Last Samurai Standing Review: Netflix’s New Hit Blends Shōgun and Squid Game

Netflix has launched a major new Japanese original series. It is called Last Samurai Standing. The show premiered globally last week.

Critics are praising its intense action and unique premise. It is being called a perfect mix of historical drama and survival thriller.

A Critical and Audience Smash Hit

The series currently holds a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Its audience score is also an impressive 96%.

The Hollywood Reporter described the show as having a catchy premise. It delivers ample samurai action that some felt was missing from Shōgun.

The story follows 292 samurai in 1878 Japan. They are drawn into a deadly tournament for a massive cash prize.

Junichi Okada stars as the noble Shujiro Saga. He must win to save his sick wife and child.

Massive Scale and Meticulous Craft

The production involved thousands of people. Okada served as lead actor, producer, and fight choreographer.

He described the challenge of using three different brains for each role. The scale required two separate filming units working simultaneously.

Costume production was so vast it enlisted seamstresses from across Japan. The goal was to celebrate Japanese culture while creating gripping entertainment.

The fight choreography is a major highlight. Each character has a distinct and realistic fighting style.

With its unique blend of genres and critical acclaim, Last Samurai Standing is poised to be Netflix’s next global sensation from Asia. The show successfully updates the samurai period drama for a modern audience.

Info at your fingertips

What is the plot of Last Samurai Standing?

It is set in 1878 Japan. Desperate samurai compete in a deadly tournament for a huge cash prize. The lead character fights to save his family.

Is Last Samurai Standing based on a true story?

No, it is a historical fiction. It is based on the novel Ikusagami by Shogo Imamura. The story is fictional but set in a real historical period.

How many episodes are in the first season?

The first season has a total of eight episodes. The first six episodes are available now. The final two will be released next month.

Will there be a second season?

Netflix has not officially confirmed a second season. The lead actor has expressed interest. A continuation could introduce more supernatural elements from the source material.

Who is the lead actor in the series?

Junichi Okada stars as Shujiro Saga. He is a renowned Japanese actor. He also produced and choreographed the fight scenes.