Last Samurai Standing: Netflix’s Martial Arts Masterpiece

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Good martial arts shows on TV are rare, but Netflix’s Last Samurai Standing delivers everything you’d hope for in an action-packed samurai series. It’s a fantastic adaptation of Shogo Imamura’s manga, and fans of samurai stories will love the incredible fight scenes.

Beyond incredible fight sequences – some of the best ever filmed for television – the live-action adaptation of Last Samurai Standing, created by Kento Yamaguchi and Michihito Fujii, is a beautifully made historical drama and a truly inspiring story of courage. It easily ranks among the top Netflix shows of 2025, regardless of genre.

Fujii shared that he wanted to keep viewers completely engaged throughout his adaptation, and he’s succeeded. The story of Shujiro Saga, a samurai fighting for a tournament’s top prize in 1800s Japan, is captivating from start to finish.

Netflix’s Last Samurai Standing Is A Martial Arts Masterpiece

Following the success of FX’s new version of Shōgun, Netflix has released Last Samurai Standing, a fantastic martial arts series. The show beautifully depicts sword fighting in Japan’s Meiji era, with stunning visuals and rich historical details, especially in scenes filmed at the famous Tenryū-ji temple in Kyoto.

Let me tell you, Last Samurai Standing really delivers, and a huge part of that is Junichi Okada. He’s not just the lead actor, but also a seasoned fight choreographer, and his work shines through. The action sequences are genuinely some of the best I’ve ever seen – incredibly athletic and beautifully shot. But what surprised me most was that even with all that incredible fighting, the show is grounded by some truly moving performances. It’s a powerful combination that really works.

In the 21st century, no other live-action samurai series quite measures up to Last Samurai Standing. It’s a perfect show for fans of martial arts who have been hoping for a series of this quality for years.

This Live-Action Version Is Adapted From The Equally Brilliant Manga Series

What’s particularly interesting about the new Netflix release is that it’s adapted from a comic book. Originally, Last Samurai Standing was a manga series by Shogo Imamura, known for its raw and honest portrayal of the intense conflicts surrounding Tenryū-ji.

Imamura’s manga is as fast-paced and visually stunning as the live-action show, with dynamic animation by Katsumi Tatsuzawa. If you enjoyed the Netflix series, you’ll likely love the original manga – it offers a similarly exciting experience with its own unique strengths.

Last Samurai Standing Could Be The Best TV Samurai Drama Of All Time

Netflix has renewed Last Samurai Standing for a second season, which is great news for fans of this beautifully made martial arts series. The renewal means we’ll get to see more of Shujiro Saga’s story, and the show has the potential to deliver even more impressive fight scenes.

Continuing the show for multiple seasons will solidify its place as potentially the best samurai drama ever made. While Shōgun has been a huge critical and commercial hit, some martial arts fans believe nothing in live-action compares to Last Samurai Standing. Even the classic 1973 film, The Mute Samurai, doesn’t quite measure up.

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2025-12-25 21:58