You can’t take your eyes off Shōgun – the story, the characters, its every scene, and the man who plays the titular character, Hiroyuki Sanada. Based on the James Clavell novel of the same name which in turn is based on actual historical incidents leading up to the largest battle of Japanese feudal history- the Battle of Sekigahara

Even if you are not familiar with the James Clavell novel or the actual incidents from Japanese history the series is based on, you will be
surreptitiously swept into this opus of masterful storytelling, powerful performances, breathtaking costumes, and art direction. Some early
reviews had called it the “new GOT” but we say “oh, it’s very much in a league of its own!”

Imagine this – a shipwrecked English sailor landing on the shores of 16 th  century Japan which is the midst of a political upheaval – the Taikō (supreme leader) is dead, his young son is yet to succeed him, and thecouncil of regents start gathering their forces to rise to power. A once unified Japan is again at the verge of collapse. Our protagonist is Toranaga Yoshi (based on Tokugawa Ieyasu), a powerful lord and a member of the council of regents. As an audience you will either root for him early on or keep wondering about the moves he makes whose results don’t make much waves unless you think hard and start connecting the dots as the series progresses. He is constantly at threat from his rival Lord Ishido but also surrounded by his loyal and trusted people like Lady Mariko and Hiromatsu. But every character in Shogun has an agenda of their own. Power drives the Lords, Mariko is determined to honor her lineage, Lord Yabushige is all about surviving under any circumstance even if it means changing sides without much thought for honor and loyalty. And, let’s not forget the politics of Christianity that’s slowly rising its head in Japan and has its eye on securing the power for the Church. Now, if you were Blackthorne in the middle of this mayhem and on top of it completely unfamiliar with the language and customs, you will be clueless to say the least! Cosmo Jarvis’ constant confused look and mumbling dialogues make Blackthorne’s portrayal comical and believable.

Shōgun’s vast landscape is splattered with fascinating and enigmatic characters and they are masterfully brought to life by a perfect cast. A mesmerizing Anna Sawai plays Lady Mariko, Tadanobu Yasano is having a ball playing Lord Yabushige (probably the most bewitching character in the entire series), a scene-stealing Moeka Hoshi plays Lady Fuji, and watch out for Fumi Nikaido’s sweet but chilling portrayal of Lady Ochiba.

We can go on and tell more but that would kill all the fun, right? So, grab some popcorn and binge-watch the complete series now!