Episode 3: Tomorrow is Tomorrow
Dive into the intricate world of "FX's Shōgun: The Official Podcast," where in the latest episode, the team, including Justin Marks and Lauro Chartrand-Delvalle, explores the labyrinthine plot and authentic production elements of the acclaimed series. In a captivating conversation, they unravel the strategic interplay between pivotal characters Toranaga and Blackthorn, dissecting the diplomatic chessboard that underpins their relationship. The team also delves into the historical significance of the Black Ship, illustrating its role as a key device in the narrative, entwined with the complex landscape of international trade politics.
Production intricacies come to light as the speakers discuss the logistical challenges faced while filming and the rigorous efforts to achieve realism, particularly in combat scenes. The recreation of Osaka Harbor showcases their commitment to detail, while Mariko's expertise with the naginata in battle scenes is a testament to the dedication toward historically accurate depictions. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the rigorous processes involved in bringing such an epic story to life, highlighting the nuance and dedication behind each strategic choice and accurately choreographed fight.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Mar 5, 2024 episode of the FX’s Shōgun: The Official Podcast
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1-Page Summary
Key topics
The recent discussion with Justin Marks unveiled several critical facets of the series, including the deep and strategic relationship between Toranaga and Blackthorn, the strategic importance of the Black Ship in international trade relations, the logistical complexities behind filming a pivotal boat race sequence, and the dedication to realism in the show’s depiction of combat, specifically through Mariko's mastery of the naginata.
Toranaga and Blackthorn's dynamic
Justin Marks delineated the evolving dynamic between Toranaga and Blackthorn, marking it as a crux of the narrative. Blackthorn earns Toranaga's respect and the esteemed title of Hatamoto due to his evident readiness to face peril, shown through his assistance in the escape from Osaka. This alliance, however, is marked by a convoluted loyalty with Blackthorn pursuing his self-interests.
The politics around the Black Ship trade
The Black Ship serves as a narrative linchpin, emblematic of the era's international trade tensions, particularly between Japan and China. Marks points out Blackthorn's intention to upset the Catholic-dominated trade route, thus positioning the ship as more than a vessel; it is a pivotal geopolitical player, exchanging Japanese silver for Chinese silk.
The boat race escape sequence
Capturing the boat race sequence imposed significant challenges, as described by Justin Marks and director Charlotte Branstrom. The detailed recreation of the Osaka Harbor in Vancouver required immense structures, extensive use of green screens, and precise attention to the ships' proportions during the chase scene in post-production, reflecting the narrative's historical accuracy.
Mariko's naginata sword skills
The show's commitment to historical authenticity extends to its combat scenes, specifically seen in Mariko's proficient use of the naginata, enabling her to fight opponents from a distance. Lauro Chartrand-Delvalle ensured a realistic portrayal of combat, focusing on vulnerable points in armor with pragmatism rather than sensationalism, in line with the production's effort to maintain a grounded and credible approach to battle choreography.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- A hatamoto was a high-ranking samurai in feudal Japan who served the Tokugawa shogunate directly. They were upper vassals of the Tokugawa house and had the right to an audience with the shogun. The term originated in the Sengoku period and became institutionalized during the Tokugawa era. Hatamoto were considered retainers who had served the Tokugawa family for generations.
- The term "Black Ship" referred to Western vessels that arrived in Japan during the 16th to 19th centuries. These ships played a significant role in Japan's history, particularly during the period when Japan was isolated from the Western world. The arrival of the Black Ships, notably the U.S. Navy's expedition led by Commodore Matthew Perry in 1853, pressured Japan to open up to international trade after years of isolation. This event marked a turning point in Japan's foreign relations and had lasting impacts on the country's development.
- The naginata is a traditional Japanese polearm with a curved blade on one end, used historically by samurai, foot soldiers, and warrior monks. It is not a sword but a weapon designed for combat at a distance, known for its versatility and effectiveness in battle. The naginata blade is typically removable and secured by a wooden peg, with the weapon featuring a long shaft ranging from 47.2 to 94.5 inches in length. It is a significant part of Japanese martial history and culture, often associated with female warriors known as onna-musha.
Counterarguments
- The dynamic between Toranaga and Blackthorn, while central, might overshadow other important relationships and subplots that are equally important for the narrative's richness and complexity.
- The Black Ship's role as a geopolitical player could be seen as an oversimplification of the complex international trade relations of the era, which involved many more actors and factors.
- The boat race sequence, despite its detailed recreation, might still fail to capture the authentic atmosphere and conditions of the historical Osaka Harbor, potentially detracting from the immersion for some viewers.
- Mariko's use of the naginata, while aiming for realism, may not fully represent the diversity of combat styles and techniques used historically, which could be a missed opportunity to explore a wider range of martial arts of the period.
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Key topics
The discussion led by Justin Marks highlights the intricate layers within the narrative of Toranaga and Blackthorn's evolving relationship, the politics surrounding the Black Ship trade, the challenges of shooting an ambitious boat race escape sequence, and the authenticity pursued in the show’s combat choreography.
Toranaga and Blackthorn's dynamic
Toranaga recognizes Blackthorn’s willingness to confront danger as indicated by his assistance in the daring escape in Osaka, which may be why he grants Blackthorn the title of Hatamoto—a position of power and influence. However, Blackthorn's loyalty is not straightforward; it is complex and self-serving.
The politics around the Black Ship trade
The Black Ship is the central symbol of trade and diplomacy, or the lack thereof, between Japan and the external world, primarily China, during this period. The ship’s role in exchanging Japanese silver for Chinese silk makes it a valuable piece of the geopolitical puzzle. Blackthorn is determined to disrupt this Catholic-dominated trade, which occupies much of his focus throughout the story.
The boat race escape sequence
Shooting the boat race was particularly challenging. Justin Marks and director Charlotte Branstrom grappled with filming intricate sequences involving massive structures. The production designer, Helen Jarvis, and her team, including nautical designers, were tasked with constructing the Black Ship and Toranaga's galley. The set was built in Vancouver, which was transformed to replicate Osaka Harbor, and the world’s largest green screens were used to accommodate the size of the ships.
In post-production, meticulous consideration was given to the ship's relative sizes for character interaction during the chase sequence. Accuracy in design was crucial, and historic documents were utilized for building and decorating the ships, ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Key topics
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- A hatamoto was a high-ranking samurai in the direct service of the Tokugawa shogunate in feudal Japan. They were upper vassals of the Tokugawa house and had the right to an audience with the shogun. The term originated in the Sengoku period and became institutionalized during the Tokugawa clan's ascendancy in 1600.
- The Black Ship trade referred to Western vessels that arrived in Japan during the 16th to 19th centuries. These ships played a significant role in Japan's history, particularly during the period of isolation known as Sakoku. The arrival of these ships, such as those led by Commodore Matthew Perry in 1853, pressured Japan to open up to trade with the West. This historical context influenced the narrative and dynamics in the discussion led by Justin Marks.
- Osaka Harbor is a significant port area located in Osaka, Japan, known for its historical and economic importance. It serves as a hub for maritime activities, trade, and transportation in the region, connecting the city to other parts of Japan and the world. The harbor has played a crucial role in shaping the city's development and facilitating international exchanges throughout history. Today, Osaka Harbor continues to be a vital center for commerce, industry, and cultural exchange in the Kansai region.
- Ornamental Fusuma screens are traditional Japanese sliding doors used to partition rooms. They are often decorated with intricate designs or paintings, adding aesthetic value to interiors. In historical contexts, Fusuma screens were not only functional but also served as a ...
Counterarguments
- While Toranaga may recognize Blackthorn's bravery, it could be argued that his decision to grant the title of Hatamoto is also a strategic move to leverage Blackthorn's foreign influence and knowledge for his own political gain.
- Blackthorn's loyalty being complex and self-serving might be a simplistic view of a character's motivations in a foreign land, as it could also be interpreted as a survival strategy in an unfamiliar and potentially hostile environment.
- The Black Ship as a symbol of trade and diplomacy could be seen as an oversimplification, as it may also represent colonial and exploitative practices of the time, which are not solely diplomatic in nature.
- Blackthorn's aim to disrupt the Catholic-dominated trade could be criticized for potentially imposing his own cultural biases and not fully understanding the local political and religious dynamics.
- The production team's challenges in shooting the boat race escape sequence might be viewed as a testament to the unnecessary complexity and high costs of such scenes, which could have been simplified without losing narrative impact.
- The meticulous construction of the Black Ship and Toranaga's galley, while impressive, could be criticized for potentially prioritizing visual spectacle over narrative substance.
- The use of Vancouver to replicate Osaka Harbor might be seen as a missed opportunity to shoot on location and support the local economy and culture of the story's setting.
- Relying on historic documents for ship design and decoration could be critiqued if those documents are not inclusive of all perspectives, particularly those of marginalized groups of the period.
- Mariko's use of the naginata could be criticized for potentially reinforcing gender stereotypes, even if it is historically accurate, by highlighting her role as a protector in a way that might be seen as exceptional rather than normative.
- The use of lighter naginatas with bamboo blades for sa ...
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