64 MAJOR Differences Between SHOGUN (1980) and SHOGUN (2024)

Which SHOGUN reigns supreme? Check out my SHOGUN Ending Explained here: https://youtu.be/0IZSypbYc6s

The priests wore orange because in Japan, that was the color worn by Buddhist monks, and this was how western priests would show the commoners they were spiritual men, which gave them a social standing among the Japanese.

I grew up with the 1980 version, and NO ONE can beat the charisma and genius of Toshiro Mifune!

Can't wait for the 2068 version to come out.

People dont realise what a cultural event the 1980's version was. There were sections in newspapers with translations of multiple japanese words so western audiences could follow. Obviously was on Network TV so it could only be watched at that time and the scenes were timed to fit into advertisement breaks. The version was a complete departure from what was presented to western audiences at that time. Nothing before had been so widely watched from an Asian cultural perspective. I was a young 20 year old when it aired, loved it, read all the Clavell books after it and loved it more. About 20 years ago bought the DVD. Upon reviewing it, I thought while the story was good, the production values were poor and the music gratingly terrible and very early 80's. Never like Chamberlain as Blackthorne. The 2024 version was told from all perspectives not from just Blackthorne's. Not a criticism of the 1980's version the choice to have the audience in the dark like Blackthorne was good and just added to the alien nature of the Japanese culture. 2024 was from three main character perspectives with many other characters fleshed out. Blackthorne was our gateway to the rules of etiquette, manners, culture and philosophy of 16th century Japan. The production values, music, acting and writing of the 2024 outstripped almost anything I have seen in a series in years. It brought us along with the Japanese mindset of Toranaga to the point that an epic ending battle would have been a contradiction to the whole series and most of us have understood that. Both series had their merits, however as an original watcher and lover of Shogun, I am so grateful they made the 2024 version. 1980's was great entertainment, 2024 was almost Shakespearian.

1980s series has more colors - the sunlight, nature, dresses. Everything was in full color. 2024 version has this blue filter and lots of scenes are in the dark. I also think Toshiro Mifune's face who played shogun in the original version better translates ruthlessness of Toranaga. Mifune is a legend who played in almost 200 movies and series. He is a standard of how to depict samurai.

The 80s version was closer to the source material in some ways, but the 2024 version was closer to actual Japanese culture. As much as he surely researched, Clavell made a lot of mistakes in that department, and the 80s version stuck to them. The new version corrected them while staying true to the spirit of the source material. Focusing primarily on Toranaga rather than Blackthorn was a good decision as well. Following him from the start, the '24 version makes us feel like we're getting to know him, which is why the ending reveal of the true depth of his ambition is such a gut punch. We thought we knew him, but we knew nothing at all, which ties greatly into the motif of hiding one's "secret heart". Hiroyuki Sanada was an inspired choice to cast as Toranaga. He brings as much gravitas and charisma as the late great Toshiro Mifune, but he also brings his incredible talent for portraying emotions so subtle you barely notice them, but also so genuine you never doubt their sincerity. His Toranaga is not merely defined by his cunning, ruthlessness and ambition. He comes off as a man who genuinely grieves the loss of lives he has to trade for victory, but is also so utterly convinced that his path is the only right one that he will not stray from it, no matter the cost. He is a much more complex character than both the novel and 80s version, which is why I prefer this iteration.

His name wasn't shortened to Yabu for the 80's miniseries....that's his name in the book.

It's quite the surprise to me that the 1980's version is truer to the book. The 2024 version makes more historical sense though.

The 1980 version was much closer to the original book by James Clavell. The romance with Blackthorne and Mariko was a key part of both the book and the 1980 version. The new version does not really play that up too much. Also the new version, concentrates on Blackthorne losing and loyalty to Toranaga . That never happened in the 1980 version or the book. I liked the book the best and the 1980s version better than the current version but I’m still happy. They remade it in modern times.

Both the 1980 series and the 2024 series share the same problem; time, or the lack thereof. Clavell's story needs more episodes than what it's given.

It might be a good idea to read the book or listen to the audiobook. It's a very good book.

I think that before you compare or criticise the 1980's production then first read the book.The 1980's version is so close to the book.He learns simple Japanese words while in the prison and while you laugh that he danced for Lord Toranaga and also acted the fool in order to stop Lord Ishido searching the caravan procession leaving Ishido's Castle (containing Toranaga disguised as a woman) all these elements are contained in the book.So as good as the 2024 series is,it lacks the true feel of the book.Almost every important event and character in the book is in the 1980's version.

I'm someone who is old enough to have read the novel when it was a bestseller and saw the first miniseries when it actually aired. Both versions have their strengths and weaknesses but yes, the first one was more faithful to the novel. And perhaps most importantly to me, even though I appreciated the latter series, the first one was just more fun and entertaining. And the soundtrack by Maurice Jarre was bombastic and memorable, while the new soundtrack sounded synthetic and boring.

Nagakado is in the 1980 version. He is simply known as Lord Naga, and is an aide to his father. When Blackthorne first meets him, Naga is somewhat stiff and unpleasant (Anjin calls him "an unpleasant little bugger"). When Anjin is made hatamoto, then given a fief/lordship, their relationship warms. In fact, Naga takes part in the ceremony where Anjin is given his fief. In the 1980 version, Omi's relationship to Anjin is complicated. Despite the fact that they, very much, start on the wrong foot, it is clear that Omi finds value in Anjin. He prevents Anjin from committing suicide, and begrudgingly accepts Anjin as a fellow samurai/lord. Toranaga intentionally gives Anjin the contract for Omi's lover, knowing that Anjin would give the contract over to Omi. It is hinted that this bonded the two characters forever, which was Toranaga's intent. His most important vassal, and his most important admiral will have each others backs from then on.

Orange on the Priests is explained in the book. They wear Orange to match the Orange robes of Buddhist monks. They were approprating the religious wear of the Japanese

The original was actually shot in Japan, the new one is very dark and at times looks like it was shot on a soundstage with the volume

the 1980's version is definitely much more of a fun watch, the characters get to have happy moments in that version. the modern one is very gritty and cinematic with much more depth to the characters

Thank you for this informative comparison video. The 80s version had an edge of ‘mysterious Japan’; it was back when we (especially those of us involved in Japanese martial arts) were fascinated by that aspect. The modern version rightly assumes the audience knows a little more Japanese culture and treats us accordingly. The inclusion of classical Japanese language was a brilliant idea and had me reaching for my dusty classical Japanese language book. The one thing I struggled with was the dark, grey, wet appearance to the modern version. It was gloomy, dour and I found it oppressive. It seems to be ubiquitous and fashionable in modern filming. This will date Shōgun 24 for future viewers just as the over saturated colours of 80s Shōgun helps to date it (and those even earlier ‘green tinted 60s films’). Both versions have their charms, the 80s version has a few cringey moments too. I liked the visual warmth of the original and the cultural authenticity of the new version. I look forward to the Blu-Ray of Shōgun ‘24 coming out with all it’s extras and will likely be watching that more than the original.

I preferred the earlier version, as it was closer to the book. And Richard Chamberlain looked far more like the description of Blackthorne in the book. (Although Cosmo's voice was wonderful to listen to.) However, no miniseries, not even the 1980 version, could ever equal the vast pleasure of reading the book. (IMO, the difference between watching the miniseries and reading the book is like smelling the pizza baking in the oven, versus actually tasting it.) BTW, I appreciated your comparisons. You did a fine job!