Earning the title of ‘cinematic legend’ is no mean feat. Among the many actors who strive to make it in showbusiness, just a small fraction manage to climb their way to the top, earning accolades and acclaim galore. There are some who deserve to be regarded as household names. Those bursting with talent, who – for some unfathomable reason – are not placed on a high enough pedestal. Hiroyuki Sanada, currently starring in the spectacular FX and Disney Plus TV series Shōgun, is one of those people.
Hiroyuki Sanada in Shōgun
Shōgun is inspired by the 1970s novel of the same name by James Clavell, which was previously adapted into a mini-series in the 1980s. In the latest version of the story, Sanada commands armies as the formidable Lord Yoshii Toranaga, a character inspired by the real-life warlord Tokugawa Ieyasu, who changed the course of Japan’s history during the country’s feudal era in the 17th century. Since its launch in February this year, Shōgun has received widespread critical acclaim from audiences and critics alike, as well as clocking up millions of views.
Shōgun’s Success
- On Rotten Tomatoes, it currently holds a critics’ approval rating of 99% and a 93% audience score – percentages that are extremely rare to achieve.
- The series brought in nine million views across the globe on various streaming platforms in the first six days of its availability, beating the highly popular second season of Jeremy Allen White’s The Bear.
- Shōgun has been applauded for its sweeping fight sequences, compelling drama, and magnificent performances – with much of the praise being awarded to Sanada.
Hiroyuki Sanada’s Career
Having been acting since he was a child in the 1960s, Sanada rose the ranks as an action heavyweight, training in martial arts from a very young age before starring in the Japanese film Shogun’s Samurai in 1978. In the 1980s, his career propelled him into action cinema in Japan and Hong Kong, gaining international attention through his role in the 1998 film Ring, a supernatural horror that became a cult classic.
Notable Works
- He was cast in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of King Lear, for which he received an honorary MBE in 2002.
- Sanada has appeared in various Hollywood films such as The Wolverine, John Wick 4, Avengers: Endgame, and Bullet Train.
Recognition and Fan Reactions
Despite his impressive resume, Sanada is still perceived as ‘criminally underrated’ in his profession. Fans and critics alike have expressed their admiration for his talent and versatility.
Fan Reactions
- An X user stated: ‘Hiroyuki Sanada is probably one of the most underrated actors of all time.’
- Entertainment journalist Shah Shahid praised Sanada for finally getting the acclaim he deserves.
- Another X user called @GLKnightWrite expressed their joy in seeing a younger audience appreciate Sanada’s talents.
Sanada’s Role in Shōgun
As a producer on Shōgun, Sanada believed strongly in ensuring that Japanese culture and history were depicted authentically. He emphasized the significance of a Japanese and Western film crew working together on the project ‘to create something new’, which avoided any ‘stereotyping’ or ‘misunderstanding’.
Sanada’s Perspective
During a conversation with USA Today, Sanada expressed his happiness and pride in playing a significant role in Shōgun, both in front of and behind the camera.
Conclusion
With a talent like Sanada’s, it should definitely not have taken this long for him to be granted the recognition that he deserves on a wider scale – and in our eyes, he still merits more. If you’re not familiar with Sanada’s work and haven’t had a chance to catch up with Shōgun yet, just give this masterful series a watch, and you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about.
FX’s Shōgun is available to watch on Disney Plus with new episodes released on Tuesdays.
