What struck me is how the 1980 adaptation was more faithful to the book, and then, how the novel itself, written by surviving POW, was more faithful to the history than this current adaptation with its professed cultural sensitivities.
The 1980 adaptation, made for American network television, is better.
I have fond memories of this book due to my dad. First he loved Claval and read all of this series. Second, I remember watching the 80’s miniseries with Richard Chamberlain and listening to all of my dad’s insights. I went on to major in lit and developed a lifetime love of reading thanks in no large part to my dad’s love of a good story. I’m eyeball deep in the Count of Monte Cristo right now, another one of Dad’s favorites. Finally tackling the unabridged edition since I read the abridged back in middle school, after my dad promised me I wouldn’t be able to put it down. He was right.
This all goes to say that I love Shogun and I am so sick and tired of studious absolutely trashing stories written by people way more talented, educated, and insightful than they could ever hope to be.
Lost my dad to Alzheimer’s last month and he would be none too thrilled about what they did to one of his favorite books.
Your comment brings to mind all the talking heads that lauded that poor kid who self-immolated in order to protest supposed genocide against the Palestinians. Not surprised they left that bit in because many do seem to think of suicide as honorable.
What struck me is how the 1980 adaptation was more faithful to the book, and then, how the novel itself, written by surviving POW, was more faithful to the history than this current adaptation with its professed cultural sensitivities.
The 1980 adaptation, made for American network television, is better.
Yeah, I've wondered about this and wanting to check out the other adaptation. This is a good push to do it!
The acting might be wooden, but the Narrator is Orson Welles!
I have fond memories of this book due to my dad. First he loved Claval and read all of this series. Second, I remember watching the 80’s miniseries with Richard Chamberlain and listening to all of my dad’s insights. I went on to major in lit and developed a lifetime love of reading thanks in no large part to my dad’s love of a good story. I’m eyeball deep in the Count of Monte Cristo right now, another one of Dad’s favorites. Finally tackling the unabridged edition since I read the abridged back in middle school, after my dad promised me I wouldn’t be able to put it down. He was right.
This all goes to say that I love Shogun and I am so sick and tired of studious absolutely trashing stories written by people way more talented, educated, and insightful than they could ever hope to be.
Lost my dad to Alzheimer’s last month and he would be none too thrilled about what they did to one of his favorite books.
Sepaku is pure and irreproachable? At least they left that little gory tradition in the film.
Your comment brings to mind all the talking heads that lauded that poor kid who self-immolated in order to protest supposed genocide against the Palestinians. Not surprised they left that bit in because many do seem to think of suicide as honorable.
I quit watching it when they boil the guy alive on screen. I don't need that in my head.