Individualism ⛩️ Collectivism & The 8-Fold Fence °9° °Outstanding°
“A man has 3 hearts.
One in his mouth for the world to know. Another in his chest just for his friends.
And a secret heart buried deep where no one can find it. That is a heart a man must keep hidden if he wants to survive.“
§hogun is a brilliant depiction of two cultures clashing. Each of these countries believes their own superiority is such that they are entitled to invade and control any and all other peoples. Their viewpoints are opposite (sort of) but their entitled sense of superiority is EXACTLY the same.
The emperor (the §hogun) is dead. The leaders of the 5 fiefs will fight it out to be the next §hogun. Perhaps not Toranaga. “Shogun - a beautiful relic from a bygone era.” Yoshii Toranaga doesn't want it, he claims.
This is a top-tier production. It's a great drama with multilayered character development, and humorous banter that gives way to elevated dialogue. Based on the 1975 novel by James Clavell, § is a 2024 release that is rated 99/84 on RT & 8.6 on IMDB. It is 1 season consisting of 10 60-minute episodes. The original network was ABC, but FX released it along with Hulu. It's technically a US production but it is more than half in the Japanese language and utilizes Japanese actors and technical staff. It was already made into a miniseries in the 80's, and while I haven't seen the original, I would expect the two features to be like 80's Dune and 20's Dune. This has been confirmed for a S2 though they are out of the original source material. The story will pick up 10 years later. They are set to start production in January, 2026
The §hogun is dead, and the Europeans have mounted a soft invasion. The Catholics already have several missions set up and many fiefs work with them directly. The Protestants just showed up, though. Their theological differences escape the Japanese, but each side is willing to die for them. We meet John Blackthorne first (Cosmo Jarvis from Annihilation-7). He and his crew are in rough shape off the coast of Japan when the warriors invade their ship. They decide to take the pale strangers into custody, rather than “off” their heads on the spot. Blackthorne vows to recover his ship and his men to continue his Protestant mission.
Hiroyuki Sanada (Shin Hanshichi Torimonocho) is brilliant as his captor, Yoshii Toranaga, one of the fief leaders and an old sly fox. He's the one who worries the other fiefs the most. He has his own mind and he is not a go-along-to-get-along kinda guy. Born in New Zealand. Anna Sawai, (Pachinko), just may steal the show as Toda Mariko. In a show about men pursuing power and destiny, a woman is the fulcrum. Tadanobu Asano (Keiji Yugami, Mortal Combat) is Toranaga's #1 guy, Kashigi Yabushige. Tommy Bastow (Agatha Raisin) portrays the compartmentalized Father Martin Alvito.
§ tells a sweeping story in a beautiful manner. It's the §engoku Period, around 1600. Japan is in a state of civil war. The Tokugawa §hogunate is about to be born. Europe is at war, particularly Protestants V Catholics, and it's spilled over into Asia. While Europeans come bearing technologically advanced weaponry, they do not behave in a more refined manner. Each side refers to the other as savages, and they are each 💯% dead-on accurate.
The artistry of the show is magnificent. It all looks authentic with layers of texture. The opening is a 6-minute short CGI film by Elastic. Did they make the ships for the show? Per AI: “Yes, multiple wooden boats and partial wooden ships were constructed for the FX series, with a strong emphasis on historical accuracy. An American boatbuilding expert was brought in to ensure the designs were authentic to 17th-century Japan.” The ep5 earthquake and mudslide are magnificently portrayed; I stopped breathing for a few moments. There's a boat race! An unofficial / unintended one. It's very exciting.
The show is based on history and historical figures. Per AI “The English navigator William Adams, also known as Anjin, became a key advisor to Tokugawa Ieyasu, who later became the Shogun. Adams' expertise in shipbuilding, along with his knowledge of Western technology and trade, proved invaluable to Ieyasu.. Ieyasu enlisted Adams to help improve Japan's naval capabilities by constructing Western-style ships.. These ships played a role in enhancing Japan's naval capacity and fostering trade relations with European powers during the early 17th century.” I dunno. Seems like cultural appropriation is one thing, but a look of love and admiration from the outside in is another. People will never stop imitating eachother. We're sheep.
What's life without alittle romance? Mariko might be married, but her husband is never around. When he is, he's awful to her. (“I will give my husband nothing. Not even hatred. Because that is what he merits.”) Mariko is Blackthorne's interpreter. She's the only person he can speak to, and they end up spending all their time together. He falls hard for her, and while she's more difficult to read, she seems to reciprocate. It's long gazes, surreptitious touches, double-speak and countless metaphors. She's gorgeous. He is NOT. Yet it sizzles. In the hot spring one night she asks him where he'd take her in London? They basically have a virtual date, just talking about it. The scene is tremendous.
In the magnificent ep7, Toranaga gifts Blackthorne a night in a brothel as a reward + compensation for not allowing him to leave with his ship. Mariko must accompany him “to interpret”. By now, Toranaga and Mariko‘s husband are suspicious, and their suspicions are justified. It smells of a setup, and Mariko is no dummy. As they enter, she warns him that their #every#gesture# is being watched. The courtesan is considered the best in the country, as is the brothel. She discusses the services they offer. Physical pleasure is only one of the goals, while escape from life's afflictions is the ultimate goal. Mariko is interpreting every word spoken by this Lady of the Night, but in 3rd person. She suddenly switches from 3rd person to 1st person at the height of the courtesan's verbal seduction. Instead of “she will,” Mariko opts rather for ”I will.” It's more sensual than most aex scenes.
The jokes write themselves in any clash of cultures. Blackthorne wants to try what they're eating. It's natto, or fermented soy beans. Sure, it's a great source of protein, but it's treated much the way Limburger cheese is, and Blackthorne even comments that it's much like spoiled cheese. Limburger certainly has its devotees, but most people can't get beyond the smell. Same for natto, and though it's considered an “acquired taste,” the Japanese love it. Even more, they love joking about it and treating it as a dare. Just can't put that fork in the mouth? Nattokinase capsules are also a popular health supplement. There's several funny cultures-colliding moments.
What really makes § worth it is the elevated writing. When Blackthorne admits to Mariko that he's never met his daughter, he talks about how the sea beckons him. He's been out /there/; he hasn't been home. She says, “You serve your masters well.” He turns to her and affirms that he has no masters. There's the disconnect between East and West: The constant tension between individualism and collectivism is on display. Neither side does it completely right. Neither side has all the answers. In Asia, they see themselves as part of a whole, while in the West, we see ourselves as individuals. There's problems both ways and a blend of the two is what perfection is.
But perfection isn't human. In the East, the individual is stifled and crushed - the people are slaves to the group. Insane sacrifice is expected in a collectivist society. A warrior stands up for Toranaga's honor in ep1 and to mollify the offended parties, Toranaga puts him and his newborn infant to death. The widow is expected to accept this and continue on. Then Toranaga gifts the widow to Blackthorne! In the West, we're overloaded with narcissistic monsters. “If freedom is all you live for, then you will never be free of yourself,” we hear. The answer is a balancing act. There will be times that the group is more important than one's own life, but most of the time, individuals should be free to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. At the same time, the person who believes s/he is the center of the universe cannot have healthy loving relationships with others. Intimacy is what we've lost; it requires give AND take.
They put quite a frame around ancient Japan: Earthquakes. Tsunamis. Fires. They build their houses to “go up as quickly as they come down”. “Death is in our air. It can come for us at any moment.” ‘Life has no value to the Japanese,’ John opines. Only their “meaningless rituals, which have trapped them, have any significance”. He's astounded at the inefficiency, the sheer unworkability of it. Yet, the people suffer it all with straight faces. Commenting on their stoicism, Mariko tells Blackthorne about the 8-fold fence. The young are taught to build it themselves: It's an ❇impenetrable❇ wall behind which they can retreat. “Listen, without hearing, to the sound of the rocks growing Do not be fooled by our politeness, our maze of rituals. We could be a great distance away, safe and alone.” Everything outward is form - PHONY FORM. The real person is in “a secret heart buried deep where no one can find it. That is a heart a man must keep hidden if he wants to survive.“
As §1 winds down, we have a heartbreaker. I'm upset. “War is inevitable,“ we hear. Perhaps, but it's rarely /necessary/. Sure, going to war in defense against oppressors is sometimes necessary, but wars of aggression, borne from the worst darkness of the human heart, never are. “If you win, anything is possible,” says Toranaga.
QUOTES🗣
Enemies are everywhere and friends nowhere. To show your true heart is to be killed.
Let us choose to look away from what we cannot control.
Thank you for this novel distraction.
Once loyalty begins it does not have an end. Otherwise, it is not loyalty.
Not your god, or my god… just God.
IMHO〰🖍
📣9 📝9 🎭9 💓7 🦋5 🎨8.5 🎵/🔊8 🔚8 🤗6.8 ▪ 🌞4⚡7 😅3 😭6 😱4 😯2.8 🤢9 🤔7.5 💤0
Age 15+ nudity, sexual content 4/10; R-rated Language; Gore: the usual battles are depicted, but we see men on horses turned into exploding guts by cannon balls. It's on an extreme level. Rated TV-MA: Mature Audience Only.
Re-📺? Yup
In order of ~lite&trite~ to ~heavy&serious~
The Dragon Prince-8.7,
Samurai Champloo-8.6,
The Dragon Prince-8.7,
My Happy Marriage-8.3,
Moribito Guardian of the Spirit-8.6,
Vinland Saga-10,
Attack On Titan-8.9
🎎 -
C🇨🇳: Overlord 8.4,
Under the Power 8.6,
Story of Yanxi Palace-10
The Rebel Princess 9.1,
The Sword and the Brocade 8.6 (in ancient Chinese opera style),
The Rise of Phoenixes 9
K🇰🇷:
My Only Love Song 8.7 excellent comedy;
Mr. Queen 8.5;
My Sassy Girl 8.5;
The King's Affection 8.3;
Mr. Sunshine 9
🔮🐉-
C🇨🇳: Love Between Fairy & Devil 8.9;
Douluo Continent 9.4;
Handsome Siblings 8.7;
Ancient Love Poetry 8.6;
Love and Redemption 10
⚡/😱/🚀 -
C🇨🇳: Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Saber 9-Kung-fu!;
One in his mouth for the world to know. Another in his chest just for his friends.
And a secret heart buried deep where no one can find it. That is a heart a man must keep hidden if he wants to survive.“
§hogun is a brilliant depiction of two cultures clashing. Each of these countries believes their own superiority is such that they are entitled to invade and control any and all other peoples. Their viewpoints are opposite (sort of) but their entitled sense of superiority is EXACTLY the same.
The emperor (the §hogun) is dead. The leaders of the 5 fiefs will fight it out to be the next §hogun. Perhaps not Toranaga. “Shogun - a beautiful relic from a bygone era.” Yoshii Toranaga doesn't want it, he claims.
This is a top-tier production. It's a great drama with multilayered character development, and humorous banter that gives way to elevated dialogue. Based on the 1975 novel by James Clavell, § is a 2024 release that is rated 99/84 on RT & 8.6 on IMDB. It is 1 season consisting of 10 60-minute episodes. The original network was ABC, but FX released it along with Hulu. It's technically a US production but it is more than half in the Japanese language and utilizes Japanese actors and technical staff. It was already made into a miniseries in the 80's, and while I haven't seen the original, I would expect the two features to be like 80's Dune and 20's Dune. This has been confirmed for a S2 though they are out of the original source material. The story will pick up 10 years later. They are set to start production in January, 2026
The §hogun is dead, and the Europeans have mounted a soft invasion. The Catholics already have several missions set up and many fiefs work with them directly. The Protestants just showed up, though. Their theological differences escape the Japanese, but each side is willing to die for them. We meet John Blackthorne first (Cosmo Jarvis from Annihilation-7). He and his crew are in rough shape off the coast of Japan when the warriors invade their ship. They decide to take the pale strangers into custody, rather than “off” their heads on the spot. Blackthorne vows to recover his ship and his men to continue his Protestant mission.
Hiroyuki Sanada (Shin Hanshichi Torimonocho) is brilliant as his captor, Yoshii Toranaga, one of the fief leaders and an old sly fox. He's the one who worries the other fiefs the most. He has his own mind and he is not a go-along-to-get-along kinda guy. Born in New Zealand. Anna Sawai, (Pachinko), just may steal the show as Toda Mariko. In a show about men pursuing power and destiny, a woman is the fulcrum. Tadanobu Asano (Keiji Yugami, Mortal Combat) is Toranaga's #1 guy, Kashigi Yabushige. Tommy Bastow (Agatha Raisin) portrays the compartmentalized Father Martin Alvito.
§ tells a sweeping story in a beautiful manner. It's the §engoku Period, around 1600. Japan is in a state of civil war. The Tokugawa §hogunate is about to be born. Europe is at war, particularly Protestants V Catholics, and it's spilled over into Asia. While Europeans come bearing technologically advanced weaponry, they do not behave in a more refined manner. Each side refers to the other as savages, and they are each 💯% dead-on accurate.
The artistry of the show is magnificent. It all looks authentic with layers of texture. The opening is a 6-minute short CGI film by Elastic. Did they make the ships for the show? Per AI: “Yes, multiple wooden boats and partial wooden ships were constructed for the FX series, with a strong emphasis on historical accuracy. An American boatbuilding expert was brought in to ensure the designs were authentic to 17th-century Japan.” The ep5 earthquake and mudslide are magnificently portrayed; I stopped breathing for a few moments. There's a boat race! An unofficial / unintended one. It's very exciting.
The show is based on history and historical figures. Per AI “The English navigator William Adams, also known as Anjin, became a key advisor to Tokugawa Ieyasu, who later became the Shogun. Adams' expertise in shipbuilding, along with his knowledge of Western technology and trade, proved invaluable to Ieyasu.. Ieyasu enlisted Adams to help improve Japan's naval capabilities by constructing Western-style ships.. These ships played a role in enhancing Japan's naval capacity and fostering trade relations with European powers during the early 17th century.” I dunno. Seems like cultural appropriation is one thing, but a look of love and admiration from the outside in is another. People will never stop imitating eachother. We're sheep.
What's life without alittle romance? Mariko might be married, but her husband is never around. When he is, he's awful to her. (“I will give my husband nothing. Not even hatred. Because that is what he merits.”) Mariko is Blackthorne's interpreter. She's the only person he can speak to, and they end up spending all their time together. He falls hard for her, and while she's more difficult to read, she seems to reciprocate. It's long gazes, surreptitious touches, double-speak and countless metaphors. She's gorgeous. He is NOT. Yet it sizzles. In the hot spring one night she asks him where he'd take her in London? They basically have a virtual date, just talking about it. The scene is tremendous.
In the magnificent ep7, Toranaga gifts Blackthorne a night in a brothel as a reward + compensation for not allowing him to leave with his ship. Mariko must accompany him “to interpret”. By now, Toranaga and Mariko‘s husband are suspicious, and their suspicions are justified. It smells of a setup, and Mariko is no dummy. As they enter, she warns him that their #every#gesture# is being watched. The courtesan is considered the best in the country, as is the brothel. She discusses the services they offer. Physical pleasure is only one of the goals, while escape from life's afflictions is the ultimate goal. Mariko is interpreting every word spoken by this Lady of the Night, but in 3rd person. She suddenly switches from 3rd person to 1st person at the height of the courtesan's verbal seduction. Instead of “she will,” Mariko opts rather for ”I will.” It's more sensual than most aex scenes.
The jokes write themselves in any clash of cultures. Blackthorne wants to try what they're eating. It's natto, or fermented soy beans. Sure, it's a great source of protein, but it's treated much the way Limburger cheese is, and Blackthorne even comments that it's much like spoiled cheese. Limburger certainly has its devotees, but most people can't get beyond the smell. Same for natto, and though it's considered an “acquired taste,” the Japanese love it. Even more, they love joking about it and treating it as a dare. Just can't put that fork in the mouth? Nattokinase capsules are also a popular health supplement. There's several funny cultures-colliding moments.
What really makes § worth it is the elevated writing. When Blackthorne admits to Mariko that he's never met his daughter, he talks about how the sea beckons him. He's been out /there/; he hasn't been home. She says, “You serve your masters well.” He turns to her and affirms that he has no masters. There's the disconnect between East and West: The constant tension between individualism and collectivism is on display. Neither side does it completely right. Neither side has all the answers. In Asia, they see themselves as part of a whole, while in the West, we see ourselves as individuals. There's problems both ways and a blend of the two is what perfection is.
But perfection isn't human. In the East, the individual is stifled and crushed - the people are slaves to the group. Insane sacrifice is expected in a collectivist society. A warrior stands up for Toranaga's honor in ep1 and to mollify the offended parties, Toranaga puts him and his newborn infant to death. The widow is expected to accept this and continue on. Then Toranaga gifts the widow to Blackthorne! In the West, we're overloaded with narcissistic monsters. “If freedom is all you live for, then you will never be free of yourself,” we hear. The answer is a balancing act. There will be times that the group is more important than one's own life, but most of the time, individuals should be free to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. At the same time, the person who believes s/he is the center of the universe cannot have healthy loving relationships with others. Intimacy is what we've lost; it requires give AND take.
They put quite a frame around ancient Japan: Earthquakes. Tsunamis. Fires. They build their houses to “go up as quickly as they come down”. “Death is in our air. It can come for us at any moment.” ‘Life has no value to the Japanese,’ John opines. Only their “meaningless rituals, which have trapped them, have any significance”. He's astounded at the inefficiency, the sheer unworkability of it. Yet, the people suffer it all with straight faces. Commenting on their stoicism, Mariko tells Blackthorne about the 8-fold fence. The young are taught to build it themselves: It's an ❇impenetrable❇ wall behind which they can retreat. “Listen, without hearing, to the sound of the rocks growing Do not be fooled by our politeness, our maze of rituals. We could be a great distance away, safe and alone.” Everything outward is form - PHONY FORM. The real person is in “a secret heart buried deep where no one can find it. That is a heart a man must keep hidden if he wants to survive.“
As §1 winds down, we have a heartbreaker. I'm upset. “War is inevitable,“ we hear. Perhaps, but it's rarely /necessary/. Sure, going to war in defense against oppressors is sometimes necessary, but wars of aggression, borne from the worst darkness of the human heart, never are. “If you win, anything is possible,” says Toranaga.
QUOTES🗣
Enemies are everywhere and friends nowhere. To show your true heart is to be killed.
Let us choose to look away from what we cannot control.
Thank you for this novel distraction.
Once loyalty begins it does not have an end. Otherwise, it is not loyalty.
Not your god, or my god… just God.
IMHO〰🖍
📣9 📝9 🎭9 💓7 🦋5 🎨8.5 🎵/🔊8 🔚8 🤗6.8 ▪ 🌞4⚡7 😅3 😭6 😱4 😯2.8 🤢9 🤔7.5 💤0
Age 15+ nudity, sexual content 4/10; R-rated Language; Gore: the usual battles are depicted, but we see men on horses turned into exploding guts by cannon balls. It's on an extreme level. Rated TV-MA: Mature Audience Only.
Re-📺? Yup
In order of ~lite&trite~ to ~heavy&serious~
The Dragon Prince-8.7,
Samurai Champloo-8.6,
The Dragon Prince-8.7,
My Happy Marriage-8.3,
Moribito Guardian of the Spirit-8.6,
Vinland Saga-10,
Attack On Titan-8.9
🎎 -
C🇨🇳: Overlord 8.4,
Under the Power 8.6,
Story of Yanxi Palace-10
The Rebel Princess 9.1,
The Sword and the Brocade 8.6 (in ancient Chinese opera style),
The Rise of Phoenixes 9
K🇰🇷:
My Only Love Song 8.7 excellent comedy;
Mr. Queen 8.5;
My Sassy Girl 8.5;
The King's Affection 8.3;
Mr. Sunshine 9
🔮🐉-
C🇨🇳: Love Between Fairy & Devil 8.9;
Douluo Continent 9.4;
Handsome Siblings 8.7;
Ancient Love Poetry 8.6;
Love and Redemption 10
⚡/😱/🚀 -
C🇨🇳: Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Saber 9-Kung-fu!;
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