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Taken (2008)
The king of Thrillers
Liam Neeson stars in Taken, a film about an ex-spy divorcé who tries to make up for years of parental neglect to his daughter, Maggie Grace. The film follows Maggie's journey to Europe, specifically Paris, where she is kidnapped by Albanian gangsters who plan to sell her victims to Arabs for white-girlie sex. Maggie's father, a paranoid parent and towering xenophobe, is right that a young Caucasian girl is prey to every godless, sex-mad, drug-pushing foreigner. Even his French-spy buddy, Jean-Claude, is not reliable in helping her. Taken is a risible male-re-empowerment fantasy set in a world where a fatal headshot and rescue from a life of inter-racial rape is the best way to win back Maggie's heart. The film features a brutal and violent portrayal of a father who is determined to make amends for his past neglect. The film is a risible male-re-empowerment fantasy that should not be considered for viewers. Taken is a film directed by Liam Neeson, starring Liam Neeson as a divorced father and special-ops superhero who proves his love for his teenage daughter while also exposing her stepfather. The movie begins when the daughter is abducted by sex traffickers in Paris, leading Neeson to become angry and cosplay with Frenchmen, Albanians, and Arab sheiks. The film is slick, dubious, and morally bankrupt, with a scene where Neeson presides over a sex auction, saving the daughter as "the best 'til last" and sparking a bidding war among the pervert connoisseurs. "Taken" portrays Bryan Mills as a skilled CIA agent who would have been an American prisoner since September 2001. Mills is a master of various skills, including laser-eyed, sharpshooting, and karate-fighting. He lives in Los Angeles, enjoying steaks with old CIA friends and spending time with his 17-year-old daughter, Kim. Kim lives with Mills' ex-wife and her wealthy husband, who gives Kim a thoroughbred as a birthday present. The film highlights the skill of CIA agents like Mills in capturing and capturing terrorists. "Taken" raises questions about the existence of secret clubs or covens of wealthy white men who despoil innocent women in perversity. The movie proves that Liam Neeson can bring credibility to most roles and that co-writer Luc Besson, whose actioner-assembly line produced the film, turns out high-quality trash, sometimes even better. The film demonstrates that if you can't wait for the next Bourne thriller, you don't have to.
Made in Italy (2020)
Neeson's performance in Made In Italy is exceptional.
Neeson's performance in Made In Italy is exceptional, and Richardson's casting is not due to nepotism. Richardson's 25-year-old son has genuine charisma and charm, and chemistry with his father is natural. Valeria Biello plays a local chef who provides a new romantic interest for Jack despite her own ex-pat issues. Lindsay Duncan, a veteran real estate agent, helps get the house together for a potential quick sale. Made In Italy is a fun and respite from personal life, offering a preview of a future travel destination once one falls in love with the wonders of the Tuscan sun. The film "Made in Italy" stars Liam Neeson and his son Micheál Richardson in the roles of a widowed artist named Robert and his son Jack. Robert's mother dies young in a car accident, paralleling the death of Neeson's real-life wife, Natasha, from injuries during a skiing accident. This adds a frisson to the climactic scene where the father and son discuss their handling of the late woman's death. However, the script lacks finesse in delivering the emotional punch, limiting the impact of the scene. The film also features property porn, with the two men bonding over their inherited Tuscan house, symbolizing Jack's desire to sell the house to buy an art gallery for his ex-wife's family. The director effectively uses the "deserted" house as a symbol of the unspoken relationship between Robert and Jack, revealing layers of dust, cobwebs, dead bugs, and live varmints. The movie's pointed glances at a locked shed signal unspoken feelings between Robert and Jack, leading to a confrontation that lacks emotional impact. However, a heart-stopping moment between Robert and real estate agent Kate (Lindsay Duncan), a British transplant, stands out as a heart-stopping exchange of wisdom. The film's mix of comic and melodramatic is unsteady, with Jack's budding romance with a trattoria owner (Valeria Bilello) becoming the weakest link in the plot. The film's sharp writing and performances stand out from the film's unsteady mix of comic and melodramatic elements. "Made in Italy" is filled with emotional undercurrents, reminiscent of the 2009 loss of Natasha Richardson. However, both actors struggle to authenticate the movie's affecting moments. The film aims to anticipate healing and bonding, but also handicaps the likelihood of real estate agents falling for Robert's scruffy mug and blood-red mural, or local restaurant owners serving dessert after a meal.
In the Land of Saints & Sinners (2023)
Perfectly Done, and Liam Neeson does a phenomenal performance
Robert Lorenz, producer-director and Clint Eastwood collaborator, is directing an action thriller set in County Donegal, Ireland. The film follows the story of Doireann, an IRA gang leader who accidentally kills children during the Troubles. Despite the collateral damage, she leads her crew to escape into Donegal, where they find themselves surrounded by stereotypes. The film features a stolid Garda officer, widower Finbar Murphy, and a shy neighbor Rita. The film explores themes of innocence, revenge, and the complexities of identity in a region largely untouched by the rest of the Republic. Finbar, a local mobster, is whacking people for local mobster McQue, but he feels bad about his work and the IRA's actions. Jack Gleeson plays Finbar's younger colleague Kevin, a gunman and Moody Blues enthusiast who wants to leave the assassination business and play guitar in a band in California. The film has some entertaining elements, such as sharp lines and a gonzo final shootout, but the overall tone of cliche is a bit worn, as indicated by the title, which misremembers the phrase "saints and scholars". The plot also has something ungallant, with Cusack's character vanishing after being punched in the face and forgotten until the very end. "Saints and Sinners" is a film that begins with a bombing orchestrated by an IRA terrorist named Doireann McCann, which leads to the death of three children. McCann and her cohorts hide in Murphy's village, eventually crossing paths with the good folk who live there. When Doireann's brother does something horrifying, he ends up a target of Murphy, setting off a series of events that inevitably lead to bloodshed. The simplicity of Mark Michael McNally & Terry Loane's script is charming, but it goes too far in the mid-section of the movie when the narrative starts to sag. Lorenz is a better director of performers, but the all-star team was likely easy to direct. Condon is great in the villainous Man in Black role from the Western template, and John Neeson finds some subdued chords in the film. However, there are some underdeveloped ideas regarding religion, sin, and redemption that could have helped during the narrative sag. The film's Irish setting demands a bit of that, but it doesn't feel carefully considered. The surface of Northern Ireland is gorgeous enough to practically be a character, enhancing the film that embraces its familiarity and might even resurrect faith in Neeson's future roles.
Taken 3 (2014)
Liam Neeson is the King of Thrillers
Liam Neeson's career as an action star is surprising given his stern features, imposing stature, and thick Irish brogue. Taken 3 is not a talentless affair, but it requires a certain degree of skill to produce something professionally competent while devoid of soul or wit. For the first time in his recent string of New Year donnybrooks, Neeson looks inescapably bored. His greatest foe appears to be the narrative NyQuil he constantly grapples with, and the battle is infectious. Taken 3 starts with life returning to normal for Bryan Mills, the world's deadliest name-taker. He buys a giant plush panda for his daughter Kim, who humors him with smiles and delicate revelations about her pregnancy. However, Bryan refuses to see her as a grown up, as she has been attending college since 2007. Trouble only starts when Bryan continues flirting with his ex-wife Lenore, much to the chagrin of her newest husband Stuart. Stuart sleazes smarm long before Lenore shows up dead in Bryan's apartment, and the cops think Bryan did it. Kim knows better, Stuart is indifferent, and lead LAPD investigator Franck Dotzler wants to clock out for the day. Taken 3, a sequel to the popular film Taken 2, has become a mere paycheck dispenser for many unenthused people. While the first film tried to build on the first by flipping the script with Maggie Grace saving her kidnapped father, Taken 3 takes the audience on a long ride, about 109 minutes. Director Olivier Megaton captures the bloodbath with precision and craftsmanship, with chase scenes beginning and ending with Neeson raising or lowering his hands in the proper order. However, the hero's escape is a mystery to the audience, as if crucial moments were never even mounted before a camera. As Liam Neeson's punch is lacking, Whitaker's performance as the law enforcement pursuer is bringing all the heat and blood-boil of gazpacho soup. It is unclear if the laid-back demeanor of his performance is a consequence of the script or a total lack of interest, but the movie gets to its conclusion at a breezy clip. The few redeeming features of the movie are Neeson's relationships with those he's not holding at a gun's end. Three films in, Neeson and Grace have developed a genuine rapport when playing father-and-daughter scenes, with an undeniable perkiness mutually shared by actors. Neeson's returning crew of spook sidekicks, including Leland Orser as loyal Sam, provides the kind of levity previously delivered by Neeson's now absent deadpan. In Taken 3, Russian villains take a hapless man, possibly wearing a red shirt, hostage. The gangsters demand the clerk open a life-size safe, leaving him to a shadowy end. The situation could have been worse, as they could have put Taken 3 on a loop to keep him company.
Taken 2 (2012)
The 5 commandments of Hollywood.
Producer Luc Besson and director Olivier Megaton could have made Searchers 2, featuring John Wayne kidnapped by Indians and sent smoke-signals to Natalie Wood. Instead, they created Taken, a 2008 kidnap drama featuring Liam Neeson as the CIA agent who finds and kills the kidnappers. Neeson's voicemail threat has turned him into an action hero. The sequel, Taken 2, features Neeson kidnapped in Istanbul and his daughter as his rescuer. He is chained up in a basement, and while Turkish captors leave him alone, he uses a hidden mobile phone to instruct his daughter to retrieve his guns and grenades. The sequel adds a twist to the story. Kim Mills, a young woman who has been kidnapped by sex traffickers in Paris and terrorists in Istanbul, has a protective father who implants a GPS app on her iPhone. The sequel to "Taken" (2008) stars Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, and Famke Janssen. The film follows the story of ex-CIA man Bryan Mills (Neeson) and his ex-wife Lenore (Famke Janssen), who bond with their daughter Kim. Mills is hired to be a sheik's bodyguard in Istanbul, and he invites Kim and Lenore to join him for some R&R. However, the film opens with a funeral of Mills' victims from the first "Taken" film, which leaves dozens of dead bodies behind and unaccounted for. The chief mourner is Murad Krasniqi (Rade Sherbedgia), whose son was among the victims. Krasniqi vows revenge, despite the fact that Mills' daughter was one of the kidnappees. The film highlights the importance of family bonding and the need for responsible action in the future. "Taken 2" is a PG-13-rated action film directed by Olivier Megaton and produced and co-written by Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen. The film follows Mills and Lenore, who are kidnapped by Kim, who pulls out of a family outing. Lenore is left hanging upside down in a warehouse, while Mills is chained to a pipe in the same room. Krasniqi, who has made a precise slit in Leonore's throat, explains that because the blood will flow to her head, she won't bleed to death right away. The film follows Mills, a brilliant graduate in CIA history, who manages to call his daughter for help and lead her through a complex process using a shoestring and a map to figure out where he and Lenore are being held. The film showcases Kim's ability to outrun terrorists and Turkish cops, despite failing two driver's license exams. The cast is uniformly capable and serious, and if you're buying what Luc Besson is selling, he's not short-changing you.
Masters of the Air: Part Nine (2024)
PART 9, THE ENDING
Masters of the Air, a popular Apple TV Plus series, has come to an end, with episode 9 being a supersized, almost feature-length installment. Despite the unbalanced pacing in the latter half of the series, the final episode is a return to the show's best, forming a strong ending for the Apple TV Plus series. The show opens with a thrilling aerial sequence starring Rosenthal, who demonstrates his steady nerves and unflinching leadership. The opening scene is the show at its best, with Nate Mann bringing Rosenthal from newcomer to leading man. Rosenthal goes down in Russian-controlled territory, shouting "Coca Cola!" at soldiers approaching to prove his Americanity. Fortunately, they believe him and he ends up on the long road back to England. Along the way, he stumbles across an abandoned concentration camp, which is difficult to watch as he realizes the depth of the atrocities committed there.
Eventually, Rosenthal makes it back and resettles into the swing of things without issue. He remains a steady presence for the rest of the episode, welcoming back Cleven and offering wisdom to struggling Crosby. The series has come full circle with Rosenthal, from newbie to established stalwart, and it's very satisfying. The show's main characters, Egan and Cleven, remain the heart of the show. The prisoner of war camp is evacuated, and tension rises as they attempt to escape. Egan is caught and almost shot, making Cleven's escape poignant. Their reunion is sweeter back in East Anglia when Cleven realizes it's his pal talking to him over the radio. The new camp Egan is transferred to is liberated, and the men fight back after so long. The Tuskegee Airmen are largely in the background, but their introduction last week positioned them as major players. Rosenthal, Crosby, and Cleven fly a supply drop mission in clear skies, and Egan welcomes them back on the radio for a joyful reunion. This is a fitting final hurrah for the characters, as VE Day ends the war and sends the men of the Bloody Hundredth home in a moving ending.
Masters of the Air: Part Eight (2024)
PART 8
Masters of the Air, a war drama, has released seven of its nine episodes on Apple TV+, focusing on the struggles faced by the 100th Bomb Group. The show has delved into the challenges faced by the group, including casualties, prisoners of war, and the pressure of flying into imminent danger. The cast, including Austin Butler, Callum Turner, and Barry Keoghan, is one of the biggest advantages of the project. Butler, who is known for his role as Elvis Presley in 2022's Elvis, is one of the lead characters. Callum Turner and Barry Keoghan have also had recent success, contributing to the show's success. However, a popular actor who has not yet appeared in the series is highly anticipated for his upcoming cameo. Doctor Who's Ncuti Gatwa is set to make a cameo appearance in Masters of the Air episode 8, which is set to offer a glimpse into a World War II Air Forces squadron, the Tuskegee Airmen. Gatwa is one of the last actors to make a cameo in the war drama. The episode's thumbnail features Gatwa, suggesting that the 100th and the Tuskegee Airmen may come together during D-Day. Gatwa will portray the real-life Tuskegee Airman, Second Lieutenant Robert Daniels, who served as a Second Lieutenant in the U. S. Army Air Forces and was part of the all-Black squadron, the Tuskegee Airmen. Daniels' fate during World War II was not uncommon, as he was shot down during a flight over Marseilles, France, and became a prisoner of war. He remained in German custody until May 1945, similar to Major John Egan of the 100th. Daniels earned a Prisoner of War medal for his actions during the war. After the war, he worked as an air traffic controller and died in 1987. Ncuti Gatwa, a renowned performer, is set to return in Masters of the Air episode 8. The role of Second Lieutenant Robert Daniels is a departure from his previous roles, which have been filled with light and magic. Despite this, Gatwa is expected to bring light and fun to the role while still doing justice to the real man. This episode will be an exciting and special installment of the series, introducing audiences to the Tuskegee Airmen and Ncuti Gatwa's character, akin to the fifteenth Doctor in Doctor Who. The inclusion of Gatwa in the series is expected to be a highlight and a strong lead-up to the final episode.
Masters of the Air: Part Seven (2024)
PART 7
Masters of the Air, a series of seven episodes, explores the dark missions and moments of the 100th Bomb Group. The series has seen the men of the 100th face numerous lethal missions, from Regensberg to Munster, and most recently, Berlin. However, the seventh episode skips over one mission, revealing even more of the bleak nature of the group. The 100th brings on replacements to take over the men lost in previous missions, with most of the original 100th having either been killed or captured as prisoners of war. The series continues to increase the danger of missions, with the 100th taking on Berlin in a mission called Black Monday. However, the episode does not reveal the previous battle, Black Thursday. Masters of the Air episode 5 depicts the Munster Raid in October 1943, followed by Major John Egan's capture as a POW and the impact on Lt. Col. Robert Rosenthal. The seventh episode jumps to March 1944, five months after the Raid, and highlights events like The Great Escape and Black Monday. However, it skips Black Thursday, a major battle the 100th fought in on October 14, 1943. Despite American efforts, German forces easily tracked and targeted the American bombers, resulting in the loss of 60 B-17s and the deaths of around 600 airmen. Masters of the Air may have skipped Black Thursday due to its similarity to other 100th Bomb Group losses during 1943. While Black Thursday is a notable example of the hard hits the 100th took, it does not stand out among other deadly missions they flew. The series could have included Black Thursday in episode 6, but it would have slowed everything down. Instead, it was important to focus on the cast's mental states and the fate of Major John Egan after the Munster Raid. A slower episode 6 added more to the story than another dangerous mission like Black Thursday.
Skipping Black Thursday is a good thing as it kept the story going and maintained some hope. The 100th Bomb Group's story is bleak, and including Black Thursday would have been an unnecessary addition to an already sad story. Masters of the Air should have avoided portraying Black Thursday, as it allowed the series to avoid getting too dark and used extra time wisely by exploring the emotionality of its characters. This helped audiences feel closer to the cast and set up for an intense ending. Black Thursday should be remembered.
Masters of the Air: Part Six (2024)
PART 6
Episode 6 of Masters of the Air showcases the ability to create tension, stakes, dread, and interesting character development without putting its heroes inside a plane. The show's final moments only touch on the air force base, which has been the center of the show. The harrowing storyline begins with Bucky (Callum Turner) landing deep in German territory and being captured by German farmers. He is taken on a series of voyages that show the brutality of war. The scene where Bucky and other unlucky POWs are paraded through a bombed-out German town gives him a new perspective on the war, revealing that Americans are not viewed as the "great liberators" they signed up to be.
From there, Bucky's journey becomes safer, but his fate is essentially sealed. He arrives for interrogation with Lieutenant Haussmann (Louis Hoffman), but refuses to give anything more than his name, rank, and serial number. The scene never rises above "we're not so different, you and I" territory, but it is redeemed by the equally horrific, wordless scene as Bucky is taken to the train. The show has turned a corner and is living up to its potential, demonstrating that it can create tension and stakes without putting its heroes inside a plane. In episode 6, Crosby attends a lecture in Oxford and meets his British counterparts, while Rosenthal (Nate Mann) is sent to a countryside estate to escape recent events. The purpose of this plotline is to give Crosby an outlet for his feelings about the war and the death of his friend Bubbles. He meets Alessandra Subatern Westgate (Bel Powley), an unspecified British member of the RAF who serves as his roommate. Despite her terrible writing skills, Westgate knows the torment soldiers face firsthand and provides a shoulder for Crosby to cry on. Rosie is ordered to take time off at the "flak house," a posh estate in the English countryside, after three missions in three days. He prefers to get back in the cockpit than talk about his feelings. This segment of episode 6 is the most effective, showing the psychological effects of the war in interesting ways. Rosie sees a fellow soldier crying uncontrollably in solitude, a profound moment of introspection for him. The contrast between the endings of Rosie and Bucky's storylines elicits interesting thematic material. Bucky is in a terrible situation in a Nazi POW camp, but he's now reunited with Buck, whom he believed dead. Rosie, in a safer place by the end, is filled with fear and uncertainty. While episode 6 is far from perfect, it's hard to not be excited for the remaining episodes of Masters of the Air.
Masters of the Air: Part Five (2024)
PART 5, Best episode so Far
Masters of the Air episode 5 marks the halfway mark of the limited series, with just four remaining episodes. The episode brings shattering loss, large-scale spectacle, and more lingering grief. Despite the bleakness, Crosby makes it back to base alive and well after last week's misadventure. Crosby and his crewmates find replacements in their beds, and Crosby's fellow navigator, Bubbles, admits he penned a letter to Cros's wife about his death. However, Cleven has not returned, and the episode is defined by absence. Egan mourns his friend alone, while Cros cuts a lonely figure as he eats solo, waiting for his friends to return. Anthony Boyle's portrayal of Cros, the narrator and audience surrogate, is a highlight of the show. Boyle's physical expressiveness and fear for his friends are evident throughout the episode. The focus is on aerial combat as the men embark on a death-defying mission. The score's rhythm is a ticking clock, and the VFX is consistently excellent. The first half of the battle is focused on Egan's aircraft, narrowing the scope of the action sequence. The emotional beats are even harder as flak rips through the squadron. Blake Neely's score lurches to the nightmarish as German planes fill the sky, turning the situation from bleak to hopeless. The battle that follows is on a blockbuster scale, with immaculate sound design sharpening every bullet, droning engine, and anguished cry. Egan and his crew have to abandon their plane, resulting in a vertigo-inducing free fall to dangerous ground. Lt. Rosenthal emerges as a key character, holding his nerve to drop bombs at the precise moment, manoeuvring around enemy planes on the attack, and even humming a rousing tune to encourage his crew. For much of this sequence, Rosenthal is wearing a mask, relying on Nate Mann's eyes to convey the stress, intensity, and determination of flying a plane in such extreme circumstances. The episode of "The Bloody Hundredth" is a haunting tale of the aftermath of the Battle of Stalingrad. Rosenthal's plane is the only intact Allied aircraft in the sky, and debris floats down slowly, illustrating the devastation of the battle. In just one episode, almost the entire Bloody Hundredth has been lost. The episode ends with Cros, alone in the frame, reading the eulogy and crying silently, contrasting with Egan's suppression of his grief. The camera lingers on the empty bed and the empty beds beside it, emphasizing the scale of the episode's losses and the inevitable change for the Bloody Hundredth. The episode highlights the enduring impact of the war and the loss of the lives of those who lost their lives.
Masters of the Air: Part Four (2024)
PART 4
Masters of the Air was a thrilling series that featured a bloody battle in the skies, resulting in the deaths of some crew members. Episode 4 takes the action from the air to the ground, highlighting the dangers of what's happening beneath the clouds. The episode picks up in Algeria after episode 3, but doesn't take place in the promised paradise. Instead, it takes place in East Anglia, where a crew returns from their 25th mission, announcing that only 12 out of the original 35 crews remain. This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the fatal nature of skyward trips. The episode revolves around the celebration of heroism, love, and loss during the war. Lt. Nash, a new pilot, develops a romantic relationship with Red Cross member Helen, but their relationship is short-lived. The episode also explores themes of love and loss, as Lt. Rosenthal tells Helen that Nash was lost in battle. Egan, a pilot, travels to London but finds no respite in the city. He dances with a stranger who tells him her husband was lost in the war, causing her to feel wistful and hopeful. The war wounds everyone, as Egan walks a street with the Blitz scars, passing a wrecked home and a woman mourning her daughter killed in the bombing raids. The war is everywhere, as the war is everywhere. The episode highlights the uneasy balance between joy and death in the war and the impact it has on everyone. The episode follows Sgt. William Quinn's journey to England after being stranded in Belgium. He faces intense scrutiny from a man who will help him escape. The stakes are high for the underground network, as Bob, an undercover Nazi, is brutally shot dead in the forest. The Nazis have been trying to infiltrate the network for some time. The group of ordinary people risking everything in impossible circumstances is painfully tense when Quinn tries to make a run for it upon arriving in Paris. Fortunately, another member of the network defuses the situation, but the sight of uniformed Nazi officers is a chilling reminder of the risk. Quinn makes a tentative connection with Louise, but their relationship is short-lived. Louise's letter is confiscated and burned, and Quinn is given an intense reality check about what would happen to Louise and her family if their actions were discovered. The episode's emotional climax occurs when Cleven and Crosby are killed in action, leaving Egan and Cleven as either stranded or prisoners of war. The unknown hurts the most, as Egan doesn't know his friend Biddick was killed crash-landing. The men must count planes and parachutes to see if their comrades have escaped. The real cliffhanger is Egan's reaction, as he and Cleven share a deep bond, shattered by war. Egan is determined to fly the next mission, leading to recklessness and survivor's guilt. Callum Turner delivers a captivating portrayal of Egan, with an edge beneath his easy smiles and pain broiling to the surface in the phone booth. Cros's idea of "courage took many forms during the war" is displayed throughout the episode, contrasting tender sentiment with the cruel reality of conflict.
Masters of the Air: Part Three (2024)
PART 3
In the two-episode premiere of Masters of the Air, it is difficult to predict if Cleven, Egan, and Biddick will survive the entire war due to the lack of detailed knowledge about each man's history. However, the episode "Part Three" provides a good reason to ponder the lack of knowledge. Despite Cleven and Egan's uncertainty about Curt Biddick's whereabouts, the audience is certain. In the opening episodes, Biddick manages to avoid a deadly crash-landing and ends up with friendly people on the coast of Scotland. In the episode, the 100th Bomb Group, led by Lt. Roy Frank Claytor, successfully bails out of a plane that is going down fast. However, Biddick's attempt to steer his downed plane and save his co-pilot's life is thwarted by a highly placed tree cover, and the plane blows up midway through the episode. Barry Keoghan is bid adieu to the immensely talented actor, who is off to deal with his burgeoning film career. Chapter 3 involves a dangerous "three-punch combo" mission to Africa, aiming to bomb Regensburg for the longest time over German territory and deepest into Germany. Major Bowman announces the plan, which involves three task forces flying together and then splitting, allowing only one squadron to defend. The first squadron will refuel, while the second squadron will drop bombs on Schweinfurt. Instead of turning back, they will fly to Africa in Telergma, aiming to confuse the Germans while the Americans bomb sites with precision. Major Egan (Callum Turner) volunteers to fly in Captain Cruikshank's fort as a reserved commander pilot, despite being in the back seat. The 100th is "tail-end Charlie," meaning their squadron is at the end of the most dangerous place. Major Kidd leads the 418th, Major Veal leads the 349th, and the 351st squadrons are in the high position. Colonel Neil 'Chick' Harding orders the 100th to fly alone without cover or air support, causing chaos. Extra fighters stop the Germans from coming back for a second offensive. Quinn is held at gunpoint by resistance fighters in Germany-occupied Belgium. After jumping out of the plane, he lands safely and meets a girl who identifies as an American. She finds her father, who alerts her to the resistance. They explain that he can either turn himself in to the Germans, be placed in a prisoner camp, and survive the war, or escape back to England. If caught, he will be executed as a spy.
Masters of the Air: Part Two (2024)
PART TWO
British soldiers argue that American Air Force survivors are fewer due to daytime drops, which increase visibility. Americans prefer nighttime drops for safety, but this is considered reckless by American standards. The boys, Curtis and his friends, decide to settle the issue. Curtis challenges the Brit, who appears to play cricket, and lands a powerful combination, knocking out the fellow Allied serviceman. Curtis's friends celebrate with him, highlighting the importance of safety in the military. Gale, Curt, and Bucky lead a squadron to Norway to bomb German submarines. Bubbles recovers from frostbite, and Crosby takes over as navigator. Despite experiencing airsickness, he throws up and uses his helmet. Curt's bomber is damaged during the fight, and he must make an emergency landing in a Scottish field. Gale helps guide the aircraft to safety. Crosby struggles with calculations and vomit, and despite his radio being down, he helps Buck navigate the plane. They return to safety and Crosby is complimented for his cool head under pressure, which takes him back. Episode 2 begins with the men having a bicycle race on their base, followed by a failed air mission. Due to lack of visibility, CO Huglin scrubbed the mission, preventing US planes from dropping any bombs. The unit suffered significant casualties, with many pounded and rendered unfit to serve. Bosser and Dickie suffer frostbite, which prevents them from flying. Some men also suffered on the ground from a different kind of struggle. Major Egan invites Lt. Curtis Biddick for an alcohol blowout after the mission, feeling pained that he couldn't contribute to the mission and the loss of one of his men. He laments the loss of one of his men and reveals that he is set to meet the new Commanding Officer, Colonel Harding, the next morning. Episode 2 of Masters of the Air continues the success of the season opener, focusing on the main characters and separating them from the crowd. The episode's narrative sense is clear, and the performances of Cameron Turner and Austin Butler are impressive. The makers effectively convey their message without resorting to flashy writing or jingoistic patriotism, making it a sure-shot blockbuster that has all the trappings of a classic. Apple TV has started the year off with a blockbuster that has all the trappings of a classic.
Masters of the Air: Part One (2024)
PART ONE
Masters of the Air is a story about two best friends, Major Gale "Buck" Cleven and Major John "Bucky" Eagan, who serve in the US Air Force. They are part of the 100th Bomb Squad, which is sent to England to aid the 8th US Air Force in its aerial battle with Nazi Germany. Eagan, who has been promoted to General Air Executive, is not flying bomber planes in missions. However, he has a desire to contribute and has been hired as an Observation Pilot. The 100th Bomb Squad is part of four squadrons, led by Major Cleven, each with six to eight members. The unit, a highly trained and experienced group, landed in South Greenland base, facing a challenging real war scenario. The unit, consisting of US citizens, was led by Major Harry Crossby, a navigator. They had to fly from Greenland to Thorpe Abbotts Air Field to begin their missions. However, their plane, which was diverted towards France, and cloud cover hindered visibility. Despite the difficult landing, they managed to escape the dangerous situation. One of the flaps didn't open, and they had to crash land, which attracted the attention of CO Harold Huglin. The unit's bravery and character were tested in real war. Eagan, a unit commander, is summoned and warned about maintaining order. He pleads to be demoted to a Squadron Commander, but Huglin rejects his request. Huglin vomits blood on his table after Eagan leaves. On 25 June 1944, the unit's first mission is to hit German U-boat pens in Bremen, which are bunkers protecting them from air attacks. The 350th and 349th squads, led by Cleven and Major Wheeler, are tasked with neutralizing these boats, as nearly 70 Allies cargo ships have been downed in the sea. The importance of remaining together in a tight formation is emphasized, as German fighters could pick them off one by one. The unit must also brave ground artillery to prevent them from hitting the pens. The weather conditions are unfavorable, with dense cloud coverage making it difficult for planes to have visibility. Two planes nearly bump into each other before the mission starts. Artillery fire is started, and a few planes are hit, but they manage. Huglin, flying with the 349th, scrubs the mission due to poor visibility, unable to accurately bomb the pens from the open air. The unit is disappointed when the German counter in the air hits, causing significant damage and taking down three from the Air Force unit. Out of 19 planes, only 16 return. The alarm is sounded, and a full interrogation is undertaken. The excitement and build-up end with no bombs being dropped on the Germans, suggesting that this may be the new normal for the 100th bomb squad. In Episode 1, Masters of the Air is a companion piece to Band of Brothers, focusing on the camaraderie of unit members rather than the actual mission. The makers of the show share cinema essentials, making it difficult to remember characters initially. The storytelling focuses on the members of the unit rather than the mission itself. The technical proficiency behind the scenes is impressive, with impressive jargon in writing and performances. Visual effects set the standards, with cockpit sequences and air combat scenes being masterfully brought to life. If you were expecting something similar to Band of Brothers, Masters of the Air promises to be another stellar piece of content.
Dead Boy Detectives (2024)
Supernational, and Sexy
Netflix's Dead Boy Detectives follows two British teenagers, Edwin and Charles, who have been helping ghosts with unresolved matters for decades. The show introduces viewers to the adventures and afterlife of the characters, first introduced in The Sandman #25. However, their routine is disrupted by the arrival of amnesiac psychic Crystal Palace. Dead Boy Detectives uses a whimsical horror approach, pitting the central trio against various ghosts, demons, and macabre threats with a winking, humorous tone. The show is entertaining, garnering laughs with characters like an apologetic emissary of Hell and a bizarre anime-inspired tree with giant teeth named Teeth Face. The Dead Boys move to a small town in the Pacific Northwest, played by Canada, to help Crystal, who has been suffering from a bit of possession. They continue to take cases and contend with the ongoing threats of a witch named Esther (Jenn Lyon) and the supernatural bureaucrat Night Nurse (Ruth Connell). Lyon and Connell provide great fun as determined characters, with Lyon's Esther being casually cruel and Lyon's Night Nurse being uber disciplinarian. The show has some jokes that are repetitive and unappealing. Ghosts can communicate with cats, but every cat speaks in a grumpy voice, and Lukas Gage's appearances as the Cat King become repetitive over time. The snarky and insulting miniature Sprites are initially amusing but lose their appeal in later episodes. Yuyu Kitamura's character, Niko, is funny but rarely joins the Dead Boy Detectives' investigations like Crystal. The living girls' landlord, Jenny, is incidental and contributes little to the overall story, despite Briana Cuoco's likable performance. The show's humor and supporting characters feel adrift, with some characters feeling superfluous and incidental. Ruth Connell's role in Dead Boy Detectives is a reflection of the show's development, which was originally a spinoff of Doom Patrol for Max and later sold to Netflix. The show is more similar to the Netflix series The Sandman, with familiar faces like Kirby and The Sandman's Death. Despite Neil Gaiman's involvement, Dead Boy Detectives lacks the dramatic heights of The Sandman, and sometimes feels superficial and try-hard. Season 1 is a mid-point, emphasizing procedural mysteries over serialized storytelling. The third episode, about a family reliving their murder, is a highlight that leans into pure horror. The finale is just so-so, but preceded by a strong penultimate episode that fleshes out Edwin and Charles' personal histories. Despite some budget constraints, Dead Boy Detectives showcases impressive and creative imagery throughout the season, including a corpse garden, cool creature designs, and backstories rendered in different animation styles.
Anyone But You (2023)
Cute film, and an amazing love at first sight story.
Glen Powell, a movie star with charisma, has shown impressive range in Top Gun: Maverick and The White Lotus. However, Will Gluck's Anyone But You fails to generate screen chemistry or laughs, especially with the pedestrian writing. Anyone But You is a romcom with banter, hijinks, beaches, and hotties at its center. Despite not being the apex of movie-making, it occupies an interesting in-between space with breezy watchability and surprising sincerity. The film stars Glen Powell as Ben and Sydney Sweeney as Beatrice, two ex-exes whose first date ends in disaster. Years later, they implausibly pretend to be a couple at the wedding of their respective loved ones, Beatrice's sister Halle (Hadley Robinson) and Ben's childhood friend Claudia (Alexandra Shipp). The film's breezy watchability and surprising sincerity make it a movie-magical experience that won the reader over. The movie Anyone But You is filled with romcom cliches, with some that work and others that don't. The conflict between Bea and Ben is intense, but their reasoning for pretending to date is half-baked. The banter is middling, with characters sometimes delivering stilted quips. However, some gags, like Ben applying anecdotes from his drug-fueled days to present-day situations, play excellently. Powell and Sweeney compensate for this lack with hilarious physicality, which is the true selling point of the movie. The movie is at its most fun when everyone gets a little ridiculous. For literature nerds, Anyone But You is a comedy of errors in true Shakespearean fashion, with quotes from the bard himself sprinkled throughout. Michelle Hurd and Bryan Brown play opposite each other like Titania and Oberon, while characters like Halle, Claudia, and Claudia's brother Pete implement poorly planned schemes to unite Ben and Bea. There are ample references to Much Ado About Nothing, including character names drawn from that play. Anyone But You is a charming film that focuses on familial and romantic love, with a cast including Dermot Mulroney and Charlee Fraser. The film intentionally includes side characters, such as the brides-to-be, who are played with lively energy, convincingly portraying them as real, loving nearly-newlyweds. The film also features moments of downtime where the characters enjoy time in Sydney, Australia, enjoying themselves and laughing together. The references and quotes in the film are heavy-handed, but they serve as a harmless shorthand hearkening to the tradition of goofy ensembles and silly misunderstandings that make stories like this enjoyable. Anyone But You is a slightly declawed successor to 10 Things I Hate About You, but one with more gravity than She's The Man.
Shôgun: A Dream of a Dream (2024)
A masterpiece and cinematic experience
Series finale of Shogun has mixed feelings for the first time in its limited run. The episode ends with Blackthorne being smuggled out of Osaka and kept alive by the Jesuits who made a deal with Mariko and Lord Toranaga to usher him safely back to Ajiro. The deal was the Anjin's life in exchange for the ship, which Toranaga sunk and blamed on Christian spies. Blackthorne ruthlessly cracks down on the villagers as a test for the Anjin, which he passes when he offers up his own life in exchange for the villagers. The best part of the episode was the conversation between Yabushige and Toranaga before the former commits seppuku, with Toranaga as his second. The conversation was interesting as it revealed Toranaga's plans, including sending Mariko to Osaka to change Ochiba na Kata's mind and weaken Ishido's grip on the noble families. Yabushige, realizing that Toranaga has been planning his rise to power, exclaims, "You're no better than the rest of us in your secret heart!" In the final scene of the show, Hiroyuki Sanada and Tadanobu Asano, two legends of Japanese cinema, are portrayed as the two characters who are dying. Yabushige, a scheming Lord of Izu, desires a different death, one that is not ritual suicide but rather being torn apart by dogs or flesh-eating fish. He writes a death poem, which lacks the stirring beauty of Mariko's poem but serves as an outro for the scheming Lord of Izu. The poem instructs the dead body to be left in the field, filling the belly of a hungry dog. The performances of these characters are praised for their brilliance and emotional depth. Blackthorne, a character in James Clavell's novel, is only partially convinced of Toranaga's scheming. He believes that Mariko alone arranged the deal with the Jesuits, rather than Toranaga pulling all the strings. Toranaga stops Blackthorne from committing seppuku and instructs him to rebuild the ship and build a fleet. He also explains to Yabushige that the Anjin will never leave Japan. Toranaga keeps the Anjin alive because he makes him laugh and distracts enemies. This meta-commentary suggests that Blackthorne's character is not particularly important in the larger scheme, a departure from the book's focus on the European and historical context.
Shôgun: Crimson Sky (2024)
They don't make shows this authentic anymore
The flashbacks of Mariko's past add a layer of tragedy to her story, as her desire to take her own life persists for several years, including during her pregnancy. The story also highlights her religious faith and the emergence of resilience and language skills. Shogun is Mariko's story, and her perseverance and translation skills have allowed her to serve as a bridge between Toranaga and Blackthorne, highlighting her resilience and ability to connect with others. In Shogun Season 1 Episode 9, Mariko tries to convince Blackthorne that duty has called them both to Osaka simultaneously, but he is not convinced. He also doubts the Catholic missionaries who taught her English, who were motivated by financial interests. Yabushige also has doubts about Mariko's loyalty and intentions. The second-to-last episode, Crimson Sky, references Toranaga's plan for an invasion of Osaka. Mariko can still provide helpful exposition, informing him that Ishido is holding a member of each noble family hostage for protection purposes. Although their alliance remains intact, Yabushige and Blackthorne are less clear in their communications. The scene where both men refuse Mariko's translations serves as a reminder of the changes in alliances due to recent events. Mariko, in particular, is in the know and aware of what's coming next. Shogun highlights the importance of female counterparts in society, as seen in the bromance between Blackthorne and Yabushige. The relationship is marked by a lack of understanding and support from Toranaga, who is the most vulnerable man in Japan. Mariko, a skilled translator, helps Mariko navigate the complexities of the situation. Blackthorne, a ruthless character, is unaware of the decline of his stock and is unaware of the consequences of his actions. Mariko, on the other hand, is skilled in etiquette and tradition, as she chides Ishido for his lack of manners and informs him she will be leaving Osaka with Toranaga's captive consorts and infant son. Yabushige, however, is incensed to learn he has been left out of Toranaga's master plan. Mariko is the embodiment of discipline and self-mastery in her society, and she knows when to bite her tongue when necessary. The opening flashback highlights Mariko's past and current situation, reminding us of her father's struggles and her motherhood. She learns that her son has betrayed Toranaga by marrying the daughter of Kiyama, a fellow Christian. She is not afraid of being held against her will if she tries to leave Osaka, as such a move would only prove her point, but she fears suffering another family tragedy by being cut off by her son.
Shôgun: The Abyss of Life (2024)
Hiroyuki Sanada makes Shogun a masterpiece
In Shogun Season 1 Episode 8, Nagakado is roasted by his own funeral procession members, but he helps his father's cause by ensuring a 49-day period of mourning before Toranaga's death march to Osaka. Toranaga's former right-hand man, Blackthorne, is also managing a mixed-bag situation. He is no longer forced to submit to the Council of Regents and his service to Toranaga has officially come to an end. However, there is no telling what will happen to Blackthorne now that he no longer enjoys Toranaga's support. He is also abandoning Mariko and other allies to whom he owes his life as they march to their certain demise in Osaka. On the upside, Blackthorne will finally be reunited with his crew, which may make him feel like someone who went on a long vacation hoping their goldfish would survive on thoughts and prayers. In Osaka, Ishido is desperate to win over Ochiba, who has become the real power behind the Council. He proposes marriage, but the Heir's mother seems less enthusiastic. Nagakado's festivities take a troubling turn when Omi blames Toranaga for his friend's death.
Toranaga is bedridden with illness or pretending to be, his men wear armor in protest of his surrender, and Yabushige wants to ride on Osaka with a full cannon regiment. However, he is deflated by the news that Ishido anticipated such a move. These are bleak times for Team Toranaga. Blackthorne's mastery of the language and his use of his new fluency to dunk on Alvito provide some comic relief. The Portuguese/Spanish threat and the fate of the British/Dutch pit crew have been back-burnered amid the regency struggle, but the drama comes back to the forefront with Blackthorne's threat toward the Black Ship. The episode of Shogun's antipenultimate episode is filled with bleak times for Team Toranaga. Blackthorne's mastery of the language and his use of fluency provide some comic relief.
Shôgun: A Stick of Time (2024)
Story is so beautiful, and True Japanese culture
A Stick of Time, a new episode of Shogun, opens after a bloody battle, showcasing the show's unflinching portrayal of feudal carnage. The scene features battered corpses and close-up beheadings, but the viewer may feel let down when a man shouts "The war is over!" The show then reveals that the scene is the aftermath of Toranaga's first battle 46 years prior. The young warrior accepts his enemy's surrender and assists him with his seppuku. Toranaga's political maneuvers have been observed since Shogun's pilot episode, and this scene is possibly the most revealing of his character. Toranaga, a man with strong warrior instincts, seeks to make amends with his long-lost brother, Lord Saeki, but their rift is not due to lingering resentment. After a good-natured ribbing, Toranaga and Lord Saeki decide to let bygones be bygones. Toranaga still dislikes his "mongrel half-brother" and uses a tactic to win him over, using top-tier prostitutes. The Anjin is curious about his role in the Crimson Sky plan, but Blackthorne isn't shocked when Toranaga declines to divulge details. The exchange contributes to the mounting friction between these uneasy allies, as Toranaga has never been one to post his plans on a billboard. The Anjin's uneasy allies are influenced by the Anjin's refusal to disclose details, highlighting the tension between their uneasy allies. Omi, upset that Saeki is taking up Kiku's time, redirects his anger to Blackthorne, accusing him of soiling Gin's tea house. Gin, unperturbed, suggests Kiku is infatuated with someone else. The show's dynamic female character, Fuji, embodies the best traits of Toranaga, Blackthorne, and Mariko, providing the clearest thematic link between their storylines. Fuji's conflicting emotions remind us that she shares Blackthorne's courage and Toranaga's commitment to duty, while also possessing Mariko's knowledge of the futility of it all. Saeki publicly disrespects Toranaga, leading to an act of betrayal that makes a story of childhood incontinence look like kids' stuff. His official reasons for betraying his brother and nephew to the Council of Regents might be political, but it's clear that he was primarily motivated by old-fashioned sibling rivalry. Yabushige, who has been playing both sides of the fence, is also uncertain about his allegiances. Gin's wisdom and entrepreneurial ambition come to the fore as she shares her vision of a brighter future in which courtesans are unionized and allowed to work together in a centralized brothel district.
Shôgun: Ladies of the Willow World (2024)
Done so Beautifully
The sixth episode of Shogun, titled "Ladies Of The Willow World," focuses on the female characters, including Mariko and her mother, Ruri. Mariko's father, Lord Akechi Jinsai, murdered the previous shogun and was forced to execute his family members and commit Seppuku as punishment. In the latest episode, it is revealed that Toranaga played a role in the assassination, as he restraining Jinsai. Ochiba No Kata, who hates Toranaga, reveals that Jinsai killed her father and that Toranaga planned the assassination. She urges the regents to destroy him, but she believes Ishido cannot win. The episode highlights the importance of female characters in the shogun series. In the episode, Toranaga and Mariko discuss their unhappy marriages and the consequences of such relationships. Toranaga is unhappy with Buntaro for his actions at the Anjin's house, and he expresses his disgrace towards him. Mariko, on the other hand, shows Blackthorne a different side of life, as long, unhappy marriages can make anyone angry and bitter. Mariko explains that her father had big plans for her, but she didn't know that he married her so badly. He sent her away to keep her safe, knowing that he was about to carry out his heinous regicide. Toranaga also questions Mariko about Ochiba's hatefulness against them, and she replies that men go to war for various reasons, while women simply go to war. At the end of the episode, news of further strife in Osaka comes, and Toranaga declares Operation Crimson Sky, a plan to storm Osaka with force and form a new government with Toranaga as shogun. Ochiba believes that Toranaga may be playing a longer and more subtle game than he lets on. One of the best scenes involves Blackthorne and Mariko visiting a "Tea House" called Willow World, where they spend the night with a famous courtesan, Kiku. Mariko is there as a translator and spy for Toranaga, but rumors of her and the Anjin's closeness have preceded them. After a ritual sake pouring and discussion about the Willow World, Kiku invites both of them to the private room. Mariko declines, and Blackthorne follows the courtesan alone, brushing his hand over Mariko's hand.
Shôgun: Broken to the Fist (2024)
Fist breaks the heart.
Shogun, a popular show known for its depiction of 17th-century combat, has been criticized for its brutality. The show's portrayal of Ishido's men being obliterated with cannons and their gory remains being loaded into wagons may have been difficult for some viewers. The peasants of Ajiro, who are tasked with cleaning up the remnants of the massacre, are aware of the village's imminent destruction. When a procession of troops arrives in the opening minutes of Shogun Season 1 Episode 5, the audience assumes it is Ishido seeking revenge for the death of Jozen and his loyal vassals. However, the ensuing twist leaves viewers questioning the authenticity of Buntaro's death and the importance of his life. The return to Osaka promises political intrigue as the Heir's mother, Lady Ochiba, is making her way home, and the Council of Regents is ready to impeach him. The show's return to Osaka promises to be a return to its best aspects, with the characters' lives and actions reimagined. The Council must find a replacement for the wayward regent, Buntaro, to secure the five votes needed to commit seppuku. The regents' conflicting loyalties and agendas make the selection process long and tedious. Buntaro's journey of survival took 20 days, and his wife, Mariko, seems less than thrilled by his return. The producers of Shogun kept Buntaro's details off-camera, but the decision to withhold them was strategic for the show's advantage. Mariko's situation is further complicated by Toranaga's expectation that she live under one roof with Buntaro and Blackthorne for her spying/translating duties. The strong likelihood of someone dying a violent death undermines the comedic potential. Toranaga is furious at Nagakado for killing Jozen, which could plunge the country into civil war. After uttering the episode's titular line and making falcon analogies, Toranaga strips Nagakado of his command of the cannon regiment. The show "Shogun" effectively introduces subtextual thematic elements without stealing momentum from its hyper-intricate plot mechanics. The episode "Servants of Two Masters" sets the stage for the entangled loyalties that create tension for Mariko and Nagakado. Toranaga addresses both matters in rapid succession, highlighting Buntaro's fear of the Anjin and his new status as hatamoto. The episode also features people with one foot in two different worlds, as Yabushige tries to convince Toranaga that he is not a double agent who also serves Ishido. Toranaga reveals his support for the plan to provoke Ishido into attacking and praises Omi for his strategy. The show's writers deliver wildly intricate plotting, ensuring the viewer is never at a loss and feels fully swept up in the momentum of the epic saga.
Shôgun: The Eightfold Fence (2024)
Beautiful episode
The fourth episode of FX's Shogun, based on the 1975 James Clavell novel, has been slow at times, but the fourth episode has gotten me hooked. Director Frederick E. O. Toye helmed the show, with Nigel Williams and Emily Yoshida writing. The slowness is not due to lack of action or presence, but the rhythm of the narrative. The main focus is on Cosmo Jarvis' John Blackthorne, or Anjin, as he slowly adapts to his new Japanese surroundings. This episode presents him with his biggest challenges yet, including his relationship with Moeka Hoshi's Usami Fuji. The writers use this relationship to further the relationship between Mariko (Anna Sawai) and Blackthorne, but more of it is needed as the series progresses. The two inch closer on a couple of occasions, especially during gift exchanges. The "all-noble man" schtick of Blackthorne is appreciated, but his performance in the 1600s is sometimes unappealing. The "twist" of Blackthorne not having been to a ground battle before is predictable, but the show manages to put Toranaga's men over the edge by learning how to use cannons. The political game of Shogun remains intriguing, but the development of this aspect in this episode was disappointing. The growing sense of war has been present in the past few episodes, and Sawai's character announced a guest in the final line of "The Eightfold Fence." However, the political subplot didn't stand out in this episode. It's clear that there are frustrations within the small village Toranaga and his people are living in, and the Council may be working to highlight these issues. The absence of Toranaga for most of the episode was disappointing. Anna Sawai's performance in Blackthorne's bath scene was stellar, with a special fanfare for pretending to be another woman who snuck into the Englishman's bedroom. The show's full potential is evident, but the author is eagerly anticipating more of her past. They are curious about why she speaks perfect English and why the religious subplot hasn't been revisited for a while, which is a significant aspect of the show. Shogun Season 1 Episode 4 showcases the talent of Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks in establishing tone in a world where the average viewer knows very little. The opening scenes, such as a messenger carrying an urgent missive for Lord Omi, are familiar to viewers, as they depict peasants preparing for the arrival of bigwigs and the local lord beaming with anticipation. The title of hatamoto and the mores of feudal Japan are universal concepts, and we recognize Fuji's despair when we see it. While we are learning about the customs that have cost her her son and husband and are causing her degradation, we understand the depth of her suffering on an innate level. This pain could make her a danger to those around her or instill her with profound compassion and empathy. Fuji, ordered to serve as Blackthorne's consort, begs to quit the clan and become a nun, but is denied by Lady Mariko. Both women are without their husbands, but Mariko believes Buntaro died with honor, while Fuji's husband committed seppuku, leaving her without benefits. Fuji agrees to serve as the Anjin's consort for six months, as she retains power as a former samurai caste member. Toranaga, a former member of the samurai caste, avoids seppuku byzantine schemes. The Council of Regents must recruit a replacement before handing down a death sentence to Toranaga. Shogun writers face the challenge of introducing unfamiliar traditions and practices to a Western and 21st-century audience without pandering or slowing down the action. The series is innovative and distinct, making it a cliche to compare it to TV's last great feudal epic, Game of Thrones.
Shôgun: Tomorrow Is Tomorrow (2024)
Tomorrow is Tomorrow
Cosmo Jarvis' performance as John Blackthorne in the 1980 miniseries is commendable for its rawness and commitment. This performance contrasts the elegance of the upper classes with the grime and muck of being not among the elite, de-romanticizing our understanding of the past. Jarvis' reaction to the idea of more than one bath a week is commendable, but the rawness and intensity of the role are not enough for this kind of role. The show's attempts to contrast the elegance of the upper classes with the grime and muck of being not quite among the elite work well to de-romanticize our understanding of the past. The first two episodes of Shogun were visually stunning and intricately plotted, meeting the story's high dramatic stakes while maintaining a measure of grounded relatability. The show may have been too complex and byzantine in its depiction of the political machinery of feudal Japan for some viewers. However, the rewards have been well worth the effort. Blackthorne has survived an attempt on his life, and Toranaga wants Yabushige to help him get to the bottom of the matter. Yabushige, Toranaga's vassal, is looking out for number one and reveals that his loyalties are for sale. He won't betray Toranaga for his seat on the Council of Regents, but he will betray Ishido if Toranaga gives him the Suruga province. Toranaga agrees to the arrangement in exchange for Blackthorne and Lady Kiri's safe transport to Ajiro, setting the stage for one of the most famous scenes in the James Clavell novel on which the series is based. This iteration of Shogun is a demanding watch, but anything less would be a betrayal of the source material. Showrunners Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks have an intuition for pacing, knowing when to step on the gas and when to pump the brake, making a character's motives crystal clear, and withholding information. The intricate plot strands are being meticulously woven into a rich tapestry, making it a must-watch for fans of the series. Shogun is a series that explores cultural similarities and differences, highlighting the interplay between religion and commerce. The conversation between Blackthorne and Mariko highlights the universality of sex and medicine, while Buntaro's interruption of his wife's sexually charged conversation with a barbarian highlights Kondo and Marks' ability to convey a lot with minimal words. The show continually increases tension, as Blackthorne, Mariko, Kiri, and their party prepare to decamp from Osaka. The scheme becomes clear when a diversion is created, and the old switcheroo takes place under Ishido's nose. Blackthorne offers a distraction, allowing Toranaga to carry out his ruse. This is the first time Blackthorne demonstrates loyalty to any daimyos, a departure from his previous stance as hostile captors. Shogun balances intricate plotting with old-fashioned sex and violence, proving that no show has balanced intricate plotting with old-fashioned sex and violence since Game of Thrones. The show's most pulse-pounding action scene results from Kiyama's attack, exposing Toranaga's scheme and resulting in a multi-lateral conflict.
Shôgun: Servants of Two Masters (2024)
Truly a masterpiece
The last episode of the series, "Servants of Two Masters," saw the three main characters, Lord Toranaga, Anjin, and Mariko, in a room together. The importance of the moment was highlighted, as Toranaga and Anjin need each other for survival, and Mariko's goals remain a mystery. The second episode, "Servants of Two Masters," follows the same pattern, with Toranaga's relationship with the deceased emperor and an Important Conversation establishing bonds. However, after an exchange with Father Martin, Anjin is sent to jail, leaving the audience uncertain about the outcome. The story emphasizes the importance of teamwork between unlikely allies, and the viewer should not feel forced or arbitrary in the "earning." The relationships between the main characters should be built on a plausible foundation, allowing for uncertainty and tension. The series aims to build relationships between the three main characters, ensuring they are built on a plausible foundation rather than starting from scratch. In the second episode of Shogun, "Servants of Two Masters," Lord Toranaga faces a dilemma with the Council Regents, as John Blackthorne becomes a pawn in two separate plots. The episode begins with a flashback to Osaka a year prior, where the Taiko warns Toranaga of the vultures circling and asks him to become the sole Regent. In present-day Osaka, Lord Rodrigues discusses the heretic foreigner with fellow Jesuit clergymen, Father Dell'Acqua and Martin Alvito. Rodrigues warns them of Blackthorne's crimes against Catholics and his potential threat. Alvito is summoned to the throne room and is required to translate between Toranaga and Blackthorne, revealing his disdain for Catholicism as a Protestant. The dialogue between Torananga and Blackthorne is crucial, as Lord Ishido arrives and "the Freak from the West" is imprisoned and set for execution. The episode highlights the tensions and potential civil wars that could arise between the two lords. Mariko's family, including her son and husband, Buntaro, is summoned by Lord Toranaga to feast with him, his wife Lady Kiri, and other noble people. They reminisce on Mariko's wedding 16 years ago, signaling she married shortly after the death of her father, Lord Kurdo. Toranaga plans to use John's religious bias to sow division among the regents, as two of them are devout Catholics. Without the full support of each regent, Ishido cannot proceed with a unanimous vote. John makes do in prison, where he meets an aging prisoner who reveals his allyship with Toranaga is doomed as they both will not leave the castle alive. The elder also reveals that the Catholics control the trade route of Japan's most valuable vessel, the Black Ship, captained by Ferriera (Louis Ferreira). He alleges their economic power has formed secret bases in Macao to convert Japanese allegiances against the current rule. Ishido meets with the Council Regents, Lords Kiyama (Hiromoto Ida), Sugiyama (Toshi Toda), and Ohno (Takeshi Kurokawa), who object to Toranaga's impeachment plan. Ishido requests they vote on Toranaga's impeachment, but Kiyama and Ohno object, opting first to execute Blackthorne. Toranaga's plan works as predicted. With Mariko serving as translator, John reveals the Portuguese conspiracy, claiming they seek to replace all non-Christian rulers of Japan and ally to eliminate their common enemies. Toranaga takes this news to heart, and as the President of Foreign Affairs, delays the Black Ship's departure, much to the dismay of Ferriera and Lord Kiyama.