It is difficult to envision a time in which whole countries and civilizations were not yet aware of each other’s existence. Yet, this is the historic era in which the latest Hulu/FX series Shogun, based on James Clavell’s 1975 novel, is set.
The series plunges into the mysterious and perilous world of the 17th century, in which the global map still held blank spaces and cultural collisions shaped the future of empires. It is here, in Japan, amid an era of political turmoil, that intrepid English sailor John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) makes landfall. His towering vessel of the English navy approaching a quaint Japanese village in the first episode is a scene that today could only be analogous to witnessing an alien spaceship descending from the clouds.
Among Shogun’s most compelling facets is the sweeping and immersive world it creates and draws you into. Through Blackthorne, we experience the myriad customs and traditions that permeated life and death in 17th-century Japan, from the intricate ritual of tea preparation to the haunting acceptance of death through seppuku.
Central to these explorations is Mariko (Anna Sawai), a woman of Japanese nobility and a Catholic convert educated by Portuguese Jesuits. She is fluent in Portuguese, and her linguistic skills become vital as she navigates her role as a translator for Blackthorne. “We live, and we die. We control nothing beyond that,” she explains, encapsulating the profound depth of the cultural and existential themes into which the series delves.
Despite the star-crossed lovers cliché that defines their relationship, their natural and dynamic chemistry is palpable. Blackthorne’s loud and brash countenance, as an English sailor, next to Mariko’s demure Japanese formality, initially clashes, especially as Blackthorne delves deeper into Japanese culture. Yet, as they navigate the complexities of their disparate backgrounds, they begin to influence and transform each other in profound ways.
This personal evolution mirrors the larger, more perilous shifts occurring within the power structures of feudal Japan, orchestrated by the astute and ambitious Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada). Business schools often contrast American and Japanese customs, particularly in the context of negotiations and corporate dealings, emphasizing the reserved nature of Japanese strategies in which less is openly revealed.
Toranaga embodies this approach, playing a complex game of chess in his mind while his contemporaries are still grappling with the basic rules. As one of the five regents ruling Japan, Toranaga crafts a cunning strategy to outmaneuver the other four, which forms the crux of the show’s narrative.
As far as historical adaptations go, Shogun is as accurate as they come. The series resists the modern trend of tokenizing its cast or bending historical realities to fit contemporary narratives. Instead, it offers a refreshingly organic portrayal of its characters and settings, remaining true to the cultural and historical context of 17th-century Japan.
The series also skillfully avoids contemporary clichés of invincible “girlboss” heroines, instead highlighting women’s strategic roles within the narrative. A key moment underscores this approach when Toranaga observes, “I sent a woman to do something an army couldn’t.” Rather than relying on physical prowess, the women in Shogun influence events through their intelligence and cunning, demonstrating that their contributions are crucial and often more effective than the traditional martial exploits of samurais.
At its core, Hulu’s Shogun is a story rich with power, politics, and ambition — reminiscent of the early seasons of Game of Thrones. The series not only excels in its storytelling but also in its visual and technical execution, masterfully capturing the beauty and brutality of 17th-century Japan with stunning cinematography and authentic production designs. From the serene beauty of Japanese gardens to the harsh realism of war, Shogun balances visual splendor with narrative depth.
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This meticulously crafted narrative showcases complex characters, including standout performances by even supporting actors such as Tadanobu Asano, who plays Yabushige, a midlevel warlord maneuvering to survive by leveraging all sides, delivering a performance worthy of Emmy recognition.
Blackthorne’s journey through the unforgiving and foreign world of feudal Japan in Shogun, devoid of modern navigation tools or Google Translate, serves as a poignant reminder of the human capacity to adapt and thrive. Guided by his Christian convictions and sheer will to survive, his story is a testament to the resilience and transformative power of faith and determination. Shogun is a vivid, must-watch journey into an alien past imbued with intimately familiar themes.
Harry Khachatrian (@Harry1T6) is a film critic for the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog and a computer engineer in Toronto pursuing his MBA.