SHOGUN is a sweeping historical saga, translated beautifully into a visual masterpiece. Pilot-Major John Blackthorne, is an English navigator, who shipwrecks off the coast of Japan. Blackthorne, played by the magnificent Richard Chamberlain, is captured by savage Japanese soldiers, resulting in his involvement with the ferocious, fearless Lord Toranaga, played by Toshiro Mifune, and eventually assimilated into Japanese culture. He is dangerous and bold, fearless and strong, becoming the first foreigner to be made a Samurai warrior. As such, he is caught up with the feuding warlords, intent on becoming SHOGUN, supreme military dictator, over the Japans. Blackthorne has another side also, compassionate and caring, gentle and tender, romancing his beautiful Japanese interpreter, Mariko, played by the amazing Yoko Shimada.
This film has it all: savage battles, political intrigue, and forbidden love, played out in 17th century feudal Japan. You will laugh. You will cry. You will thrill with anticipation, as you are caught up in the glory and triumph, of this nine hour epic adventure. The cast was magnificent, and Richard Chamberlain gave the performance of his life. As my favorite actor, and being familiar with all his works, I have never seen him play a role with more joy. His countenance was radiant throughout the entire film. SHOGUN producers, Frank Cardea and Eric Berkovici, credit him with carrying the entire production. "He memorized lengthy scripts, mostly in Japanese, worked with co-stars who spoke little or no English, and physically spent himself, working 16 hour days, in the heat of summer, cold of winter, under primitive conditions, and never stopped smiling, nor did he once complain. If it had been any other actor, 20 years later, we would still be filming." It was a travesty, this magnificent actor did not win a Best Actor Emmy, for his magnetic and unforgettable performance, as Pilot-Major John Blackthorne. His millions of fans will never understand or forget. I do not watch the Emmys to this day.
James Clavell, writer of SHOGUN, went from apprehension, to complete confidence in Richard Chamberlain's ability, to play his beloved Blackthorne. It was said, he was thrilled with Richard's performance, and couldn't imagine anyone else, playing the role more effectively. What wonderful tributes to a deserving and talented actor. Because he loves and understands the Japanese, their customs and culture, Richard Chamberlain understood the transformation that had happened to the heart and soul of Blackthorne. He had given his heart to Mariko, and the Japanese had captured his soul. The strength of the closing scene was simply this: In the end, he could not leave Japan, because he could never belong anywhere else. HE HAD BECOME ONE OF THEM!
In real life Takugawa Ieyasu ultimately reigned SHOGUN over the Japans, but in Richard Chamberlain's kingdom, he is royal, his fans are loyal, and he alone......majestically reigns......over our hearts!
SHOGUN is a sweeping historical saga, translated beautifully into a visual masterpiece. Pilot-Major John Blackthorne, is an English navigator, who shipwrecks off the coast of Japan. Blackthorne, played by the magnificent Richard Chamberlain, is captured by savage Japanese soldiers, resulting in his involvement with the ferocious, fearless Lord Toranaga, played by Toshiro Mifune, and eventually assimilated into Japanese culture. He is dangerous and bold, fearless and strong, becoming the first foreigner to be made a Samurai warrior. As such, he is caught up with the feuding warlords, intent on becoming SHOGUN, supreme military dictator, over the Japans. Blackthorne has another side also, compassionate and caring, gentle and tender, romancing his beautiful Japanese interpreter, Mariko, played by the amazing Yoko Shimada. 
This film has it all: savage battles, political intrigue, and forbidden love, played out in 17th century feudal Japan. You will laugh. You will cry. You will thrill with anticipation, as you are caught up in the glory and triumph, of this nine hour epic adventure. The cast was magnificent, and Richard Chamberlain gave the performance of his life. As my favorite actor, and being familiar with all his works, I have never seen him play a role with more joy. His countenance was radiant throughout the entire film. SHOGUN producers, Frank Cardea and Eric Berkovici, credit him with carrying the entire production. "He memorized lengthy scripts, mostly in Japanese, worked with co-stars who spoke little or no English, and physically spent himself, working 16 hour days, in the heat of summer, cold of winter, under primitive conditions, and never stopped smiling, nor did he once complain. If it had been any other actor, 20 years later, we would still be filming." It was a travesty, this magnificent actor did not win a Best Actor Emmy, for his magnetic and unforgettable performance, as Pilot-Major John Blackthorne. His millions of fans will never understand or forget. I do not watch the Emmys to this day. 
James Clavell, writer of SHOGUN, went from apprehension, to complete confidence in Richard Chamberlain's ability, to play his beloved Blackthorne. It was said, he was thrilled with Richard's performance, and couldn't imagine anyone else, playing the role more effectively. What wonderful tributes to a deserving and talented actor. Because he loves and understands the Japanese, their customs and culture, Richard Chamberlain understood the transformation that had happened to the heart and soul of Blackthorne. He had given his heart to Mariko, and the Japanese had captured his soul. The strength of the closing scene was simply this: In the end, he could not leave Japan, because he could never belong anywhere else. HE HAD BECOME ONE OF THEM!