delta1 wrote:The visuals of the latest version are much more authentic looking and appealing...but the original version was more impactful culturally, putting a positive spotlight on Japan as it was becoming a world power again with Japanese cars overtaking American cars on the world market...it was rare to see Asian faces in prominent roles on TV and in the movies back then, although Toshiro Mifune was a recognized international film star.
Couldn’t agree more about the cultural impact of the OR.
Would also add electronics to the influence Japan was having on the world in the early ‘80s. Two key Sony products - the Betamax (RIP) and the soon to be ubiquitous Walkman changed the way the world watched TV and listened to music. And then add the CD in 1983 and yah, Japanese electronics ruled the world for a bit.
By the time “Shogun” captured America, Mifune was already one of my all-time favorite actors so it was totally cool to see him on American network TV in a lead role.