The 1975 James Clavell novel Shogun has, starting today, two adaptations. Usually when I write about something like this for all you fine people, I secretly do a decent amount of research. Sometimes that means just watching a movie or TV show or reading a book, but sometimes it means quite a bit more.
Hmmm I sure am intrigued by the fact that there's a whole bunch of untranslated Japanese in the original miniseries. Makes me want to give it a watch and see how accurate it is, and what's being said! Sometimes, knowing too much about Japan(ese) can ruin these sorts of stories for a person, and sometimes it can make them more/differently enjoyable. In this case, I think it would add an interesting layer to the experience, at least.
I know the original was not popular in Japan, though, as I understood it, that was because this time period was already very well known and understood so the twists and turns were not really twists or turns but just the march of history as they knew it.
That's also intriguing! Sounds like it wasn't popular because it was boring and predictable, and not necessarily because of any issues with accuracy. The Japanese reaction to this new Shogun (if there is one) will also be interesting to track!
Japan is currently obsessed with the retelling of Shikibu Murasaki's life and love. Might be hard to pull those fans away. That said, I think the target of this kind of series in Japan will be those who like Western films to begin with.
I still haven't seen the miniseries (and I'm debating if I'll watch the remake... depends on reviews) but I read the book when I was 14 and it blew my mind. I recently found a vintage copy (same edition I first read!) so, soonish, I'll be rereading it as an adult and that should be really fun.
One of my all-time favourite books by one of my all-time favourite writers! I've been waiting patiently for this, and seeing the trailers has only made me more anxious to see it. As a book, it is a stand-alone masterwork. A modern Classic that should have a huge resurgence in sales because of the new min-series. I was a huge fan of the first series, and have a feeling this second one won't disappoint.
Thank you for this rec! I really enjoyed the novel in high school - one of those memories where I only dimly remember the arc of the main plot but certain scenes are still scorched into my mind. I wasn’t aware of this miniseries but I find the choice not to subtitle absolutely fascinating. And, I know you’ll read the book later, but I also remember the mixed feelings of relief and tension as Blackthorne slowly starts to grok what’s going on around him - watching him both start to gain control of the situation but also have to reckon with actions he took before, not understanding their context. What a cool way to adapt that feeling to the screen.
I doubt the new one will be better than the 1980 miniseries which I own on DVD and as you said, cannot be recommended enough. They had to fight to do it without subtitles, esp. at that time it was an incredible risk to take.
Closer to the novel doesn't necessarily mean better, what works on page doesn't necessarily work on screen. It's airing today, so let's see how this "adaptation" fares.
"I have a longstanding theory that if you want to enjoy the adaptation of something, you should experience that first."
This, and I personally deal with sources and adaptations as two different animals altogether. Great review.
Yeah, definitely should be treated as separate but related pieces of media
Hmmm I sure am intrigued by the fact that there's a whole bunch of untranslated Japanese in the original miniseries. Makes me want to give it a watch and see how accurate it is, and what's being said! Sometimes, knowing too much about Japan(ese) can ruin these sorts of stories for a person, and sometimes it can make them more/differently enjoyable. In this case, I think it would add an interesting layer to the experience, at least.
I'd be curious to hear your thoughts!
I know the original was not popular in Japan, though, as I understood it, that was because this time period was already very well known and understood so the twists and turns were not really twists or turns but just the march of history as they knew it.
That's also intriguing! Sounds like it wasn't popular because it was boring and predictable, and not necessarily because of any issues with accuracy. The Japanese reaction to this new Shogun (if there is one) will also be interesting to track!
Yeah, I'll be curious to hear as well. This one has a much larger focus on the Japanese cast so it's possible that will help it there.
Japan is currently obsessed with the retelling of Shikibu Murasaki's life and love. Might be hard to pull those fans away. That said, I think the target of this kind of series in Japan will be those who like Western films to begin with.
Interesting!
I noticed this too. I was watching clips the other day and it was a bit of a shock to be honest
The book is one of my favorites. I also loved the original miniseries. Looking forward to checking out the remake.
I still haven't seen the miniseries (and I'm debating if I'll watch the remake... depends on reviews) but I read the book when I was 14 and it blew my mind. I recently found a vintage copy (same edition I first read!) so, soonish, I'll be rereading it as an adult and that should be really fun.
That's awesome.
The review I've seen seem to love the new adaptation, but we'll see!
If I like it enough, I'll be writing more about it.
One of my all-time favourite books by one of my all-time favourite writers! I've been waiting patiently for this, and seeing the trailers has only made me more anxious to see it. As a book, it is a stand-alone masterwork. A modern Classic that should have a huge resurgence in sales because of the new min-series. I was a huge fan of the first series, and have a feeling this second one won't disappoint.
Thank you for this rec! I really enjoyed the novel in high school - one of those memories where I only dimly remember the arc of the main plot but certain scenes are still scorched into my mind. I wasn’t aware of this miniseries but I find the choice not to subtitle absolutely fascinating. And, I know you’ll read the book later, but I also remember the mixed feelings of relief and tension as Blackthorne slowly starts to grok what’s going on around him - watching him both start to gain control of the situation but also have to reckon with actions he took before, not understanding their context. What a cool way to adapt that feeling to the screen.
I doubt the new one will be better than the 1980 miniseries which I own on DVD and as you said, cannot be recommended enough. They had to fight to do it without subtitles, esp. at that time it was an incredible risk to take.
Still would be a huge risk!
I can't imagine a studio agreeing to that now, honestly.
Yeah, save choices, no risks, money decides, formulaic Shogun? We will find out soon!
Indeed! Apparently it stays closer to the novel, and so includes a lot more of the Japanese characters.
Closer to the novel doesn't necessarily mean better, what works on page doesn't necessarily work on screen. It's airing today, so let's see how this "adaptation" fares.
Indeed!
Maybe the new version will actually have subtitles for the spoken Japanese...
Ha, it will! The producers have already confirmed that.