‘Last Samurai Standing’ (2025) Netflix Series Review - Way Too Predictable

So, dear viewers, if you have watched shows like Shogun and Squid Game, this show will be predictable for you. Here is what the plot is about: in the background of Japan’s Meiji Restoration, a group of warriors is called to a remote temple. There, they are forced to participate in a competition where each one of them is handed a wooden tag and has to follow one rule: steal one another’s tag and survive their journey to Tokyo. Once there, they can lay their hands on a prize money worth 100 billion won. However, just like each other, these similar shows have our main hero who joins the game not for wealth but in order to save his family and village. Now this plot offers nothing new. I mean, I can recall so many times that I have watched something so similar earlier. And of course, there has to be a lead who isn’t playing to “win” but for his village and family. Like, wow, how nice. And of course, the games included in such shows aren’t easy at all to play. This, too, is predictable.

So, talking about the good parts, well, the survival plot is fun and intriguing to watch. The way these people are running here and there just to get the money and come out alive, those parts are fun to watch. The pacing is fine too, which makes sure that you don’t fall asleep while watching this plot. The way this show has been shot also makes it look pretty amazing. To be honest, that is what the main thing is about. The shooting of this show is also one of the key factors that make it worth watching.  There are a lot of fight sequences, blood spatters all along, and all the things that you can expect in a show like this. Another thing that I particularly liked was how they explored the Samurai culture. They showed the role of females in the same. That aspect of history is needed to raise awareness.

Now, coming to the negatives, the plot is pretty boring. We all know what will happen and what to expect later. That makes it a bit annoying to watch. It is like they have changed the country of origin but kept the skeleton of the plot the same. So all in all, we don’t really get much to see. That can be a bit annoying to watch, and honestly, I don’t know why the makers kept the basics of the plot similar. What I also felt was missing was the fact that we didn’t get enough twists and turns and suspense. Everything was presented to us on a pattern which left very little room for guesswork. So, all in all, that felt like a bummer in this historical show.

However, if you are someone who enjoys shows like these, this can be a good watch for you. You may enjoy the games again, like you did before, even though the plot is known to you.

Final Score- [5/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times