At the current moment I read James Clavell's Shogun book, and now, after reading about 700 pages, I have started to think that Shogun is one of the best books ever written (my claim is also supported by Goodreads' scoring). It is educational, riveting, surprising, funny, beautiful, sad. The plot is cunning, clever and carefully built: I have studied history between 900 and 1600 for about five years and have read hundreds of fictional historical novels and the same type of fantasy and this book goes beyond them(exept asoiaf witch is simply the best series ever, but in historical fiction shogun is it's own class): no one else has succeeded in harnessing history and fiction such as Clavell did. It's a good idea to read the book before watching the series because I believe it is a greater experience. For those who complain about this is a got copy: Shogun is written before song of ice and fire so how can it be a copy? And why people vote in the series before all its episodes have come? It ruins the actual score of the series: how anyone can vote for the series based on one or two episodes?
As for this TV series, it is perhaps the most anticipated series this year among with masters of air and boys s04. Does it live up to expectations? First of all, the Actors are well chosen, most of the rather unknown to me, but it (acting) is flawless across the line. Like directing, shooting, staging, costuming and its truly stunning visually: The series seems to do justice for its budget. The story begins quite faithful to the book(altough story seems built maybe too fast and it's hard to relate with characters but i believe we all love them when the story goes on. They also leave some important stuff out but i also believe artistic liberties if done right)and it's riveting from the beginning. The first two episodes set the stage on larger story lines and leave the viewer to want more.
The first episode was quite intense and, as I said, I already had a bit of a difficulty of relating, but on the other hand, building such a great story takes time: the second episode was more plot -driven and managed to create a little depth for the characters and presented a few more: hopefully future episodes do justice for these characters. The story is progressing and hopefully it will achieve its epic scale and its aspects such as vengeance, love, friendship: it's intriguing and riveting: plotting, amazing characters and stunning battles: all that is required for a great story. By the end of the week I have read the end of the book and then I know if it will reach my top 10 list, maybe even the top five. Together rating of two episodes: 8.5
Sorry for my english im non native speaker.
