Shinsengumi!

I have to watch "Shinsengumi" in a Japanese-language course I'm taking right now. And what a horrifically made series is this.

First of all, that music is so ridiculous-- it's even more out of place than the head-scratching ragtime score to Woody Allen's dismal "Sleeper." Then, you have "introductory captions"-- little messages that pop up on the screen to tell you who's who. Unfortunately, if you're watching this subtitled in English, you're just plum out of luck if you can't read kanji. Third, the performances are frightful, lacking the marks of any direction or useful information whatsoever!

But fourth, the most ridiculous thing about this series is the footage used for the "Black Ships" scenes where Kondo Isami and the others are looking on the decks of the American ships. They're all in black and white, except for the American flag, and look like they've been pulled from some abominable silent comedy.

There's really nothing to enjoy about "Shinsengumi!" except for the period details (the hair, the costumes, etc.). But for a Japanese history lesson, pull out a textbook before resorting to a humiliating mess like this.

The NHK production of Shinsengumi is a sprawling epic that take's place during the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Kondo Isami is the adopted son of a Sensei of a poor fencing hall. Kondo aspires to be something greater as he watches his country fall apart around him. Together with his friends Toshizo, Okita, Hajime Saito, Yamnammi and Sanosuke. They form a group of Ronin to help police Kyoto during a time of blood. Soon they make a choice that will bring their house of cards down upon them.

I fell in love with this show the second I saw it. Whats interesting is seeing these young people, who are actually quite innocent. Become corrupted by the choices they make. It shows that the path of honor isn't always as clear cut as you would think. This television show is about 50 episodes of historical goodness. I recommend it for anyone interested in the Meji era, Rurouni Kenshin, Peacemaker Kurogane, and other shows that feature this fearsome group.

From the couple of episodes I have seen, I think this is an excellent series to watch if you have an interest in the Bakumatsu period.

The character information is thrown at you a little thick and fast at the beginning of the first episode, with many characters being introduced in a short time. So it is a little difficult to identify characters at the beginning.

After that though, it is a lot easier to follow as the next few episodes provide more background slowly. It is useful to know some of the history of that period/do a little research.

The acting, costumes and sets are quite good. The background music could have been better in parts, as it tends to be overpowering in some scenes.

On the whole - I think it provides thoroughly enjoyable insight into the Shinsengumi and the Bakumatsu.

I must say as an avid Samurai historian this series thrilled me from beginning to end. It shows exactly how the Shinsengumi were formed, betrayed, new ideals in a changing society, and also which is most important, shows how the Meiji restoration came about politically, and how much impact it had on Japanese society. Though the makers did change some of the history (Sutesuke in all likelihood did not die until 1915)

the series is the best i have seen so far. Without judgment passed on either the Shinsengumi, bakufu, meiji emperor, and other political figures, the drama is intense, and you really get an in depth view of the characters which grow as the series develops.

a must see!

and a small remark for the guy taking a Japanese course and not liking it: you will never understans Japan, its culture, and bushido if you do not get this. Drop out of the course, and do it now. Aho!

H.J.Vrielink

ASHIKAGA PRODUCTION DESIGN