Takeshi's Castle

Takeshi's Castle (2002) is the re-dubbed UK release of cult-classic Japanese show Operation! Takeshi's Castle (1986-1989), an endurance-based game show in which 100+ contestants compete in a series of outlandish assault-course-like challenges until the numbers are whittled down to a select few. From here, the remaining handful of contestants can go on to battle the infamous "Count Takeshi" and his guards for the chance to win up to one million in Yen. The show is notable for at least two reasons; the first is the outright eccentric nature of the events and the seemingly dangerous falls, scrapes and mishaps that befall the contestants during their bid for glory. The second is the appearance of esteemed Japanese actor/filmmaker/comedian Takeshi Kitano, who here plays the titular count (though his appearance is edited down in this particular version). The format of the show mixes the bizarre events alongside some even more bizarre sketch-based moments of typically absurdist Japanese humour, as the contestants put themselves through some of the cruellest and most punishing events ever witnessed on national television.

What was great about the original show was the way that the contestants seemed to be having a great time, even when falling eight feet into shallow water, being smeared in mud or talcum powder and being knocked off a rickety suspension bridge by a barrage of rubber-ball cannon fire. It also benefited from a colourful, larger than life quality, in keeping with the tradition of early Nintendo video games and Anime films; as the overstated supporting characters and continual appearances from General Tani (here renamed General Li) give the events a sense of context and continuity. Ultimately though, the programme works because of its uniqueness; with the nature of the games, the imagination, the willingness and excitement of the contestants and the obviously low-production values (combined with the witty commentary from actor Craig Charles, with his bad puns and sly double-entendres) all adding to the bizarre, subversive glee.

The contestants on this show are mad.

Thanks to Challange TV I'm able to watch this tormenting game-show where the contestants leave with bruises and headaches rather than prizes. How many people have actually won? Around 2 i'd say. You can feel the pain that they receive as Craig Charles would inform you 'He plowed the bank with his face'.

It's hilariously cruel, an idea that only the Japenese could come up with. If only we could view more Japanese game-shows here in Britain.

Brilliant.

Literally the BEST Japanese show ever. I've watched this with friends, family, girlfriends, coworkers and more!!! We all loved it and seriously one of the most fun and entertaining shows ever on TV, period! If you haven't watched this gem, please do!! It's a Must!. Stay safe in 2021 all! Cheers :)

Well if there's one thing that Tarrant on TV has shown us, it is that the Japanese have the wackiest and silliest programmes (and adverts) ever. Takeshi's Castle is one of them.

This is basically edited highlights of the original run of the show from Japan, condensed into a thirty minute slot and voiced over by Craig Charles, he of Robot Wars and Red Dwarf fame. Expect to see all kinds of wierd things going on here, including throwing yourself at a plank of wood, spinning on a giant mushroom, leaping across some rolling logs that spin easily, and spending a lot of time in a ditch or three of muddy water. The original show is like nearly fifteen years old; you'd never know, but it looks brand new.

It's strangely compelling as well - and self explanatory. Don't expect to see any winners though - this game is ridiculously tough. The rules though are deliberately ambigious it would appear and so makes for interesting viewing in some cases. Look out for the kids special episode for something involving General Lee that you won't see across the rest of the run. :)

Originally a cheap import, it's probably recouped its import costs many times over by now. It's the Coronation Street of Challenge - that is, pretty much guaranteed to pull in the viewers. If you're the sort of person who wants to know what happens when you throw somebody wrapped in velcro at a wooden wall, or want to see new and painful ways of bending your body in half on the high rollers, check this show out. Or if you just want to see what all the fuss is about, tune in. Of course, if you just want to see wierd people play even wierder games and fall into the muddy ditches with an aplomb (or at least act like it) then you'll love this.

For those who don't know, Takeshi's castle is a hilarious gameshow! The concept is 100 Japanese contestants start at the beginning of the show. Guided by their leader "General Lee" (get it?), the contestants have to make their way through various challenges such as Knock Knock, Wipeout, High rollers, Skipping stones and Bridge ball (my personal favourite). The people who survive get to battle Takeshi and his "emerald guards" in the "final showdown". I've watched many episodes and so far have only seen 4 winners! In the USA there is a conversion of the original Japanese show called "Most extreme elimination challenge". In this version, everybody's voice is dubbed in English in comedic ways. However, in the English show, there is running commentary by Craig Charles (Lister from Red Dwarf). His funny comments include; "You wazzok!", "they look like extras from the water margin" and "big black balls, banging off his backside".

Takeshi's castle is a funny, brilliant concept for a gameshow made funnier by Craig Charles. If only they brought this cult show to DVD!!!