You will see such a balanced approach to two very different cultures, which is handled with tact and depth without exposition. It’s a show about social and cultural philosophy, and it is a fantastic drama and so on. Desires turn into conflict, and everyone’s in on the game. A must-watch if bringing people together despite their extreme differences motivates you.
1. Shōgun [2024]
The Storyline
A portrayal of Blackthorn as a smart, resourceful man rather than an arrogant Westerner. His relationship with Torunaga evolves from mutual use to genuine respect, showing two different cultures finding common ground. The political intrigue and the importance they put on character development and personal storylines packed a gutwrenching punch in the last two episodes.
The Characters
The casting is perfect with Toranaga, Yabu and Blackthorne coming to life more realistically, as do the other characters like Anna Sawai, Fumi Nagaido and Hiroyuki Sanada from Japan.
The Best Part
Shogun’s best moments are not in the elaborate depiction of Japanese society of that period or the glorious display of militarised clans fighting each other, but the interaction of characters whose lives have unexpectedly been entangled and contained by their personal and political motives. Desires turn into conflict, and everyone’s in on the game.
IMDb Rating – 8.6/10
2. Wolf Hall [2015]
The Storyline
The Wolf Hall story, so deeply rooted in 16th-century England, feels historically inaccurate. While diversity and inclusion are important, rewriting history in this way undermines the authenticity of the narrative. Tudor England was not a diverse society in the way modern audiences might hope, and this decision disrupts the immersive historical experience.
The Characters
Mark Rylance’s portrayal of Cromwell is outstanding, and the drama is made, and Damien Lewis Henry is the absolute best.
The Best Part
Rylance underplays his Cromwell very thoroughly, knowing that a word misplaced in the hyper-paranoia of the Tudorian court might lead to the loss of a head-span from one’s height at any moment, at one word out of place or said in the wrong company.
IMDb Rating – 8.2/10
3. SAS Rogue Heroes [2022]
The Storyline
First off Robert Blair “Paddy” Maine While touring South Africa with the British & Irish Lions in 1938, Mayne’s rambunctious nature came to the fore, smashing up teammates’ hotel rooms, temporarily freeing a convict he had befriended and who was working on the construction of the Ellis Park Stadium, and also sneaking off from a formal dinner to go antelope hunting.
The Characters
The Paddy Mayne character is Tommy Shelby. The main characters are portrayed by Connor Swindells, Alfie Allen, and Jack O’Connell.
The Best Part
This is top drawer, although Mayne is slightly tamed down to the man he was, it’s very well researched and acted well. Battle scenes in the village have very few SAS soldiers getting hit, yet we are informed that they suffered heavy casualties.
IMDb Rating – 8.2/10
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4. Call the Midwife [2012]
The Storyline
A unique time in history where Women had many challenges back then with having children and choosing to love, even when it was difficult. The ugly face of poverty was present for those who did their best in trying to care for loved ones.
The Characters
Jenny Lee had such a calm, grounding presence. She’s a fantastic actress, and all the other characters complemented her character well.
The Best Part
This show sucks you in and nails you to the wall holding you captive from first musical intro note to last commentarial morsel from the legendary voice of Vanessa Redgrave. Once inside, you will experience a roller coaster of emotions & sentimentality that will often sweep you off your feet or knock you to your knees.
IMDb Rating – 8.6/10
5. The Empress [2022]
The Storyline
This story strips that façade away and lays bare the absolute straightjacket in which these people are bound. They have no more freedom than an exotic animal in a zoo. This series blows Bridgerton away, which was cheap and over the top and didn’t feel authentic at all.
The Characters
Devrim makes her character Sissi captivating. Elisabeth is doing awkward things that would appear cool.
The Best Part
The sumptuous production, with its intrigues, twists and turns, makes a lavish feast for the eyes. The cinematography and sets are gorgeous and atmospheric, carrying you through the Era, although some of the cheeky hairstyles and modern costumes and jewellery.
IMDb Rating – 7.8/10
Written by Nilesh Shiv