Shōgun (TV Series) Crimson Sky (2024) User Reviews

Epic TV, drama of the highest order.

[efd-10467 · 10/10 · 16 April 2024]

Epic drama.

If Anna Sawai doesn't get an Emmy nomination for that performance then they should close the Emmy's down.

The build of drama in this show is fantastic, I haven't seem much recently compare with the quality.

The settings and art direction is high quality, the costumes luxurious, but the big difference or point is the depth of the intrigue and emotion the script and actors live out.

No spoilers from me because to watch it unfold is such a delight, it would be rude to steal that pleasure.

The character Mariko is probably the strongest female character in a TV series for many years, I cannot think of any better.

Gripping viewing.

Heartbreaking

[moritzherz · 10/10 · 16 April 2024]

The Abyss of Life presented one of the most emotional scenes of entertainment to us. Episode 9, Crimson Sky, continues on the same emotional level.

Blackthorne, Yabushige and Mariko are in Osaka to prepare everything for Crimson Sky. Lady Mariko wants to bring Toranaga's wife and his newborn son out of danger and back to Edo, but Lord Ishido prohibits it. Mariko tries nevertheless but gets stopped by Ishido's men. She protests and declares to commit suicide at sunset. This puts Ishido and the council in a tricky situation. If they let her go, the other hostages also want to go, if they let her kill herself this would cause protest by the other high families in Osaka.

When Mariko prepares to die, the Anjin tries to convince her not to do it. But even his love can't change her mind.

Literally in the last second Ishido arrives with permission for Mariko to leave in the morning.

Our heroes win and everything is prepared for Toranaga's strike.

But wait, this would not be Shogun, if it is that easy.

In the night Yabushige opens the doors for some ninjas to infiltrate the mansion. Blackthorne, Mariko and Yabushige manage to hide in some storage house but the ninjas prepare to blow up the door. The anjin tries to move something before the door and asks Yabushige to help him. But he does not move. Instead Mariko goes to the door and it explodes.

Puh, that's a shock. Honestly I expected her to commit suicide and was prepared to fill my bathtup with tears, but was reliefed to see her survive. And then that happens. I mean, there is still a chance she survives and I will spent 7 days hoping she will, but if not, I do not know what to say. I loved this character since she was introduced. Love by the first sight, you could say. Her death would break me and the anjin all together.

All in all this episode delivered another masterclass. With nine episodes done, we have only one left to conclude this show in perfection. Humanity holds its breath while waiting for the grand finale of the best show of the year. Maybe even the best show of the decade. We will see in one week from now.

Cannot wait another week

[macl-1 · 10/10 · 16 April 2024]

This has to be one of my favorites episodes in all my years watching tv. Great cinematography, great writing, great acting, this has to be an all time high for quality tv.

I won't spoil anyone, but let me say that the attention to detail is close to perfection, the pace, the timing, the choreography, everything is masterfully crafted.

I don't think I have anything bad to say about the episode. I never read the book, never saw the previous series, so I can't talk about accuracy to the original story, but given how well this episode is, does anyone cares?

In a time when everything is a competition over the best CGI, it is absolutely refreshing that the director was able to pull something that felt so real, so profound and yet so entertaining. Not sure how long the episode was, but felt like 5 minutes.

I think I'll go into hibernation for a week in order to endure the torture of having to wait 7 days to watch the final episode.

Among the Best Episodes I Have Ever Seen Of Any Show

[excellent_person · 10/10 · 16 April 2024]

It's rare that a show can keep me totally engrossed for an hour, have me experiencing the love and divinity of ancient rites and rituals, and move me to the core by an act of love and courage. This episode did all of that.

I forgive any flaws this series may have had until now. This made the journey of the last few episodes meaningful and worth it.

There isn't anything for me to complain about this episode. The settings and angles were stunning, the dialogue was interesting, the pacing perfect. If you are one of the people who has been struggling through the last few darker episodes and wondering whether to keep going... please don't miss this one.

Wow

[slieveban · 10/10 · 16 April 2024]

Probably among the best episodes of TV anywhere, anytime. This series has been fantastic and I personally think the pacing so far has been perfect, not every episode has to knock you off your feet. It's up there with the best of the Sopranos, The West Wing, 18th and Potomac episode, The Wire and The Bear, Fishes episodes. But it's only taken 9 episodes so far to entrance you. Each character draws you in and you feel for them and mourn for them even when they have considerable flaws. But this episode encapsulates everything. The build up of tension and release's, possible betrayal, possible redemption and at no time ever being certain as a viewer what the outcome might be is exquisite. Wow.

Conflicted Bliss

[christopheray · 10/10 · 16 April 2024]

This episode is deep. Philosophically, psychologically, emotionally. No spoilers here.... But the depth of commitment and conviction from the characters and of course the actors, this episode hits deep. Cosmo Jarvis and Anna Sawai are pure fire on screen together. Their chemistry and connection are cosmic. This episode had the power to make you literally hate certain characters. At the same exact time you will be emotionally drawn to other characters and feel deep anguishing pain. Whoever wrote this episode clearly wanted the viewers to sigh, gasp, and have silent tears. And I am a male. I am beyond disappointed that this series is only one season.

Topsy Turvy

[rookescanor · 10/10 · 16 April 2024]

The intensity of the episode came in waves one after the other. The necessary content to keep audience hooked to their seats after every crest of an episodic high point. And there were many in this one.

I might not know the history of events that well, but by storytelling POV this episode worked really well. A level of taste with uncertainty and anticipation, the likes of which are rarely expressed in fiction (though here, derived from factual history), kept my heart in my mouth for the most part of the episode, peaking towards the end.

The penultimate episode of the season have brought high expectations for the final one. Looking forward ahead.

A Masterful episode

[tarek47 · 10/10 · 17 April 2024]

A Masterful episode! A highly intense episode, brimming with tension, anticipation, and eagerness to discover the next step. The inner conflict among the characters, and the unprecedented dramatic escalation in this episode, is unparalleled.

Mariko's character is filled with emotions, feelings, thoughts, and philosophy. I believe she is one of the strongest dramatic characters in a series this year. This episode has made me consider rewatching the entire series after the release of the final episode next week.

I believe this series will remain in the memory and in the history of drama for a long time, perhaps for years to come, and it will become difficult to compare any other work of the same caliber to it.

Best episode of the season so far

[raulis-balulis · 10/10 · 16 April 2024]

Best episode of the season so far, love it.

The dialogue, storytelling and the pace felt just about right.

The past relationship between Oshiba and Mariko, and the current emotional bond they still have for each other while trying to do their own thing was amazing to watch.

Poetry was also on point.

Loved the scene when Mariko just anhialated Ishido in front of everyone, disrespecting him, disregarding hi's work and ridiculing him.

Toranaga had a really good strategy for this, by making Mariko go there and do this, he made sure regardless of what Ishido does, that Ishido will have loss/loss situation. Great strategy, can't wait for the next episode, high hopes for the finale.

this masterpiece reached something deep my soul

[radaa-42328 · 10/10 · 16 April 2024]

All that emotions reaching deep guts All that integrity and pride of family All that injustice and weakness All that wisdom in the weakest moment Uff.. presenting live in it's clearest picture Friend of yesterday could be the enemy, and the person who left so early could be the one who's everything laying on him.

Life is strange, every time we think we understood it, it's proven the opposite way Makes me wonder, am i the same person i thought i am?

Dam you on that show, it is too good to makes me lost with myself.

If the final as good as this, I'm going to talk about it for long time and Officially it's best tv show ever done I thought breaking bad is the best show ever, but seriously this one takes it all

Can't wait for next final.

True to the Original Novel!

[SouthofSideways · 10/10 · 16 April 2024]

Despite having read the book - much like Ned Stark's death or the Red Wedding in Game of Thrones - when it's done well, the adaptation is just as devastating.

This episode belongs to Mariko, as she carries out her orders from Toronaga; to push Ishido right to the edge and risk an uprising in Osaka if she is to die as a result of being a "prisoner."

What the negative reviewer of this episode fails to realise that "Crimson Sky" is nearly note-for-note, beat-for-beat from the original source itself - James Clavell's novel.

My heart was my in throat the entire time, knowing exactly where things were leading up to and yet the pacing, visual storytelling, performances, soundtrack, editing, cinematography, everything was teeing up for the absolute devastation that was to come.

What I'm truly thrilled about is how the story of Shogun has found a broader audience and is - for the most part - well-loved. I hope that the novel gains more readers and get the "uncut" version of the story.

What this series has also accomplished is improving upon certain details of the book. There are moments that have been added and drawn changed from the novel throughout, but those inventions and changes work extremely well and remain true to the spirit of the book.

I can't wait for the next episode. Whilst I know how it ends, I'm excited to see how this series handles the finale.

That was an ending

[rd_pires · 6/10 · 17 April 2024]

What could have been one of the most tense, character-driven episodes of television is undone by a messy ending that leaves the preceding 55 minutes worthless.

What was the point of Mariko's character development if she's just going to commit to a useless, nonsensical act like that? I mean, her final decision in the episode made no sense and would have no effect on the outcome, so why do it?

Utterly baffling, to have her commit to being an idiot in her final moments. If this is their idea of updating a role that I'm guessing was underdeveloped in the novel, they're actually setting feminism and female agency back decades with this episode. Hoping the finale can restore my faith in what was shaping up to be one of my favorite series.

Closer to the novel - but yet another miss.

[southside721 · 3/10 · 20 April 2024]

I'll say this - they finally got more on track with the original novel. But that's after too many episodes of nothing. Last episode any drama was undercut by the knowledge this is all part of Toronaga's plan. But this one - 55 minutes of needless buildup and of course, empowering the female characters.

I realize that's the directive in the movie/TV industry these days. This series has elevated Ochiba to a far higher role than in the novel or previous miniseries, making her the actual figure of power, giving her a backstory (that's empty) with Mariko and so on.

And I get it, Mariko is samurai and can fight to a point. The drama over her seppuku was right out of the book, except they added Blackthorne as her second. Then she gets a reprieve and suddenly her and Blackthorne are showing tenderness, love etc. Really?

In the book they're lovers from relatively early on - same for the original miniseries. In this series, they've had ZERO chemistry. Zero...Mariko has been downright unlikable in most of this - grumpy, angry, constantly wanting death and so on. Now suddenly they're lovers, mere minutes before her death.

It's not working - and I'm sure the finale will be much like G o T - thrown together that make little sense, etc.

It's too bad cause the book is really excellent - they could have made a very good series out of it. But too many blah episodes, too many predictable outcomes, too much drama and overhype.

The Sky is Caving In

[rxckne · 10/10 · 16 April 2024]

This episode was the beginning of the end. Toranaga's plan was officially set in motion, and it came at an expensive cost. The buildup from the council meeting to Mariko's attempt to leave, to her attempted death was hard to watch as the not knowing left me anxious.

When Mariko was given the permit to leave and there were still 10 minutes left in the episode, I knew something was wrong. And surely, the ending was heart wrenching. With nowhere to go, everyone was trapped inside of a shed with nothing but walls surrounding them. It was heartbreaking watching John not giving up in those final moments, and Mariko already accepting that her fate was sealed. No matter what they would've been imprisoned or killed, and Mariko accepted that reality.

Yabushige to no surprise took a deal for himself and it potentially backfired on him, but if he survived I wonder how this plays out for him. The main question however is without his most trusted allies at his side, will Toranaga's plan still payoff. But above all after seeing this episode, it really put into perspective how there is no good guy in this story, including Torganaga. Everyone he's lost up until this point is seeming more and more like they're being used as chess pieces in his game. John was right when he told Mariko that Toranaga sending her to do his bidding wasn't right, and there's no justification for taking lives to further your own goals. That's something that was already apparent in this show, but losing Mariko made it that much more clear. She and plenty of others are victims to this long game that's being played.

I'm glad this story has taken the turn that it has before the final episode because it takes one person's demise to make you look at everything differently. And going into the final episode with that perspective, I'm looking forward to seeing how these events play out after the assassination attempts. And IF he's alive, how John will handle these new circumstances? With no crew to go back to, Mariko was the last thing John had. And now that she's gone, I assume if he lives he'll only be seeing red.

Wow

[fnmchfqm · 10/10 · 16 April 2024]

A major theme of this show from episode one is death and it had not occurred to me that marikos Christian belief in suicide as a mortal sin and her desire to die were in conflict with eachother. But this episode makes that very clear, from the opening scene showing her indoctrination into Christianity, all the way to the end, she is searching for a way to die that doesn't involve suicide (the damnation of her soul). And all the while the storytelling is done in such a way that is making the audience fear for her life because we are so invested in her character. This is expert storytelling, and this episode rivals the ozymandias episode of breaking bad, it's really that good.

Mindblowing,jaw dropping,heartbreak

[gmantis-97088 · 10/10 · 18 April 2024]

Im speechless to be fair..This show is what was missing from the lives of everyone who love the high art of cinema. And this episode is the epitome of perfection.. I don't even think we need to dwell on the direction.. We have already knew that technically we are watching a top tier series..However, this particular episode has performances that you could see winning an Emmy award..Anna Sawai in perhaps the best performance of her life..There are few actors whose character you can understand just by looking at their face .. On Anna's face you can see all the pain, the sadness, the hardships that Mariko has suffered in her life.. It's a shame that the series ends next week, TV NEEDS shows like Shogun cause they just make the big screen more beautiful than it is

Cinematography 10/10 Screenplay 10/10 The whole show is a masterpiece Acting 100/10 Anna Sawai should be an Emmy candidate just for this episode.

Sacrifices of wars

[farzad-mohammadi87 · 10/10 · 17 April 2024]

First of all, the naming of this episode was ingenious. Despite being a code name for an external attack on Osaka, this was used to hint an internal attack on Osaka, deep into the souls of Toranagas's enemies, thus making weaker ones to falter and doubt their master (Ishido).

Next, this episode is a sequel to the previous episode, showing how war takes great tolls, and the cost of any attempt to win. The show depicts this wonderfully without resorting to major battle scene, commonplace in Hollywood productions. As it turns out, creators of this show are masters of creating tense scenes without dropping a single drop of blood and they have done this several times throughout the show!

My favorite part of the episode is seeing Blackthorne slowly learning Japanese customs, such as Eightfold Fence. This allowed him to hide his love for Mariko and disagreement toward Mariko's bold action, offering his help in the suicide ceremony. You could see how his teacher (Mariko) was proud by looking at her eyes. You may argue that this was because of his love for her, but it is extremely painful to behead your love by your sword, especially if you are an European during that time. Blackthorne understood the situation and disguised everything else (his love and opinions).

Finally, as with previous episodes, the soundtrack was superb. My favorite from this episode was Two Hearts, conveying the feeling of losing your third heart (the secret heart) masterfully.

WHAT AN EPISODE!

[realebohamota-60278 · 10/10 · 16 April 2024]

Incredible episode, this is what the series has been building up to... I do not want this show to end!

Incredible acting with Incredible writing truly impressed.

I do not normally give reviews for TV shows (this is my first review on imdb, probably).

I had to give this episode what it truly deserves: A perfect score of ten out of ten.

I truly hope this show never ends, just give us 25 Seasons already!

Watching this was like watching game of thrones, but in a completely different language and setting, absolutely brilliant.

They deserve all the emmys, golden globes;; even Grammys. Brilliant, just brilliant.

In the Emotional Ballpark of 'Euthanizing a Pet'

[infinitetyler · 10/10 · 18 April 2024]

I'll review the series after the next episode, and tbh I've been enjoying 'Shogun' too much to review individual episodes, but THIS ONE, however, deserves pause.

In particular I couldn't help but notice the transformation of our main character from the beginning of the series until now. He's matured and became more calculating, and discovered the value of keeping his cards close. On the other hand the translator has developed through the gradual telling of her backstory to the point where we understand where she's coming from when she makes radically consequential decisions. The writers have brought us on a journey with these characters, and a result when those consequential decisions come to a head in this episode they are a 1-2 gut punch.

Without spoilers, there was a part (YOU KNOW WHICH PART) where on paper what was taking place on screen was absolutely INSANE, but everyone involved was doing exactly what was in character, and the main character was forced into a dilemma that would make Jigsaw from 'Saw' look up from his workbench. ...yet somehow he was also making almost the greatest statement of love possible. This show messes with your emotions.

On top of everything else, the acting was phenomenal.

I know 'Shogun' isn't for everyone because of either the subtitles or the violence(my sister in-law likes 'The Boys', but apparently can't watch 'Shogun' or 'Breaking Bad' because the violence is "too real" or something), but in my mind 'Crimson Sky' is as good as an episode of television can get. I try not to rate things 1/10 or 10/10, but the people who worked on this episode absolutely deserve every bit of recognition they get.

...now I'm thinking about Jigsaw in feudal Japan, where he gives up on building violent traps because it's simply more efficient to leverage dishonor against people...

If anyone speaks ill of this episode

[WordsworthStone · 10/10 · 16 April 2024]

Liar! You are wrong!

Wonderfully crafted episode of television. Even if you have experience with the earlier show or the novel, it still subverts and exceeds expectations, which is just peak storytelling.

This has been one of the best well crafted series, ever. FX is really having a renaissance in serials similar to HBO and AMC in the early aughts. Each episode has it creeping close to 'Chernobyl' on my top 10 limited series of all time. The attention to details. EVERYTHING. GOAT.

Let this define what penultimate episodes should look like. Praise. More praise. Why bother with other words? Good night, and good luck.

Flawless

[peccatum-20850 · 10/10 · 18 April 2024]

Been a fan of the book for many years, actually I read it more than 10 times and probably I will do it again. The series is vastly superior to the previous adaptation, and not only in terms of visual delight but it truly captures the soul and the essence of the books. The Mariko episode is the icing on the cake, absolutely flawless in terms of building the tension, captivating cinematography, philosophical approach of life and death from the medieval Japanese point of view. I only wish that this series to be made out of 2 or 3 seasons, instead of a short 10 episodes one. Top class episode, can't wait for the grand finale.

Strongest Female Character

[winstonsmith_84 · 9/10 · 17 April 2024]

I loved this episode from the nuanced conversations and poetry all the way to the action.

This really showcased the amazing strength in our lead female character and it never felt unrealistic. She was easily the star of this episode and there were many times it felt I was part of an audience watching her.

It felt very real, especially her character and the decisions she makes. She is "feminine strong" and her voice is powerful in its demeanor.

I just love how grounded this show is. It never really overdoes anything or takes its audience for granted or think we are dummies. Smart, well written, excellent characters... and they found a way to put characters in impossible positions!

Well done. Bravo. Subarashi!

Shakes you to your CORE!!

[and_mikkelsen · 10/10 · 10 May 2024]

I have no words.. this was an experience, that I can't really describe, but when you experience it for yourself, you might feel something that you have never felt before!

This was the culmination of Mariko's journey.. no doubt about that! In this episode, she instantly became one of my favorite charactets! Just.. WOW! Her resolve could inspire anyone!

This was the most intense emotional rollercoaster i have had for a while! This is TV at its PEAK!! This episode brought Shogun to the top of TV dramas, whith an episode only matched by the best out there!

Now I am gonna try and pull myself back together!

Peak TV is NOT dead

[jlakely-25407 · 10/10 · 19 April 2024]

This is one of the best episodes of television/streaming I've seen in years, in a one-off miniseries that is among the best of the last decade or more. The writing, acting, direction, photography, costumes, and physical design of this series is top-notch.

This episode highlights how wonderful the acting abilities of the entire Japanese cast has been - but especially Anna Sawai as Mariko. I'd only ever seen her in the "meh" series "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters." That's a silly thing, but her character was written to be so unlikeable that I thought she was a bad actress. I WAS SO WRONG.

Anna Sawai is FANTASTIC in this series - proof that true talent can rise when the material is good. Sawai's acting in the entire series have been excellent, portrayed with nuance and intelligence that just makes you pay attention to her every move and expression. But in this episode, Sawai gives an Emmy-worthy performance.

Sawai's performance in the "council scene" is epic, Mariko going full bore into her mission. Sawai's performance in the "exiting Osaka" episode is so anti "girl boss" that it redefines what a "girl boss" truly is - as does the writing and performance of every female in this excellent series.

The penultimate episode of every series is usually the best of every series. It's where they do the real climax of the story, and the next episode cleans up that action and gives us all a satisfying "good bye." This is NOT that kind of episode, or at least I hope. There is a lot of drama and story to finish up in Episode 10, the finale.

All the actors are KILLING IT with their well-written roles. This is the best episode (so far) of a series that should be watched by those who are starving for good storytelling and acting, multiple times, for many years to come.

Shogun is back!

[mrnolan91 · 10/10 · 16 April 2024]

Episode 7 and 8, unlike all the episodes before them, gave me absolutely nothing. No depth to the characters. No depth to the story. Visually unimpressive.

With episode 9, Shogun is not only back. It's taken to a new level that I didn't think was possible. This episode alone is visually so different that I don't understand what happened in episodes 7 and 8. It is colourful, the cinematography doesn't just give us "money shots" but is on a very high level. The acting is also superb, the colourgrading worldclass.

I wish Shogun was a bit shorter and delivered this level throughout. A level that brought tears to my eyes in this episode, simply because it was so good.