misterjupiter

So after episode 4 this is my final review:

This Shogun adaption just feels wrong, way too often. Diverting from the source and adapting a story to a modern view can be a good thing, if done right. In this case: It's not done right. And you almost get the impression, that all the good stuff was cut after filming.

Switching from muskets training for the regiment to cannons? An ambush with cannons? The Napoleonic Wars? Come on. Cannons in feudal Japan wouldn't be possible, they had virtually no roads and no way to use them in land wars. But hey, it looks cool, so why not?

And remember in the book, Blackthorne being outraged after the offer to "pillow" with a man? Guess what: That's gone in the FX Adaption. Blackthorne now merely shakes his head and gives a short remark. That's all.

Honestly, Disney and FX are going way too far in their censorship of the story. Yeah, the story that takes place at the end of the 16th century. By that time, there wasn't anything like political correctness in the teachings of the Pope.

Or maybe that's what the makers of the show mean, when they talk about a modern adaption of the book. I'm sure, James Clavell would die of shame if he wasn't already dead.

Shogun by James Clavell isn't a book easily adapted as an TV-Show, and FX did an overall good job. The visuals are stunning, the music is good enough, and the actors aren't bad at all. Sadly, the actors in some key roles could do a lot better, though. Anna Sawai isn't really a good fit for Mariko, if you imagine the well refined woman you read about in the book. But that's something one can live with.

The real problem is the kind of loveless adaption of the minor details from the book. Blackthorne walking by the prisoners being crucified or how dehumanizing being pissed on really is for Japanese people - all those important cultural clues are missing in the show.

It's a good show, don't get me wrong, but it could be a lot better. So, if you haven't read the book or have never seen the '80s Miniseries, I guess you won't be disappointed.

Very interesting movie, but take the opinions of the scientists shown in the movie with a grain of salt, since they are everything but objective. Burying a dead body with a tool is far from being evidence of belief in the afterlife, or any belief at all. It's just a sign of respecting the personal property of the deceased and shows, that Homo Naledi was capable of feeling emotionally attached to things, not only showing emotions for other members of their species. Scientists projecting their personal beliefs and views instead of interpreting the facts, sadly that more common than it should be.

The book "The Swarm" is an entertaining, thrilling and because of the well researched scientific facts educating novel about nature fighting back against the human invasion and destruction of marine ecosystems.

With the TV adaption, you won't get any of that so far, at least not in the first three episodes. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad show. It's just not a good one, either. For years, there was talk about making the book into a movie, which didn't happen.

If you read the book and then watch this show, you'll understand why: Education is the enemy of thrill and in a series, there just isn't room to cover both without destroying the suspense.

The cast and setting on the other hand are all on point, and the filming locations are stunning. Sure, casting is a matter of personal opinion, if you know the novel, you'll have your own images in mind. But to be fair, that the makers didn't get wrong.

So order a copy of the novel and watch this show while waiting for your book to arrive.