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.

I have to agree with some comments before me. Visually stunning, nice story telling, great atmosphere. It was so satisfying to transport to a period Japan and learn more about such times.

My only complain is Cosmo Jarvis as Blackthorne. Since the first scene I could not forgive his fake blue lens and was staring at them the whole 10 episodes. Why it has to be like that? Just for one comment that he had a blue eyes?! It was totally not important.

Also it was not so believable to me to be so young as Pilot and make it that far (as career) to sail on such big mission. Of course, he had to be also very handsome (in same time) and in the middle of series lectured how English men treat women in those times so respectfully - it was super cringe and unnecessary.

At the end of the series the games were little bit too much, it was still enjoyable and made us expect a lot from the finale that never really happened. I am not sure if there will be season 2 with new cast and a new story... I would not mind.

Since the Englishman Blackthorne had quite a little impact on the story and also Portuguese, I don't think we have to force them into possible future series. I only enjoyed character of Blackthorne for the fact that all had to be explained to him from the scratch and it gave us more insights into Japanese customs that time, and of course he had to create this love interest to season things up. Other than that in some scenes he was slowly becoming even annoyance. I was also not completely sold with Cosmo Jarvis' acting, deep voice and supposed to be funny vulgar cursing?!

No matter, it was still very enjoyable and visually beautiful series and I wish to see more from Japan. I really enjoyed acting of all the asian cast and even those dark black eyes (which were also fake lens) of Tommy Bastow as Portuguese Father Martin Alvito...

Very clearly this is one of the best TV shows and a contender for top TV historical TV show.

The ambience, script, costumes, cinematography, they are so well designed that you would feel at home in XVII century Japan. This show is Art.

Clear careful treatment of culture, ideology and religion was taken into account, which highlights both the source material and its representation. Albeit not historically accurate, it is close to portraying the events enhanced for dramatic purposes. The mindset of historical figures depicted seems so realistic based on the ideologies of the period. The characters are flawed, realistic and not cartoonish. This show respects its audience just as much as the clan respects Tokugawa.

This show is borderline perfect, it's weaves and bobs make so much sense that you are enthralled by its characters and stories. The shows music and cinematography is absolutely perfect. The existential questions that the protagonist asks to Mariko may seem odd at first but make up the fundamental philosophical difference between the western world and Japan. 'we live and we die' a quote from the show makes up this perfectly. The englishmans sharp critique of the Japanese and their way of life and eventual change of mind is the fundamental conflict in the mind of the protagonist. We are usually only given borderline racist or fetished version of feudal Japan in our movies and TV shows, this is a show which puts the Japanese characters front and centre and watches as the dance of death and power plays out with the foreigner playing the part of a catalyst or as Hiroyuki Sanada puts it a 'distraction'.

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.