Part 1 of 6. Encore launches its miniseries revival with one of the best: NBC’s 1980 masterpiece starring Richard Chamberlain, based on the novel by James Clavell. Toshiro Mifune and Yoko Shimada co-star, in this fascinating, refreshingly intelligent story of a 17th-century British sea captain whose ship is beached off the Japanese coast — and who finds himself at the mercy of an utterly alien society and its seemingly unfathomable rulers. Watch the first 20 minutes, and I guarantee you’ll be hooked for the entire six parts.

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4 Comments

From Darkness to Light

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Feb 25, 2026 | Reply

a course in miracles

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Feb 24, 2026 | Reply

david hoffmeister

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Feb 24, 2026 | Reply

Yvonne Tate

Capt William Adams is my ancestor.
Can t wait to see the movie tonight.
Thanks for showing it.

Sep 17, 2012 | Reply

David Bianculli

You're welcome -- but, of course, I'm not showing it, just highlighting it.

Sep 20, 2012

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