Epic and Beautiful: Shōgun Received A+ from International and Local Critics

From Rotten Tomatoes to Pinoy internet personalities, critics are raving about this epic period drama that has become everyone’s weekly habit on Disney+. 

Shōgun, a masterfully created series set in Feudal Japan, premiered on Disney+ last February 27. Since then, it has been at the center of praises from period drama geeks, great TV enthusiasts, and those who crave action-packed battle scenes. 

Shōgun’s visual mastery, complex and timeless storytelling, and topnotch cast and acting have not escaped the radar of international critics and local audiences alike. If you need any more reason to watch this epic show, this is for you.

No shortage of international acclaim for Shōgun 

Expectations were high for Shōgun even before the premiere, and understandably so. With its ensemble of A+ directors and producers, talented Japanese and international cast, and first-rate costume, makeup, and movement experts, Shōgun, since the very beginning, has always been gunning for the top. 

And the show more than delivers, earning a name for itself as a genuine cinematic masterpiece. 

Earning a solid 99% Tomatometer and 93% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, a known harsh and honest critic of TV shows and movies, Shōgun is well on its way to becoming a critical darling. Its critics, a mix of independent reviewers and journalists affiliated with top 

international publications, agree that Shōgun takes the heavy topics of religion, war, and culture and masterfully crafts a compelling story that leaves audiences hungry for more. 

It is truly an epic everyone has been waiting for with many calling it worthy to stand among recent TV legends. 

Shōgun is so much more than what it seems, balancing the old fashioned epic and modern style that viewers of today can relate and look forward to. Forgoing senseless bloodfest that does not supplement the narrative, the show is committed to intricate world-building that goes beyond big 

battle scenes. This mirrors the original text by James Clavell, a novel hailed not only as a well-researched but also a culturally accurate work.

Filipinos are hooked and hungry for more 

Making its way into Filipinos’ consciousness, Shōgun is slowly building a community in the Philippines, from the TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) landscapes. Filipino influencers and cinephiles are eager to express enthusiasm and appreciation for a show of this caliber. Hungry for a cinematic samurai flick that ticks all the boxes of a compelling and thought-provoking story, Shōgun is hailed as a show that’s worth all the hype it’s currently getting. Local period drama geeks also commended the show’s elaborate production design and action scenes, a combination especially exciting to action-enthusiast Filipinos. 

A recent post on TikTok by content creator GeekyPinoy referring to Shōgun as one of the best series of 2024 has gained more than 70,000 views and more than 200 comments. Sentiments ranged from comparing the show’s influence with multi-awarded and fan favorite series such as Vikings and Game of Thrones to commending Shōgun’s cinematography, world-building, and deliberate character focus. 

On other social media platforms, it is clear that Shōgun has become synonymous with the terms ‘cinematic TV experience,’ ‘visually stunning production,’ and ‘the best show on TV right now.’ In fact, when one mentions a ‘samurai show,’ they’re most probably referring to Shōgun. 

Keep your eyes peeled for more 

Shōgun has established itself as a show worthy of serious examination. From blink-and-you’ll-miss-it glances and nuanced lines to pertinent historical references, Shōgun’s dedication to minute details is top-tier and more than what the eye can see. What’s more: Shōgun’s real history – the Shōgunate in 1600 – has very close ties with that of our country’s own, from the Spanish colonization to trade relations, further building the excitement of Pinoys!

Watch the impending war unfold. Shōgun is now available on Disney+, with new episodes streaming every Tuesday.