Broken to the Fist
- Episode aired Mar 19, 2024
- TV-MA
- 56m
IMDb RATING
8.8/10
7.4K
YOUR RATING
Blackthorne and Mariko struggle to contain the secret that could get them both killed. Yabushige searches for the spy who has betrayed his intentions to Lord Toranaga.Blackthorne and Mariko struggle to contain the secret that could get them both killed. Yabushige searches for the spy who has betrayed his intentions to Lord Toranaga.Blackthorne and Mariko struggle to contain the secret that could get them both killed. Yabushige searches for the spy who has betrayed his intentions to Lord Toranaga.
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe literal translation of Ronin means "wave man/men" as it pertains to samurai who were not regularly employed under a daimyo (feudal lord). Thus such samurai move around "as being cast about the waves," hence the name Ronin. They are essentially samurai without a Master.
- GoofsThe rotting pheasant is a major plot point, yet it is clearly deep winter. There would be no flies, and it would spoil extremely slowly.
- Crazy creditsThe opening credit sequence is a modified version of a zen garden. This style of garden is often referred to as karesansui, which means "not using water."The two main elements of a Zen or karesansui (pronounced "kah-ray-sahn-soo-ee") garden are rocks to represent mountains (or islands) and sand to represent water. The sand used in Zen gardens is not beach sand; it is actually crushed or decomposed granite, small pebbles, or fine gravel. The particles of crushed granite are angular rather than round, so they can be more easily raked into patterns. Moreover, ripples in the sand or gravel represent flowing water or ripples in the ocean.
Featured review
Fist breaks the heart.
Shogun, a popular show known for its depiction of 17th-century combat, has been criticized for its brutality. The show's portrayal of Ishido's men being obliterated with cannons and their gory remains being loaded into wagons may have been difficult for some viewers. The peasants of Ajiro, who are tasked with cleaning up the remnants of the massacre, are aware of the village's imminent destruction. When a procession of troops arrives in the opening minutes of Shogun Season 1 Episode 5, the audience assumes it is Ishido seeking revenge for the death of Jozen and his loyal vassals. However, the ensuing twist leaves viewers questioning the authenticity of Buntaro's death and the importance of his life. The return to Osaka promises political intrigue as the Heir's mother, Lady Ochiba, is making her way home, and the Council of Regents is ready to impeach him. The show's return to Osaka promises to be a return to its best aspects, with the characters' lives and actions reimagined. The Council must find a replacement for the wayward regent, Buntaro, to secure the five votes needed to commit seppuku. The regents' conflicting loyalties and agendas make the selection process long and tedious. Buntaro's journey of survival took 20 days, and his wife, Mariko, seems less than thrilled by his return. The producers of Shogun kept Buntaro's details off-camera, but the decision to withhold them was strategic for the show's advantage. Mariko's situation is further complicated by Toranaga's expectation that she live under one roof with Buntaro and Blackthorne for her spying/translating duties. The strong likelihood of someone dying a violent death undermines the comedic potential. Toranaga is furious at Nagakado for killing Jozen, which could plunge the country into civil war. After uttering the episode's titular line and making falcon analogies, Toranaga strips Nagakado of his command of the cannon regiment. The show "Shogun" effectively introduces subtextual thematic elements without stealing momentum from its hyper-intricate plot mechanics. The episode "Servants of Two Masters" sets the stage for the entangled loyalties that create tension for Mariko and Nagakado. Toranaga addresses both matters in rapid succession, highlighting Buntaro's fear of the Anjin and his new status as hatamoto. The episode also features people with one foot in two different worlds, as Yabushige tries to convince Toranaga that he is not a double agent who also serves Ishido. Toranaga reveals his support for the plan to provoke Ishido into attacking and praises Omi for his strategy. The show's writers deliver wildly intricate plotting, ensuring the viewer is never at a loss and feels fully swept up in the momentum of the epic saga.
helpful•03
- moviesfilmsreviewsinc
- Apr 23, 2024
Details
- Runtime56 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.00 : 1
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