Last Samurai Standing is a violent, action-packed movie that takes place in the period of the Meiji in Japan during which 292 samurais came to Tenryuji Temple in Kyoto in a last-man-standing fight. The reward, a huge 100 billion yen, attracts fighters of all types and conditions as they are all willing to survive and come out with the prize by arriving in Tokyo. The movie is a masterpiece of historical tension and a brutal survival game which submerges the viewers into the world of honor and ambition, where the sphere of desperation and survival collide. Since very first moment the energy of the story is unstoppable, as these warriors are fighting not only to each other, but also with the cruelty of the events surrounding them.
The main character in the film is Shujiro Saga, a samurai who had a very personal task to accomplish: to rescue his ill wife and child. The poignant story of the voyage is an additional emotional dimension to the dramatic action, emphasizing the themes of sacrifice, endurance and hope. The acting is strong and there is a sense of stoic determination and a sense of vulnerability among the characters. The movie is beautiful to see- the camera work brings to life the historical backdrop, the strained relationships and the expansive scenery. The score raises the emotional antecedent, and the sharp direction and an action-packed fight scenes ensure a fast, captivating tone to keep the audience on their seats.
What impressed me the most was how this movie assumed the question of the inner strength of the human spirit in the face of chaos. It is not merely a survival story but a story of struggle to get what really counts- honor, family and hope. Even though there are certain parts that confuse the plot, the emotional depth and actual action of the film makes it an experience. The end result of Last Samurai Standing is an unforgettable experience, as it brings to our minds that it takes a lot of power to face the challenge and sacrifices that people make in order to love or live.
