7 reasons why Disney+ Hotstar's Shogun needs to be watched RN!

Now that all the episodes of this limited series are out, we decided to tell you why you need to watch Shogun if you haven't already!

As a result of being constantly bombarded with a new series every month, it's hard to take social media suggestions of shows seriously! In between struggling to catch up with an ongoing show we miss out on a genuinely good show! And when you do stumble on one, sometimes it makes you wonder why more people aren’t talking about this! And the recently released, FX and Disney+’s historical television drama, Shogun left me feeling this! I decided to watch the show during my 'just finished a show, now what to watch next' phase, and I am glad I did!

While I walked in expecting to satisfy my love for samurais, I was greeted with so much more than that. Although I want to gatekeep the show and be a part of its cult following, I also want more people to enjoy and appreciate it! Shogun follows Japan in 1600 when a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village as Lord Yoshii Toranaga discovers secrets that help him in his fight for survival since his enemies on the Council of Regents unite against him.

A visual artistry, Shogun takes us to a time that also aligns with the socio-political world that we are living in. It is a beautiful historical drama that blends both the political scenario that shaped history along cultural exploration without it being a bore. Good storytelling and great talent are needed to make one sit through hour-long episodes while they wait for the next episode to drop and Jonathan van Tulleken’s limited series has managed to do just that.

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Here's why it needs to be watched!

Taking us through history

Apart from wanting to know about the Japanese military because it looks cool, people may not always find topics about Japanese history like the Portuguese colonizing Japan and imposing Christianity, the distinction between the empire and the shogunate, and more, interesting. Although it is not all accurate, the show manages to tap into it all in while keeping you intrigued.

The set and visual mastery

Those who have been talking about the show have been praising the sets and likely so. Games Of Thrones was one of the few historical stories that was able to bring the fictional world to life. Shogun also manages to bring the same grandeur onscreen as it recreated Japan in the 1600s while transporting us to a new world altogether.

Violence

With all the swords hanging around to be used, violence in the show appears to be done in the right amount. Similar to GOT, it is sudden and something that leaves you thinking about it for a long time. Most of the thrill also comes from how well it goes with the plot without overshadowing the deeper themes of the show. 

Strong women

The women in Shogun don't disappoint. You won’t see them often wielding swords and fighting alongside their lord but each manages to become the center of attention every time they come on screen. Watching Mariko translate Anjin’s words to Toranaga all while keeping the meaning intact and as she explains the ways of Japan to Anjin is enough to get you rooting for the show. Not to forget how the show also highlights the loyalty, strong-headed spirit, and manipulative nature of every woman without making it feel forced.

Characters and their arc

Every character has a role to play and none seem to go in vain. You can always expect one to stand out in their way, no matter how small their role is. Each character feels like an important thread to an elaborate plot that is rich with plot twists and warfare strategy. You will find yourself rooting, hating, concerned, and in awe of each character as they continue to one-up their performance in each episode. Special mention to Kashigi Yabushige who is the funniest character in the show without trying to be that. I mean the guy has a book where he ranks stupid ways to die.

The culture

Despite how alien the culture may seem, it is introduced to you in the most palpable way possible. There is a sense of respect for each of it and you enjoy watching it on screen. From the way one serves tea to the importance of loyalty, the show takes us through the richness of Japanese culture, making you want to learn more about it.

Actors

Talk about perfect casting and this show takes the cake! Apart from the legend Hiroyuki Sanada playing the lead and looking convincing as a powerful daimyo (lord), we are also acquainted with a bunch of talent who shine in their way. Anna Sawai manages to steal the spotlight every time despite her sharing the screen with others. So does Cosmo Jarvis who looks both, bewildered and intrigued by the people who have held him captive. Apart from them, every other actor including Tadanobu Asano, Fumi Nikaido, Tokuma Nishioka, Takehiro Hira, Ako, Shinnosuke Abe, Yasunari Takeshima, Hiroto Kanai, Toshi Toda, Hiro Kanagawa, Néstor Carbonell, Yuki Kura, Tommy Bastow, Moeka Hoshi, Yoriko Doguchi and Yuka Kouri manage to be the character that the story demands them to be. 

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Shogun is currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar!