September 16th 2024.
Let's talk about the one and only Hiroyuki Sanada. He has recently earned the title of 'cinematic legend', a feat that is not easily achieved. In the world of showbusiness, only a small fraction of actors manage to climb their way to the top. It's a tough industry to break into, and even tougher to stay at the top.
There are some actors who are deserving of being household names, bursting with talent and yet for some unfathomable reason, they are not placed on a high enough pedestal. Hiroyuki Sanada, the iconic actor who stars as one of the leads in the spectacular and Emmy Award-winning FX and Disney Plus TV series Shōgun, is one of those people.
Last night, the drama made history at the Emmys with a record-breaking 18 wins, including lead actor for Sanada and lead actress for the incredible Anna Sawai, who plays Lady Mariko. Shōgun is based on the 1970s novel of the same name by James Clavell, which was previously adapted into a mini-series in the 1980s.
In this latest version of the story, Sanada portrays the formidable Lord Yoshii Toranaga, a character inspired by the real-life warlord Tokugawa Ieyasu, who played a crucial role in shaping Japan's history during the feudal era of the 17th century. Shōgun has received widespread critical acclaim since its launch in February, with millions of views and rare approval ratings on Rotten Tomatoes.
The series has been hailed as a 'masterpiece', with stunning fight sequences, compelling drama, and magnificent performances, many of which are credited to Sanada. Fans and peers have long held him in high esteem, and it's a wonder why it took so long for him to be cast in a big-budget, blockbuster, leading Hollywood role, while also serving as a producer.
Sanada's acting career began in the 1960s when he was just a child. He rose through the ranks as an action heavyweight, training in martial arts from a young age and starring in the Japanese film Shogun's Samurai in 1978. In the 1980s, he became a prominent figure in action cinema in Japan and Hong Kong, gaining international attention with his role in the 1998 film Ring, a cult classic.
He then went on to star in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of King Lear, for which he received an honorary MBE in 2002 for his contribution to spreading British culture in Japan. Since then, Sanada has become a familiar face on both the small and big screen, with notable roles in The Last Samurai, The Wolverine, Avengers: Endgame, and Bullet Train.
With an impressive resume and undeniable charisma, fans are perplexed as to why he is still perceived to be 'criminally underrated' in his profession. Many have expressed their admiration for him and his talents, with some calling for him to win the Emmy for his role in Shōgun.
As a producer on the show, Sanada was determined to accurately depict Japanese culture and history. He emphasized the significance of a Japanese and Western film crew working together to create something new, without any stereotypes or misunderstandings.
In an interview with USA Today, Sanada expressed his happiness and pride in being a part of Shōgun, both in front of and behind the camera. He also shared his excitement at being a producer for the first time in his 20 years in Hollywood.
It's about time that Sanada received the recognition he deserves, and Shōgun is just the beginning. If you haven't had the chance to watch the series yet, I highly recommend it. With Sanada's undeniable talent and powerful presence on screen, it's no surprise that he has finally earned the title of 'cinematic legend'.
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