- Actors: Richard Chamberlain, Toshirô Mifune, Yôko Shimada, Frankie Sakai, Alan Badel
- Directors: Jerry London
- Writers: Eric Bercovici, James Clavell
- Producers: Ben Chapman, Eric Bercovici, James Clavell, Kerry Feltham
- Language English
- Classification: 15
- Studio: Paramount
- VHS Release Date: 17 Jan 1994
- Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B00004CO6F
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 4,888 in Video (See Top 100 in Video)
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Originally broadcast in 1980 as a 5-part, 12-hour mini-series, Shogun stood out from the pack of television events at the time with its boldness of action and calculated risks. Based on James Clavell's epic novel, Shogun stars Richard Chamberlain as John Blackthorne, a 17th-century English pilot commanding a Dutch ship that wrecks off the coast of Japan. Viewed suspiciously by local authorities, Blackthorne is at first in some danger of being executed. But with little hope of returning to Britain anytime soon, he begins to assimilate into the feudal society, befriending a powerful warlord (Toshiro Mifune) and wearing the robes of a samurai. Inevitably, Blackthorne begins to think of himself as Japanese, defending his hosts in battle, learning the language and falling in love with an interpreter (Yoko Shimada). At the same time, his presence there exacerbates a problem with would-be European colonialists gazing at Japan covetously. Directed by journeyman Jerry London, Shogun immediately caught on with its blend of romance, exoticism and compelling myth of an outsider's reinvention--a story that becomes sadder as it becomes clear that Blackthorne may never see his home again. The production deliberately pushed hard against various television taboos and audience expectations, including the extensive use of Japanese dialogue, startling violence, near nudity and profane behaviour. That all looks tamer now, of course, but Shogun is still a unique entry in the phenomenon of prestige miniseries from the late 1970s and early 80s. --Tom Keogh, Amazon.com
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
A truly wonderful adaptation from the novel Shogun, by James Clavell. If there is one thing which you must do it is watch (and read) Shogun. It will provide you with one of the greatest stories ever written, encapsulating any and everything you could ever wish to feel as human being: Hate; love; compassion; honour; friendship; betrayal; loneliness; helplessness; power are all in abundance. Although many of their ways and customs are somewhat alien to our western view of civilisation, it would be an injustice to claim superiority to such a wonderful race as the Japanese. This film will make you look deep within yourself, and come away feeling enlightened by simplicity of how these Japanese lived. If we all could learn but some of their self-discipline and manners it would make for great social improvement! Enjoy....
19 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
Having repeatedly seen and enjoyed this video and having visited many sites in Japan, where scenes were filmed, I find it a classic portrayal of historical life in feudal Japan.
Visiting the various castles (many hundreds of years old and still in superb condition), plus ryokan, bath-houses and Samurai homes of great vintage, this video set so well displays the atmosphere of the times that one can visualise the battles and human struggles/relationships as one tours.
Much, much better, than the 2 hour movie.
18 of 29 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
I bought this video after reading the book, and was very disappointed. I found out after there is a box set which has the ENTIRE mini series on it. Trying to condense a story as big as Shogun into 2 hours is pointless. Too many jumps, so many key events missing. I'm assuming that the whole series was a bit more faithful to the book; but don't bother with this cut down version.
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