Summary:
- Anna Sawai, as Mariko in FX’s Shōgun, chipped a tooth during a tough fight scene in episode 9.
- Her commitment impressed producers and the stunt team.
- The episode’s end highlights Mariko’s bravery, with Sawai skillfully navigating complex filming techniques to capture the emotional depth.
Anna Sawai, who portrays the captivating Mariko in FX’s Shōgun on Disney+, went above and beyond for a fight scene in episode 9. While filming a demanding sequence where Mariko wields a naginata (a Japanese bladed weapon), Sawai’s dedication resulted in a chipped tooth!
The scene involved Mariko battling numerous armed men while being held captive. Sawai describes pushing herself physically, crediting the stunt person for encouraging a more aggressive performance.
Producers praise Sawai’s work ethic, highlighting the challenges of acting in a period drama while mastering a new weapon and speaking two languages with an accent. Her training began a month before filming.
Co-showrunner Rachel Kondo describes the fight scene as incredibly demanding, taking multiple days to shoot – a significant amount of time in television production.
Kondo recalls how Sawai seemed to embody Mariko’s spirit during filming, remaining focused and determined throughout the long shoot.
Episode nine features a pivotal moment where Mariko prioritizes the safety of others, putting herself in harm’s way during an attack.
The episode’s conclusion utilizes a special filming technique to showcase the trauma Blackthorne experiences as he witnesses Mariko’s actions.
Sawai acknowledges the technical complexity of the ending scene, involving separate parts for dialogue, the Phantom camera shot (capturing the explosion’s impact on Mariko’s hair), and interactions with other actors.
Sawai reflects on feeling a kinship with Mariko’s emotional state throughout filming. She identifies with Mariko’s initial limitations and eventual determination.
