Watch Sanada Maru

Sanada Maru is a Japanese historical drama television series that premiered on NHK in 2016. The series is set during the beginning of the Warring States period in Japan, which started in the late 15th century and lasted for over a century. The story revolves around the life of Sanada Nobushige, also known as Sanada Yukimura, one of the iconic samurai warriors of his era.

The series is directed by Makito Takagi and written by the award-winning screenwriter Kumiko Tabuchi. The cast features some of the biggest actors in Japan, including Masato Sakai as Sanada Yukimura, Kou Shibasaki as Kurenai no Mai, and Junichi Okada as Tokugawa Ieyasu. The series is shot in an epic scale, capturing the grandeur and brutality of the era with sharp cinematography and a stunning production design.

The story of Sanada Maru follows Sanada Yukimura, a member of the Sanada clan, who serves the Takeda clan during the period of the Warring States. Sanada is an excellent strategist and a skilled warrior who is respected by both allies and foes. His father, Sanada Masayuki, who is the chief strategist of the Takeda clan, sends him on several critical missions to aid the clan's cause. Sanada's mother, Lady Muramatsu, supports him in his struggles, and he is also joined by other important figures such as the ninja Sarutobi Sasuke and the dancer Kurenai no Mai.

The series focuses on Sanada's fight against the powerful Tokugawa clan, which poses a significant threat to the Takeda clan's ambition of unifying Japan. Sanada and his forces engage in several battles against the Tokugawa forces, using their wit and expertise to outsmart them.

Throughout the series, Sanada's character goes through an emotional rollercoaster as he faces the harsh realities of war, betrayal, and loyalty. He also faces internal struggles as he questions his allegiance to the Takeda clan and his sense of duty towards his family. Despite his struggles, Sanada remains unwavering in his beliefs and his love for his family and people.

The series also explores the political landscape of the era, highlighting the power struggles between different clans, alliances, and betrayals. The characters are all complex, each with their own motives and goals, and the series does an excellent job of highlighting the intricacies of the relationships between them.

Sanada Maru is a visually stunning series that captures the essence of the era perfectly. The costumes, makeup, and props are all intricately designed to provide an authentic look to the series. The series also features several breathtaking action scenes that are choreographed and shot superbly.

In terms of pacing, the series is well-balanced, with each episode offering a new development in the story arcs of the characters. The series also does an excellent job of building suspense as the audience is left guessing the outcomes of several battles and negotiations.

Overall, Sanada Maru is a must-watch for anyone interested in Japanese history and mythology. The series captures the spirit of the Warring States era and tells the tale of one of its most iconic warriors. The series does an excellent job of exploring the complexity of human relationships and the harsh realities of war. The performances of the cast are exceptional, and the production values are high, making for a thoroughly engaging and immersive experience.