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Shogun 1 x 5-6 | Full-Length Reaction

Shogun 1 x 5-6 | Full-Length Reaction

Comments

Just FYI this reaction isn't in the Shogun collection.

Gabs

Frank, I did some digging on episode 6 in particular because I wanted to make sure I am following the story of Ochiba accurately as well as her connection to Mariko as children. In that digging, it confirmed that the play they are watching is of the genre, Noh. I am so glad FX has the Shogun Viewer's Guide. I consider myself to be intelligent, but there are many characters and motivations and all kinds of shenanigans under the surface to keep track of. Episode 5 has been one of my favorites.

Melissa

I don't think so

Franklin

Have you seen the film "Memoirs of a Geisha"?

Melissa

In one of my post-graduate courses, we studied some Japanese Noh plays. There was one I particularly loved, but I cannot recall the name. I know I have the book downstairs. Anyway, for anyone interested, here's some info on Noh theater: https://www.britannica.com/art/Noh-theatre

Melissa

damn I love this. Thanks for saying that. I love seeing other people match my energy when they are encountering stories I love as well. Thank you

Franklin

Thanks for the info Chris🤟🏽🙏🏽

Franklin

😂 Men right. They couldn't help themselves

Franklin

yesss exactly

Franklin

haha that would be fun if I could remember anything. It's been so long

Franklin

Your mention of Queen Alicent made me think that I'd love to hear you riff on the plot, characters, etc of GoT and/or House of the Dragon in a live session like you did with Sinners!

Melissa

1:06:01 This scene made me think of the one in "Schindler's List" where the guards were demanding to know who (stole something, I think?). The guard shot a man, and a young man/boy stepped forward and said he knew who it was and then pointed to the man he had shot.

Melissa

27:29 Pardon my directness, but this is a dick measuring contest. 😂😂 I swear I posted that comment before YOU said it.

Melissa

It's not that Blackthorne's cooking is bad (I mean, it might be)--but they're all basically pescatarians. I'm no Buddhist so I dunno generally, but at least for these characters they don't hold with eating meat. I love the Mariko/Blackthorne conversation toward the end of 5--cause they each really can learn from each other (and it's a good stand-in for their respective cultural norms more broadly): live only for yourself, or live only for duty... and is there room to somehow find a way to do both? Re: the shock of Mariko's family line/Toronaga ordering people to die... don't forget how we met Fuji! Her husband mean-mugged at Ishido for about 10 seconds, with the result that Toronaga had him and his baby put to death. Maybe the circumstances didn't really give him a choice, but... if killing "innocent" people is the red line, there ain't nobody clean. The idea of a backstory between Mariko and Ochiba is one of the few relatively substantial changes the show made from the book--and it adds a lot. Anything to give those two actors more to do is a win as far as I'm concerned... The scene in the Tea House is a home run. It's not that different from the book, but I never imagined they'd be able to render it nearly that well. More than anything--I've been an avid reader my whole life--and Mariko, man, Mariko. You may do as well, but you won't do better creating a character.

Chris

I gotta say Franklin, it's really a joy to watch this with you. Beyond your obvious enthusiasm for the story and the little details -- seeking out clarification and context--- your emotional intelligence is just next level and makes the experience I had of first watching the show very validating. I was obsessed but I was finding other reactors were not matching my level of admiration for this show. so....thanks is all I'm trying to say.

Mikal Liebswager

Thanks for clarifying

Franklin

i agree

Franklin

lol damn fool😆🔥😂

Franklin

Heartbreaking yes definitely

Franklin

perfection

Franklin

Mariko translating for Kiku while also speaking directly to John was so intense. The way she was caught for a moment at the end between temptation and duty... Her voice and the play of emotions across her face... Anna Sawai is really extraordinary in this.

melskmelsk

Right, I absolutely agree... I know I'm in the minority when I say this, but I did not like John Blackthorne up until the every end of episode 5. He came to Japan with nefarious goals was constantly scheming to achieve those goals as if he was more intelligent than everybody he met. I was hoping on his downfall because he really waltzed into this country that is in the middle of an extremely complex political change and thought that he mattered in the slightest... He only survived by the will of others more powerful and capable than him and it took him way too long to get with the program in my opinion BUT once he finally started showing kindness to Fuji and showed genuine grief over the death of the gardener and even offered those swords to Torinaga, that is when I began to appreciate him. He is finally beginning to see the meaning of this culture and understanding the role his presence has in it. He's suffering greatly from main character syndrome and despite what anyone may see, he is NOT the main character 😔

Lailah Johnson

All of these women, from the courtesan who was probably purchased as a child, to the heir’s mother whose identify and sole value to men is as “the heir’s mother,” have had to claw their way through life while appearing flawless. They all amaze me.

Susan B

That scene with the courtesan and Blackthorn and Mariko was as heartbreaking as it was erotic. Strange magic.

Susan B

Blackthorn also saved his own life by saving the only powerful man in Japan who doesn’t want Blackthorn dead. 😊

Susan B

Blackthorne carefully setting the stone upright in the garden is one of my fav moments in the whole series. Such a beautiful way to show Uejiro's impact.

melskmelsk

Buntaro is a damn FOOL! His wife's entire family was killed and she became suicidal and he's confused as to why she is cold as ice, so instead of being kind or patient he starts abusing her and STILL doesn't understand why after all these years, she's cold as ice, but when she leaves the home and is treated with respect and she meets a guy who does not know her family's shame and treats her like a human being, she warms up... and that makes him mad, so he beats her again?!?!?! BUNTARO DONT PISS ME AWFFFFFF

Lailah Johnson

This is one of the most beautiful stories I’ve ever seen on film. It captures the grace, the beauty, the depth and honor of the Japanese people and their culture.

Laura Thate

To clarify, Fuji did NOT kill the gardener herself. As his consort, she has to uphold all of his commands in the house, so when that guy came complaining of the stench, the gardener volunteered to take it down, knowing he would be put to death for it. The entire household was there when Anjin gave that command, so they all heard his words. Fuji, being the head of the household, had to make sure that order was followed, which is why she says it is her responsibility to bear. They probably had someone else do the killing, though. And then, when she is ready for the Anjin to kill her, it's the same as with Mariko; Fuji is very much grieving the death of her family, and wants to die, which we know from episode 1.

Lailah Johnson

The women in this show are easily some of my favorite female characters I've ever seen on screen. They really show you that hidden strength that resides within each of them, and they know exactly when to use it too. Fuji and Mariko though? *big finger hearts* Those are my GORLS down down DOWN!!

Lailah Johnson

🫡🥇

Franklin

Exactly. they make it work so well. Fuji is just so dope

Franklin

#TeamFuji, y’all. She makes me think of a lioness disguised as a field mouse. These women are forever navigating a combat zone of male power while using their dignity as a shield and weapon. It’s all that’s given to them, but wow they make it work.

Susan B

Present 🫡

Lailah Johnson


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