Continuing to analyze the work of director Eiichi Kudo, let’s move on to the concluding part of the “revolutionary trilogy” – “11 Samurai”. Those who have seen the original “13 Killers” and “The Great Confrontation” will predict the plot and development of the next film, but Kudo demonstrates directorial talent and does not dwell on monotony, varying between epic stories and local stories of the distant samurai era. All three films form a big world and each of them occupies a certain place in this universe, and the skepticism of the connoisseur will be destroyed by a stunning ending.
Like previous films, the plot of 11 Samurai revolves around a corrupt ruler who commits dishonest acts and is unaware of the impending punishment. This time it is about Lord Narietsu, the son of an elderly shogun, who in fits of anger carves out an entire village, killing innocent peasants on the land of another clan. His crimes do not end there, and Narietsu mutilates a highly respected member of the community for daring to point out the crimes of the bishop. Yes, and then a group of devotees of honor and the samurai clan decides to take revenge on the son of the shogun, taking his life. The paths of all the characters intersect at the end, and the action seems serene and calm, but only for Kudo to present a brilliant plot attack.
What makes 11 Samurai a great movie? The artistic direction, again touching on both social and historical problems; colorful characters: from the villain Narietsu to the ronin-conspirator Heiato and the girl Nui, a charming lady, part-time master of the sword. Eiichi Kudo simplifies the narrative, the philosophical ideas of the film become easily accessible to more viewers.
"11 Samurai" is not the best representative of the film trilogy of the director, but is no less worthy of attention than the rest of the parts. It reveals Kudo's talent to make something very different from anything he's seen before from a very familiar concept. A shocking ending, a mixture of intuitive action and drama, well-written characters - all this will make you return to the film again.