Katanas, Kartoos Aur Confusion.

Katanas, Kartoos Aur Confusion: My Quick Take on Web Series “Last Samurai Standing” (Netflix)

Honestly, The Last Samurai Standing felt like watching Hunger Games, but with more katanas and fewer motivational speeches. What starts as a seemingly authentic page from Japanese history, when proud samurai were becoming as “obsolete” as fax machines, quickly turns into a survival reality show where the contestants don’t get roses; they get swords.

With the Meiji era shifting society towards ‘kartoos’ over katanas, our once-glorious samurai find themselves unemployed, underpaid, and possibly updating their CVs on SamuraiLinkedIn. Suddenly, a mysterious bloodsport offers them a chance at a ‘job’ , winning a bounty, provided they participate in a deadly game where career progression means literally eliminating the competition. Kyoto to Tokyo becomes less a travel route and more a pan-Asian version of Mario Kart with blades.

To give credit where it’s due, the production design is stunning. The recreation of Meiji-era Japan is so authentic, you can almost smell the incense and political uncertainty. The performances are sharp, especially Junichi Okada, who channels the rugged intensity of Irrfan Khan’s ‘Warrior’ phase, making him instantly watchable.

The sword fights? Beautifully choreographed. Each duel feels like a violent ballet performed by men who missed their chance to become classical dancers.

There’s everything a good masala mix needs, dosti, dhokha, bichadna, betrayal; all sprinkled in like seasoning on a samurai bento box.

But ah, the big grouse: The makers stretch the plot buildup across six episodes so slowly that even the samurai horses might’ve fallen asleep. The series gives you the cinematic equivalent of hanging at the edge of your seat, only to realize the seat was glued to the floor. Clearly, the creators were holding back, probably waving a desperate “S02 Loading…” placard behind the camera.

Overall, The Last Samurai Standing is watchable, entertaining, and occasionally gripping, but not exactly bingable. Watch it if patience is your superpower, or if you enjoy beautiful sword fights, Meiji-era aesthetics, and plots that move slower than government paperwork. Otherwise, wait for Season 2, where the story might finally start moving.