If you are a lover of Japanese culture and enjoy something more detailed than a simple movie, on February 27, 2024, the series called "Xógum: A gloriosa saga do Japão" will be released. It is available on feudal Japan. The plot takes place in the 1600s, and viewers will be able to see rich details about the culture and customs of the time. There are those who compare the plot to the famous "Game of Thrones" (an American series that depicts a war for the Iron Throne).
The comparison happens because in the latest series there is also a struggle for power and wars. Shōgun is based on the best-seller by James Clavell (novel written in 1975) and has 10 episodes. Although the story is Eastern, the filming took place in Vancouver, Canada, with sets that portrayed Japan.
One of the most important scenarios is the Osaka Castle, where much of the history takes place both inside and around the place. The city became one of the main ones during the Edo period.
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Plot and similarities
The plot begins in 1603 at the start of the Edo period and marks the clash of the protagonists Yoshi Toranaga, the warlord - played by Hiroyuki Sanada - who fights to survive. In contrast, his enemies unite to undermine him. A ship that came from Europe is found near a fishing village, and from there emerges the English sailor John Blackthorne - played by Cosmo Jarvis - who has geographical experiences and knowledge capable of changing the course of Japan.
The author was concerned that the characters were inspired by reality, the protagonist, for example, resembles William Adams, recognized as the first English navigator to arrive in the Japanese country. The future shogun, Yoshi Toranaga, represents Tokugawa Ieyasu, considered one of the greatest unifiers of the country and a precursor of the Edo shogunate.
Check out the trailer:
Protagonists
- Hiroyuki Sanada, MBE (真田 広之) is originally from Hiroyuki Shimosawa (下澤 廣之) Tokyo. He is a Japanese actor, known for his work in The Last Samurai, Sunshine, and Life. At just 5 years old, he started taking photos for magazines and studying theater at the Himawari Drama Company.
- Harrison Cosmo Krikoryan Jarvis is from Ridgewood, New Jersey, in addition to acting he is a musician and filmmaker. In 2015, he auditioned and was cast to play the character of Sebastian in the debut film by William Oldroyd, Lady Macbeth (2016).
- Anna Sawai (アンナ・サワイ) is from New Zealand and in addition to being an actress, she is also a New Zealand singer and dancer. She landed her first acting role at age 11, as the titular character in Nippon TV's 2004 production of Annie, once she moved to Japan. She also played the character Kiriko in James McTeigue's neo-noir martial arts film 2009, Ninja Assassin.
