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Shōgun (watch trailer, runtime: 2:47) is for history buffs and lovers of all things Japan. Set in 17th-century Japan, the story is set into motion when John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) — basically Jack Sparrow with less eyeliner — washes up on Japanese shores. He finds himself in the company of Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada), a powerful feudal lord on the brink of conflict, and Mariko (Anna Sawai), a mysterious outcast who serves as his translator.

While the series may masquerade as a political drama, it’s really about the interpersonal relationships between three ambitious people fighting for power — whatever that means to them. The constant jockeying for power between the different factions on the show keeps us on the edge of our seats, masterfully building tension as we watch alliances shift and betrayals unfold.

This isn’t the first time Shōgun has been on the silver screen. The show, based on James Clavell’s 1975 novel of the same name, was adapted to TV in 1980. This version isn’t a retelling of the book or the 1980s show — it’s a reinvention that’s grittier and more grounded, with spectacular fight sequences that are more visceral. It has the same bones as its source material but is completely revamped and equipped with a spark both the novel and the 1980 series lacked.

The downside of watching Shōgun? There isn’t enough of it, as it’s just a 10-episode miniseries. With its stellar acting and phenomenal storytelling, we wish we could get five seasons, but we understand that all stories, no matter how rich, benefit from being tight-knit.

WHERE TO WATCH- Shogun is streaming on Disney+.

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