Why do people believe Shogun is so great?

The one great reason that this mini series is good is Yoko Shimada. There is no way the series can do credit to the book whjich is a masterpiece of literature, but Yoko as the female lead is a babe and I enjoy watching this series just because of her.

I'm sorry you didn't find it enjoyable. While this may baffle critics of the miniseries, I consider it a turning point in my life. Case in point:

When I was a little boy, my mother was a fan of Richard Chamberlain, and she wanted to watch James Clavell's SHOGUN. I decided I'd watch it with her. She didn't force me to, and honestly, I can't remember what made me decide to watch it, but as I did, I was spellbound. The culture, the language, the clothing...it all fascinated me. The story itself was captivating, and though Richard Chamberlain has never been one of my favorite actors, I thought gave a good performance here. Ever since I watched SHOGUN, I've been a Japan-o-phile. I've studied Japan extensively since grade school, am working hard to master the language, and have dreams of traveling there one day.

Now, as I've read much more on Edo Period Japan since the miniseries, it is obvious that SHOGUN is a very watered-down take on Japanese politics and culture at that time. It doesn't surprise me in the least that Japanese filmmakers and historians look down their noses at it. But, that aside, it is an amazing glimpse at a period of world history often overlooked. I urge the miniseries' detractors to read the book, if you haven't already. It digs a lot deeper into the characters and is a lot more dramatic. You'll be able to see what liberties were taken with the miniseries to make it more palatable to the mass audience.

Ja mata ne!

Since I didn`t watched the movie yet I will not coment on you`re post but I think that no one should see the mini-series untill they read the book.It`s a great book,maybe the greatest.

"To live is to suffer, but to survive, well that's to find meaning in the suffering."

[deleted]

Because it is.

CB

Good Times, Noodle Salad

I have just watched it. To be honest it made me feel numb inside. I thought the love story was ridiculous. Firstly i thought there was absolutely no chemistry between the characters. Also throughout the series she lives her life through japanese principles and will not deviate from these apart from cheating on her husband???? Not to mention the fact he didnt seem too upset when she was killed!!!!!

Also is there a second series because otherwise it all just seems completely pointless.

If someone could please tell me without getting angry why shogun is regarded so highly i would be extremely grateful.

Personally I think your wrong on all points.

First the Catholic church came of as good Christians where in fact they were THE major arms dealers of the time spreading death throughout the world and buying up and corrupting local markets and industry.
Secondly the period covered in the book/movie is the most significant period in Japans history, to rename historic figures like Oda Nobunaga, Tokugawa Ieayasu, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Hosokawa Gracia so that ingrates can pronounce there names is as much a crime as calling Americas founding congress 'the slave owners of America association'. Where do we as a society get the right to piss on another countries culture or historic figures. As pointed out in the movie, when Europe was ridden with disease and war Japan had a vibrant culture with massively populated cities far in excess of any western capital. Also another good point, Japan only gained access to riffles 'tempo' around 1550 which was long after Europe & the Middle East but only fifty years later at the battle of Sekigahara over two thirds of the worlds riffles were used in a single battle applying tactics that Europe wouldn't adopt for another century which clearly shows how advanced the Japanese people are.

Just because a nation doesn't go around persecuting other nations doesn't mean they are less deserving of our respect.

Because it is great.