be put off by the fact it was made in the 80's - it still holds up extremely well. There's a reason it was something like the second most viewed tv show in history after Roots. Both adaptions are brilliant but the first one has much to offer. The romance between John and Mariko, for example, is particularly poignant and lovely to watch unfold as their chemistry practically sears through the tv screen. Some of the other characters such as Omi, Rodriguez and Father Alvito and dare I say, Blackthorne himself, are, in my opinion, more intriguing and played by better actors.

I can't watch it😭😭😭😭(Don't have hulu). I recently read the book too and it was awesome. This is so sad😢

Only had 2 complaints with the show. But definitely overall it was absolutely phenomenal 9 out of 10 as far as I’m concerned.

Tadanobu Asano best get nomination for best supporting actor Emmy!

i noticed some Ghost of Tsushima music here ❤

I feel like the ends of the Stick of Time and Crimson Sky episodes had pretty big Ned Stark moments

I agree that Shogun is an absolute masterpiece. Deff a show you have to watch multiple times to pick up on all of the intricacies.

I didn't realize how much I cared for Mariko until episode 9 hit me like a fucking train.

Ghost of Tsushima soundtrack fits well for this video

This show didn’t follow the same path GoT went down. It focused on the game, not Hollywood spectacle. Action sequences were quick and resolute with little fluff. Toranaga was a master of the game and we all fell for his tricks without even realizing it. He was no hero; He wanted Shogun the entire time. There never was a hero or a villain. Just the game.

If one season of Shogun is head and shoulders above all 8 seasons of game of thrones, then Shogun has to be sweeping the Emmys. If Shogun fails to win for best limited series, that would be a hard pill to swallow. But, we'll see.

Yabushige n Mariko stole the show for me...what performances

You are correct sir GoT seasons 1 through 4 was the best.

Great show! But I do wish we got to see one big battle.

I'd say it's actually so much better

there r times when u simply cannot compare totally two different concepts in life or art..just accept their greatness according to ur perceptions

I felt a little disappointed by the ending, almost like it was missing a climax. I didn't need a big battle to enjoy a show like this, but it felt like they were building up to one the entire season, only to handwave it away in the final episode.

Season One was great, and it has some similarities with GoT, but I don't think it reaches the heights of seasons 1-4 of GoT. That is hard to match, and there are too many hollow comparisons these days.

the first 6 seasons of Game of thrones ARE GREAT!

Glad this show is getting love. Agree totally, it did give me that early GOT vibe

It was fantastic until half way through. The pacing started to really drag but it picked up again the last few episodes. It only followed a couple people throughout the show. Imagine Game of thrones with Just the Starks and occasionally the Lannister's pop up for a few min throughout the series. I wouldnt hold it up to House of the dragon. Still a amazing show. I think people are caught up in 1600s Japan, which is beautiful but it added 4 inches of icing to this cake.

Imo, the ending is terrible.

japanese ideas are par excellence especially Shogun

I'm glad that Shogun ended after one season, because it will never become anything less than a perfect show.

Great video. But how can you possibly keep mispronouncing Mariko when you've seen the show lmao

GOTaku

Also matched anti climax series finale

The difference between Shogun and GOT is simple: Shogun is an achieved masterwork of literature. GoT is an unfinished and rushed novel with certainly great moments but that falls flat due to the writer’s laziness.

Nah

This channel is excellent and outstanding viewers guide compered to among others. These days, there are full of shitty viewers guide channels are uploaded, which are made by AI. But it seems the AIs are still not so smart yet but still such a moron. Even they mispronounce Shogun as “Show-Gun”, instead of Sho/General-Gun/Army.

Shogun is my favorite novel of all time. I loved the 1980's mini series, waiting to watch the new one. The Shogun novel is leagues better than ASoIF, so I can only imagine the new show is just as good if not better. I hope they stuck as closely as possible to the source material.

Antagonists need more development though, Ishido is boring af

Too bad they didnt extend it to 2-3 seasons. There's enough material in the book and could have developed many of the side characters.

Merreeko

Season1 vs season 1 yes but GOT first five season no.

Episode 9 alone to me stands alongside Rains of Castamere, Mizumono, Face Off and Ozymandias as one of the best episodes of all time

Can we still talk about the brother betrayal. Man