Shōgun

Shogun is easily one of the best shows I've seen-like a Japanese Game of Thrones. While the pacing drags at times and the ending feels more like a setup for season two than a true payoff, the storytelling and acting are outstanding. The betrayal, romance, and rich cultural depth had me hooked. The translation scenes felt awkward, but they added to the show's authenticity. But for me, it was the dialogue and bursts of action that truly stood out-ultimately making Shogun an absolute must-watch. I'd like to also add that the camera work in this series was phenomenal too. I was blown away at some of the shots, made it feel like a movie not a TV show on Hulu.

Shogun (2024) is a stunning achievement in television - a richly textured, deeply immersive experience that feels both epic and deeply personal. Rarely does a show balance historical authenticity, powerful performances, and emotional depth so effortlessly.

The production values are absolutely top-tier. Every scene feels meticulously crafted: from the lush, misty landscapes to the intricate feudal interiors, the show pulls you straight into 17th-century Japan without ever feeling forced or "touristy." The costume design and cinematography are gorgeous without being showy - everything serves the mood and story.

The performances are phenomenal across the board. Hiroyuki Sanada as Lord Toranaga delivers a masterclass in subtlety and power. His portrayal of a man navigating impossible political currents is both riveting and moving. Cosmo Jarvis, as the shipwrecked John Blackthorne, brings a rawness and vulnerability that avoids the usual "white savior" trap - his arc feels earned, complicated, and human. Anna Sawai as Mariko is another standout, blending strength, sadness, and quiet dignity into one of the show's most unforgettable characters.

The writing is smart and patient, trusting the audience to keep up without spoon-feeding exposition. It captures the essence of James Clavell's novel while modernizing some aspects with sensitivity and intelligence. Themes of loyalty, honor, survival, and cultural clash are explored with nuance rather than cliché.

Why not a full 10? The pacing occasionally falters - a few middle episodes stretch scenes a little thin - and some viewers may find the dense political maneuvering requires close attention. But honestly, these are small quibbles compared to what the series accomplishes.

Shogun is television at its most ambitious and rewarding. It demands your full attention, and it rewards you with a rich, unforgettable journey. Highly recommended.

Set in Feudal Japan, this show is fiction but loosely based on a real story of an English Navigator who landed in Japan and integrated in the Japanese society and structure.

This show gave me real Game of Thrones vibes. With the exception of House of the Dragon, nothing has quite filled that void in the TV space for me (not in a world of swords, anyway). What it lacks in intense action or battle scenes (for now), it more than makes up for with incredible, dramatic performances from just about every actor in the cast. It's a show all about the story. The relationships between the characters.

A beautiful show with fantastic direction and storytelling.

This is hands down one of the best shows of the year, maybe of the last few years. Like millions of others, I'm a huge Shogun fan so I was counting down the days until this came out. Even though I couldn't wait to watch it I didn't have a lot of confidence it would be as good as the original but not only was it as good, it was even better and by a lot. The last episode was kind of disappointing. It wasn't bad but it could've been better. I was ok with the ending but it still left me a little unsatisfied so what do they do? They go and renew it for another two seasons to keep this amazing story going. I've already watched this first season a few times.

I've just finished the first two episodes and I cannot wait for more! The atmosphere, plot, acting are superlative. The politicking and scheming are prime Game of Thrones but I hate making that comparison as I want this show to stand on its own. The scheming between the various lords and the Portuguese faction is titillating and suspenseful as we watch various characters play the game. I love it! I cannot wait for next week. I haven't felt this way about a show in a long while. Highly recommended if you enjoy top tier drama.

Funny to see most one star review being uneducated people who complain about subtitles.

Japanese should never be dubbed. If you can't read, move to something your level like barbie.