For the past few weeks I have been so insanely busy. In the mountains of Georgia surrounded by snow and freezing temperatures, barely functional Internet and lots of good people. Now finally back to the warmer, slower lifestyle of Yerevan, Armenia. With this, I have had the time to finally catch up on a few shows, as well as start some new ones. Curb Your Enthusiasm's final season has caught my attention, but I'm deeply attracted to the miniseries Shōgun, which came out of nowhere at the hands of NBC and Paramount. This is a studio that is known for making some really solid productions in the past, but perhaps somewhat lost its way in the era of streaming services. Shōgun seems to be something that almost isn't from this insane era of film, holding true to itself and having authenticity in its historical approach. A genuinely rare gem. Focusing on a story and aspect of world history that is otherwise heavily overlooked both by the western side of film, as well as Asia's own domestic production side of things. Much of the time, historical shows are either met with heavy romance and drama, or deep fantasy. Rarely something that seems more serious and grounded.
It isn't just this truth to the history it presents, but also the quality of its production that I found utterly incredible. One of the most beautiful shows to have been made in recent years, going as far as putting even full-length feature films to shame with its cinematic quality. I haven't seen a show look as beautiful as this does in a long, long time. But it's no surprise that this is a miniseries, where much of that budget does go to a smaller set of episodes. Allowing for more quality to push through. I'm of the belief that miniseries tend to be where the real passion is these days. Where indies fail and go straight to streaming, and big budget blockbusters are made purely to inflate budgets and appeal to mass demographics. Shōgun is definitely an example of this troubled filmmaking era. So, knowing this was a miniseries going in, I definitely had high expectations. And the show so far has been blowing them away.
This first impressions post won't contain any spoilers, the show is still currently airing with just four of its ten episodes released. Though I will mention some brief elements of the basic plot. Read on if you want.
Shōgun
In 1600s Japan, the political sphere was left uncertain and vulnerable when the nation is placed into the hands of a child that is too young to govern. With this, the nation falls into the troubled depths of corruption and misguided agendas as multiple parties seek to rule. A strange ship turns up on the shores of Japan, which belongs to a group of foreign sailors, which seem secretive and unknowing of where they are. The two cultures clash heavily as the English mixes with the Japanese. That there is the light summary of Shōgun, a show in which it seems heavily dramatic and political, deeply influenced in the cultures of these eras and nations, where two come together and find ways to integrate. This era of Japan is deeply intriguing, the ways in which its strong tradition and culture influenced the actions of its people, but the ways in which feuds were still met with aspects of honour and discussion. Of course this was not always the case, but it shows the tough political climate for a foreigner in this era, showcasing how different it really is. How a few words can tarnish your honour, and how it must be regained through discipline or even punishment. This is a pretty simple story, but the show is heavily inspired by a mixture of real life individuals that it loosely bases its characters on, with the mixture of elements of fiction. That makes the show even more interesting as there's this constant question over what may have been real and what is fiction.
These characters so far are genuinely interesting. Our main character is an Englishman, a "pilot" which finds his ship stranded near the shores of Japan, now taken captive and under suspicion of piracy. He throws out the narrative that he was sent on a mission from Holland, and that the spoils he holds, as well as weapons found, are a result of that operation, and means of protection from pirates in the sea. The total denial that he himself is a pirate, though it seems awfully clear that he may in fact actually be a pirate and now trying to weasel himself out of any punishments. Particularly as Portuguese individuals make claims of that aforementioned piracy towards him and his crew. The differences in culture make their ways here as those Europeans which have settled in areas of Japan have their own religions, something the Japanese can't seem to grasp and care for. The conflicts of the two European religions still finding their ways into the world of Japan. You can see the Japanese characters in their reactions towards all of this, seeing it as something far beneath them. The idea that there is no God. Their way of life far more serious to believe in. The honour, the nature and fragility of it. Whereas the delusion that comes into the mind of a foreigner through God poisons the mind.
I've really been enjoying the performance of Cosmo Jarvis as our protagonist John Blackthorne, who boasts a strong English accent and a rough beard. Looking precisely like the type that would've sailed the seas and had his fair share of guilty pleasures while doing so, while maintaining a level of intelligence that leads to escaping various social situations and avoiding punishment for those actions. The cast itself is incredibly solid, with Japanese actors (actually speaking Japanese) such as: Takehiro Hira and Hiroyuki Sanada. One of which only accepted the offer to work on the show providing the show remained truthful to Japanese history and culture, not modernising things for agendas. These two actors are perfect for the era of Samurai, with long hair and beards, roughed-up and slightly aged. And this brings me to another aspect of Shōgun that I absolutely love! And that is the show's directing and cinematography. It is truly incredible.
Shōgun looks as if it was filmed on anamorphic lenses, though at first I suspected this isn't the case. Instead being claim to the beautiful modern era of Arri lenses. Wide focal lengths and incredible levels of bokeh come from these. Almost offering a slightly vintage and grainy look to the image. This allows for darker, more gloomy tones in the shot. Greens are incredibly rich, shadows are harsh. Light holds a slightly warmer aesthetic that just makes everything seem more like a dream. I love these lenses, and they're rarely used due to their high cost and very specific visuals that other lenses don't necessarily offer. It turns out this was shot on a Sony Venice-2, with anamorphic HAWK lenses. Often enough these are rehoused vintage lenses made for the modern cinema camera. I love them so much. The cinematography here with these anamorphics really sets the tone, the era in which it feels like another world for the foreigners. That gentle sense of culture that is found, slightly warped aesthetics in the wider focal lengths which makes interiors seem like mystical locations, the doors of a Japanese home, for example.
Very specific decisions were made to approach these interior shots, and even the exterior ones. There isn't a moment in the show where it doesn't feel like it has been crafted to such high levels of beauty. Where the details aren't sharp and displaying the beauty of Japanese culture and attire. That Samurai aesthetic which is rich in detail and colour. I doubt other lenses could've portrayed them in such a beautiful manner. Lights having slight flares to them, an extension on the mystical feeling. Shōgun is truly a beautiful, remarkable show that definitely doesn't deserve to go unwatched. So far, it's insanely strong. And I highly recommend it already.
