James Clavell's Shogun

I greatly enjoyed the full week-long series. I have to get it on DVD one of these days. I thought the entire cast was great. Toshiro Mifune is probably my favorite actor in history. He is just so great in any role. He just becomes the characters he plays!

It also shows and makes one think about differences between the East and the West.

I have not read the book, but should. It is so long though!

Was the film ever released in theaters?

Uchite said:

I have not read the book, but should. It is so long though!

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Uchite you must read the book as it is so much better and more in depth than the mini-series in that you really get to understand what each character is thinking. Clavell is a master in that art.
I guarantee that once you begin reading it you will not be able to put it down. Although it is a work of fiction based on a real person it is a must read for anyone even remotely interested in Japan as it gives great insight into the lives of the people and their way of thinking in the Tokugawa era.

Was the film ever released in theaters?

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There was a two hour movie released, but it is just a condensed version of the mini-series. I would not recommend seeing the movie.

Pachipro said:

Uchite you must read the book as it is so much better and more in depth than the mini-series in that you really get to understand what each character is thinking. Clavell is a master in that art.
I guarantee that once you begin reading it you will not be able to put it down.

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Thanks Pachipro! Will do!

Pachipro said:

Although it is a work of fiction based on a real person it is a must read for anyone even remotely interested in Japan as it gives great insight into the lives of the people and their way of thinking in the Tokugawa era.

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Forgive my ignorance and/or lack of memory but who was it based on?

Pachipro said:

There was a two hour movie released, but it is just a condensed version of the mini-series. I would not recommend seeing the movie.

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I'll definitely pass on it then!