Shōgun Review: 11 Ups & 2 Downs
11. Up: The Insightful Historical Detail
Set in the early Edo Period of Japan, Shōgun is centred around a world far removed from our own and full to bursting with lost monuments, archaic traditions, and cultural upheaval.
For that, showrunners Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks have brought together an incredible team to make their vision one of resounding authenticity and meticulous detail, and the results offer some of the most sumptuous sights seen on TV this century.
With stunning work from costume designer Carlos Rosario, who handmade every kimono, piece of armour, robe and dress seen on the show with a team of over one-hundred people, the colourful outfits adorning the cast throughout the show are vibrant and painstakingly true to the time period covered.
Likewise, the creation of the show's various temples, weaponry and ships are lovingly crafted with a keen eye for detail, whilst traditions during the Edo Period - from the art of Seppuku (ritual suicide) to the way everyone acts in accordance with social standing - are as vital to the story as its characters.