Last Samurai Standing Review: A Bloody, Beautiful Battle Royale with Heart

If you thought Squid Game was brutal, wait until you meet Last Samurai Standing—a Japanese live-action series that blends the high-stakes tension of a battle royale with the rich, historical drama of the Meiji era. Netflix’s latest global hit has taken the streaming world by storm, climbing to the top of the charts in 93 countries and earning a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. But does it live up to the hype?

At its core, Last Samurai Standing is a story about survival, honor, and the cost of ambition. Set in 1878 Japan, it follows 292 samurai who enter a deadly competition called Kodoku, where the only way to advance is by killing opponents and stealing their wooden tags. The prize? A life-changing fortune. But as the body count rises, so do the stakes—because this isn’t just a game. It’s a conspiracy.

In this review, we’ll break down everything you need to know: the story, performances, direction, and whether this series is worth your time. Spoiler-free where possible, but we’ll dive deep into what makes Last Samurai Standing so compelling—and where it stumbles.

Last Samurai Standing is a historical action-drama with a twist. The year is 1878, a decade after the Boshin War, and Japan is in the midst of the Meiji Restoration—a time of rapid modernization that threatens the traditional samurai way of life. Enter Kodoku, a brutal competition where 292 samurai must travel from Kyoto to Tokyo, killing each other along the way to claim a massive cash prize.

Our protagonist, Shujiro Saga (Junichi Okada), is a former samurai struggling to provide for his sick family. Desperate, he enters the game, only to discover that Kodoku is far more than a simple contest—it’s a political conspiracy orchestrated by powerful figures who want to eliminate the samurai class for good.

Think Squid Game meets Shōgun, with the grittiness of The Last of Us and the historical depth of Vikings. The series balances intense action with emotional weight, exploring themes of honor, betrayal, and the cost of survival. It’s violent, yes, but it’s also surprisingly thoughtful—asking big questions about loyalty, power, and what it means to be a warrior in a changing world.

The series is adapted from Shogo Imamura’s novel, which was also turned into a popular manga. This gives the story a strong foundation, blending historical fiction with modern thriller elements.

Last Samurai Standing doesn’t rush its story. The first few episodes focus on world-building, introducing the rules of Kodoku and the motivations of its participants. Some viewers might find the early pacing slow, but this deliberate setup pays off in later episodes, where the action and intrigue escalate dramatically.

The real strength of the story lies in its character-driven tension. Unlike Squid Game, where the contestants are mostly strangers, Last Samurai Standing weaves in personal rivalries, past alliances, and deep-seated grudges. The most compelling dynamic is between Shujiro and Bukotsu (Hideaki Itō), a bloodthirsty samurai with a vendetta against him. Their final duel in the season finale is one of the most intense fight scenes in recent memory—equal parts brutal and emotionally charged.

What starts as a simple survival game quickly spirals into a web of political manipulation. The organizers of Kodoku aren’t just rich gamblers—they’re government officials and businessmen using the competition to eliminate the samurai class. This adds a layer of moral complexity, forcing characters (and viewers) to question who the real villains are.

The season finale delivers a shocking twist—the assassination of Home Minister Okubo (Arata Iura)—that sets up Season 2 as a full-blown political thriller. If the first season was about survival, the next could be about revenge and revolution.

While the story is gripping, some episodes drag in the middle. The show takes its time establishing side characters, some of whom feel underdeveloped. That said, the final three episodes are so explosive that they make up for any lulls.

Verdict on Story & Pacing:

✅ Pros: Strong character arcs, political intrigue, explosive finale.
❌ Cons: Some slow episodes, underutilized side characters.

Okada delivers a nuanced, understated performance as Shujiro, a man torn between his duty to his family and his code as a samurai. He’s not a typical action hero—he’s weary, conflicted, and often outmatched. Yet, when he fights, he does so with precision and purpose, making his victories feel earned.

What makes Okada’s performance stand out is his ability to convey emotion without words. A single glance or a clenched jaw speaks volumes about Shujiro’s internal struggle. He’s not just a warrior; he’s a father, a husband, and a man trying to do the right thing in a world that’s stacked against him.

If Shujiro is the heart of the story, Bukotsu is its soul. Itō plays the role with chilling charisma, making Bukotsu both terrifying and strangely sympathetic. He’s not just a mindless killer—he’s a man consumed by pride, haunted by past defeats, and determined to prove himself at any cost.

Their final battle is the highlight of the season, a brutal, visceral duel that feels like the climax of a decade-long feud. It’s not just about who wins—it’s about what it costs them.

• Gaku Hamada as Kawaji (The Mastermind) – Hamada plays the smug, calculating villain with relish. His performance is delightfully sinister, making Kawaji a compelling antagonist.
• Arata Iura as Home Minister Okubo – Iura brings gravitas to the role, making Okubo’s sudden death in the finale all the more impactful.
• Some Underwhelming Side Characters – A few samurai competitors feel one-dimensional, serving only as cannon fodder. The show could have done more with their backstories.

Verdict on Performances:

✅ Pros: Okada and Itō’s chemistry, Hamada’s villainy, strong emotional range.
❌ Cons: Some side characters lack depth.

Last Samurai Standing is visually stunning, blending historical authenticity with modern cinematic techniques. The fight choreography is some of the best in recent memory, with each duel feeling unique and impactful. The show doesn’t rely on flashy CGI—it’s practical, brutal, and immersive.

Director Michihito Fujii (known for Confess, Fletch and The Journalist) brings a gritty, documentary-like realism to the action. The camerawork is dynamic but never distracting, putting you right in the middle of the chaos. The sound design is equally impressive—every sword swing, every grunt, every footstep echoes with weight.

The show’s production design is meticulous, from the costumes to the set pieces. The Meiji era setting feels lived-in and believable, with a mix of traditional Japanese architecture and emerging Western influences. The contrast between the old samurai world and the new, modernizing Japan is a recurring visual motif.

Let’s be clear: Last Samurai Standing is not for the squeamish. The violence is graphic, frequent, and unflinching. Limbs are severed, throats are slit, and characters die in creative, painful ways. If you’re sensitive to blood, this might not be the show for you.

But here’s the thing: the violence serves a purpose. It’s not just shock value—it reinforces the stakes. Every death feels personal, and the show doesn’t glorify killing. Instead, it questions the cost of survival.

Verdict on Direction & Visuals:

✅ Pros: Stunning cinematography, authentic setting, incredible fight choreography.
❌ Cons: Some may find the violence too intense.

✔ Gripping Story – The mix of battle royale, political thriller, and historical drama keeps things fresh.
✔ Outstanding Performances – Okada and Itō are electric together, and Hamada’s villain is deliciously evil.
✔ Breathtaking Action – The fight scenes are some of the best in recent years, with real weight and impact.
✔ Strong Themes – The show explores honor, survival, and corruption in a way that feels relevant and thought-provoking.
✔ Perfect Finale – The season ends on a high note, setting up Season 2 with major stakes.

✖ Pacing Issues – The middle episodes drag a bit, with some side characters feeling underdeveloped.
✖ Too Many Characters – With 292 samurai at the start, it’s hard to keep track of who’s who.
✖ Extreme Violence – Not for everyone—some scenes are brutal and unsettling.
✖ Predictable Twists – A few plot developments feel telegraphed, especially in the conspiracy arc.

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• Historical action (Shōgun, Vikings, The Last Samurai)
• Battle royale thrillers (Squid Game, Alice in Borderland, The Hunger Games)
• Political intrigue (Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon)
• Samurai films (Seven Samurai, Yojimbo, 13 Assassins)
• Gritty, character-driven dramas (The Last of Us, Breaking Bad)

• Hate extreme violence – This show is not for the faint of heart.
• Prefer fast-paced action – The first half is slow-burn.
• Don’t like subtitles – The show is in Japanese with English subtitles.
• Want a happy ending – This is a tragic, brutal story with no easy victories.

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Final Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – A Must-Watch for Action & Historical Drama Fans

Last Samurai Standing is one of the best new shows of 2025. It takes the battle royale formula and elevates it with historical depth, political intrigue, and some of the most intense fight scenes in recent memory. Junichi Okada and Hideaki Itō deliver career-best performances, and the visuals are stunning.

That said, it’s not a perfect show. The pacing lags in the middle, and the violence is extreme—not for everyone. But if you can stomach the bloodshed, you’ll be rewarded with a gripping, emotional, and thought-provoking story that sets up Season 2 beautifully.

Should you watch it?
✅ Yes, if you love action, history, or deep character dramas.
❌ No, if you can’t handle violence or slow pacing.

(Source: Netflix Top 10 Data, 2025)

No, it’s fictional, but it’s set during the real Meiji era (1868–1912) and incorporates historical events like the Boshin War.

Creator Michihito Fujii has said he envisions 2–3 seasons total. Given its success, a Season 2 renewal is likely.

Possibly! Junichi Okada hinted in an interview that if the show continues, supernatural elements could be introduced.

Absolutely not. The show is extremely violent, with graphic deaths, blood, and mature themes. It’s rated TV-MA.

Exclusively on Netflix. All episodes are available to stream now.

While both are battle royale thrillers, Last Samurai Standing is more historical, character-driven, and brutal. It’s less about the game mechanics and more about honor, survival, and conspiracy.

Yes! The series is based on Shogo Imamura’s novel, which was also adapted into a manga.

Episode 8 (The Finale) is the most intense, featuring the epic Shujiro vs. Bukotsu duel and a major political twist.

Since Last Samurai Standing is a Netflix Original, you’ll need a subscription to watch it. The good news? Netflix’s streaming quality is excellent, with 4K HDR available for most devices. The subtitles are well-translated, preserving the historical dialogue while making it accessible to non-Japanese speakers.

If you’re watching on a small screen, some of the fight scenes might lose impact, so I’d recommend a TV or tablet for the best experience. Also, pace yourself—this is a binge-worthy show, but the violence can be emotionally draining.

Last Samurai Standing is more than just a battle royale—it’s a meditation on honor, survival, and the cost of progress. It’s brutal, beautiful, and deeply human, with performances and action that rival the best of Game of Thrones and The Last Samurai.

Yes, it has flaws—some slow pacing, extreme violence, and underdeveloped side characters—but the strengths far outweigh them. If you love historical action, political intrigue, or character-driven dramas, this is a must-watch.

Season 2 can’t come soon enough.

Have you watched Last Samurai Standing? What did you think? Let us know in the comments!