First things first, this is a long show. With over 50 episodes available, only dedicate to Strategist Kanbei if you have time. The plot begins in the turbulent 16th Century in Harima Province, where Kanbeu is the son of Kuroda Mototaka, the chief retainer to the local lord Kodera Masamoto. From an early age, Kanbei demonstrated an extraordinary gift for diplomacy and strategy formation. He understood that survival requires careful alliances and political connections. He persuades the Kodera clan to ally itself with the rising power of Oda Nobunaga. Though the move was considered to be risky and controversial, it immediately established Kanbei as a leader with a vision of seeing beyond the present. This is also what forms the main part of the show. The drama reaches its peak during his imprisonment by Araki Murashige. Though he is suspected of betrayal and kept in torturous conditions, these are the episodes that demonstrate the show's mastery of plot and execution. Post his release, the plot shows yet another dynamic take of Kanbei becoming Toyotomi Hideyoshi's most trusted strategist. Their relationship forms the main part of the later half of the drama. Their partnership is also worth a watch. We are also shown the relationship he shares with his son Kuroda Nagamasa, which is sort of an era in itself.
What makes Strategist Kanbei a great watch is that the makers and the writers have refused to stick to any one side solely. When you watch the show, you realize that he is neither a saint nor a villain completely. He has shades of both. That is what makes the angle a sharp one. He is a man who is burdened by responsibility and sometimes haunted by the consequences of his own decisions. This adds a layer of emotional depth to the overall plot. The character development from start to end is astonishing. You get to see the various versions of Kanbei walk through it in layers. The same goes for all the characters that are featured in Strategist Kanbei. Figures such as Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu are not only icons but also flawed individuals whose choices shape the very nature of the nation they wish to protect and rule.
So, all in all, Strategist Kanbei is a show that is layered. Things move deliberately, as if everything is preplanned. The characters are well written and show significant development by the time we reach the end of the show. However, the show is not without its flaws. Many times, you might feel as if the plot is too much for you to grasp and understand. And the pacing falters too. If you are ready to ignore these things, then this is a great watch.
However, one must note that you will like this show only if you are a fan of history. If not, then this might not be what you want to watch. At some points, if you aren’t someone who enjoys this genre, you will get bored, and that can ruin the whole plot for you. In order to see and truly understand the gravity of what the characters do and why they do, you have to be fond of stories like this. That is the main reason why you will like Strategist Kanbei. Otherwise, this can't be something that you will enjoy at any point in time.
Final Score- [7/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Ch
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times