A Spectacular Battle: How ‘Shōgun‘ Brought Authenticity to a Heart-Stopping Fight
A Spear, a Deadline, and a Rising Star
The ninth episode of Shōgun offered audiences a stunning spectacle: a close-quarters spear fight involving Lady Mariko, portrayed by Anna Sawai. As Mariko fights to escape Osaka, the scene is more than just a thrilling interruption to the narrative; it’s a testament to Shōgun’s commitment to historical accuracy and a stunning showcase for Sawai’s talent.
‘We had a sensei, Demura, who passed away. It was the sensei of my boss, Lauro.
And Lauro managed to have her trained way back in Japan with other stunt martial artists over there that were involved in the show. So we trained her over there.’ – Sharlene Royer
Behind the breathtaking choreography lay months of preparation.
Creating Authenticity: Training for Battle
Sharlene Royer, assistant stunt coordinator on *Shōgun*, explained that the scene wasn’t merely choreographed. It was painstakingly built from the ground up, starting with Sawai’s training.
Royer revealed that Sawai underwent meticulous training in Japan under the guidance of Lauro Chartrand-DelValle, the series’ stunt coordinator.
The result is a fight that feels distinct from modern-day action sequences. “We did none of this [modern acrobatics],” Royer noted.
“At that time period, it was pure and simple basic martial artists. So we had to contain all the stunt performers and the choreographer to tone it down, and keep it to the basics, so it would look authentic.”
The result? A fight that earned praise from martial arts experts, highlighting the authenticity woven into every movement.
“Repetition is what makes it great,” Royer said, emphasizing that Sawai’s willingness to dedicate herself to the process shines through every frame.
Beyond theSpectacle: A Stellar Performance
The fight in *Shōgun* transcended mere choreography. It showcased
Sawai’s emerging talent. Described by Royer as a “good student” who embraced every aspect of her training, Sawai delved into the physical and emotional demands of the scene. Her performance resonated with audiences, showcasing a depth rarely seen in television fight scenes. Sadly, the fight marked the end of Mariko’s journey, as the protagonist meets her end in a moment both shockingly and poignantly executed.</p stroll during Jeff's speech and steal the show.
This dedication to accuracy extended beyond the set.
The visual effects team for *Shōgun* relied on a 900-page research bible, ensuring every detail – from the movements to the costumes—reflected the period accurately.
The Impact: A Star is Born
*Shōgun* has already made its mark.
vations, highlightin She, and the production’s commitment to excellence.””]). The episodic saga impressed critics and audiences alike.
**
The success of that dedication bleeds through every aspect of
*Shōgun*, not just in visual splendor, but
in its compelling storytelling and character depth. It set a new standard for
historical drama, making each frame an experience.
With its captivating storyline, *Shōgun* secured its place as a landmark series.
What specific steps were taken to avoid using modern acrobatics or flashy moves in the fight choreography?
## A Conversation with Sharlene Royer: Bringing History to Life in Shogunsスペクタルな戦闘:
**Host**: Welcome back to the show, Sharlene. Thanks for joining us today.
**Sharlene Royer**: It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host**: We’re here to talk about the incredible fight scene in episode nine of *Shōgun*, featuring Anna Sawai as Lady Mariko. It’s gotten a lot of attention for its authenticity and intensity. Can you tell us a little bit about the process behind creating that scene?
**Sharlene Royer**: Of course. From the beginning, we wanted to ensure that the fight felt true to the time period. We worked closely with Anna to train her in martial arts techniques that would have been common in feudal Japan. [[1](https://www.cinemablend.com/interviews/shogun-anna-sawai-episode-9-fight-all-her-internet-trolls)].
**Host**: So it wasn’t just about looking good on screen; it was about accuracy?
**Sharlene Royer**: Absolutely. We actually had a sensei, Demura, who unfortunately passed away. He was the sensei of our stunt coordinator, Lauro Chartrand-DelValle. Lauro managed to get Anna training with other stunt martial artists in Japan. She put in a lot of hard work and dedication.
**Host**: It really shows on screen! And that commitment to authenticity extends beyond just the choreography, doesn’t it?
**Sharlene Royer**: It does. We avoided using any modern acrobatics or flashy moves that wouldn’t have been possible back then. This scene is all about the raw skill and intensity of a warrior fighting for her life.
**Host**: It’s a powerful moment in the show that leaves a real impact on the viewer. Thank you so much for walking us through the process, Sharlene.
**Sharlene Royer**: You’re very welcome.