Shogun Star Anna Sawai earns an impressive accuracy grade for her action as Mariko. Created by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, the FX historical drama Adapts the events of James Clavell’s seminal 1975 novel. Shogun Earned glowing reviews for its chronicling of the power struggles between various lords and ladies of feudal Japan, with the story focusing on Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada), John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) and Lady Mariko. Mariko gets one standout fight sequence in the show, which arrives in episode 9 as she demands to leave Osaka and faces off against a handful of soldiers.
In a recent video for InsideMartial arts and katana expert Seki Nobuhide Sensei analyzes Mariko’s fight sequence from Shogun Episode 9. Although aspects of the larger sequence are incorrect, such as one samurai not stepping back as he removes the blood from his sword and sheds it, Mariko’s fighting technique and the depiction of the naginata and the yari, two spear-like weapons, earns the sequence an impressive score of eight out of 10. Check out Seki’s comments or watch the video below (relevant section starts at 3:19):
“The difference between a naginata and yari is that the shape of the blade is completely different. The yari has a straight blade with a triangular or rhombic shape. On the other hand, the blade of a naginata has a greater curve than a katana. The spear is able to stab enemies in a straight line with great momentum, on the other hand, the naginata can also be used as a yari, but in principle it is used to Slice the opponent.
“If all she wanted to do was keep a safe distance while holding a position, it might be better to hold the naginata like this in front of her, but raising it up in the air means that if the opponent closes the gap she can Be ready to attack without any change of direction.
“I actually think this is the right way to pose with the Naginato. The scene shows you swinging around, changing the hand holding the Naginato. In fact, it would kill two people at the same time. But the soldiers are shown to avoid hurting Mariko. In this scene too, if Mariko was an expert with the naginata, she would have struck her enemies with the ishizuki, the iron butt end of a spear.
“If I had to rate it, I would give it an eight [out of 10]. In terms of reality, it is very good and conventional. “
What Shōgun’s accuracy means for the show’s reception and future
How historical authenticity helped the FX Epic
Shogun was remarkably well-received by audiences and critics. The series, as of writing, enjoys a strong 99% on Rotten tomatoes from critics and 91% of audiences. The show was such a viewership hit that Shogun Season 2 and Season 3 are now confirmed to be moving forward on FX, continuing the story of Lord Toranaga as he takes the throne and leads Japan to peace.
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Although strong storytelling and performances are undoubtedly reasons for ShogunIts success, its historical authenticity has also played a role. Aspects of the show are obviously heightened for entertainment value, however The show draws from real historical events and people, focusing on complex human relationships and power struggles over manufactured battles.. The action in the series is hard-hitting and brutal, but it also serves a purpose, and intense but restrained sequences like Mariko’s in Osaka are part of what makes the show succeed.
Our take on Shōgun’s historical accuracy
Can seasons 2 and 3 be as successful?
The purpose of any movie or TV show should be to entertain. Those looking for one-on-one recreations of history are probably better off turning to documentaries or non-fiction books. that is, ShogunThe commitment to historical authenticity is commendable, and it helped give the show its unique tone and storytelling style.. It also helped that the series was chronicling a particularly eventful time in Japanese history.
Historical accuracy is also why Shogun Seasons 2 and 3 could be an uphill battle. After all, there is a reason that Clavell’s novel begins and ends where it doesAnd it’s not clear whether actual historical events will offer as much excitement for future seasons. That being said, Kondo and Marks have certainly earned the benefit of the doubt yet Shogun Season 1, and Mariko’s fight sequence is surely a taste of the stunning moments to come.
Source: Inside