Eleven Samurai

Eleven Samurai

Year: 1967

Runtime: 95 mins

Language: Japanese

Director: Eiichi Kudo

DramaActionAdventure

The lord of the Oshi fief is slain by his trespassing neighbor, the ruthless Nariatsu, son of the former shogun. An investigation pins the crime on the Oshi clan, which is ordered to be dissolved. Defying the sentence, eleven of the clan’s finest samurai rally to protect their honor and sacrifice everything for justice.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Eleven Samurai (1967)

Trace every key event in Eleven Samurai (1967) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Nariatsu confronts Abe Masayori and kills him

While hunting near the border of the Oshi fief, Lord Nariatsu is confronted by Clan Lord Abe Masayori after a vassal is killed. In a fit of pique, Nariatsu strikes and kills Abe Masayori, triggering a crisis of honor and a demand for justice. The incident immediately alters the balance of power between the Oshi and Abe factions.

November 1839 Oshi fief outskirts
2

Mizumo rewrites the incident to protect the Shogun's honor

Mizumo, the Chief Secretary, takes control of the narrative and blames Abe Masayori for the incident. His rewrite hides Nariatsu’s provocation and aims to protect the Shogun’s prestige. The political move escalates the drive to punish the Oshi fief regardless of the truth.

shortly after the murder Edo, Council of Elders
3

Oshi fief is abolished; compensation arranged

The council decrees that the Oshi fief be abolished by the month’s end. To quell the anger, the income from the lands is assigned to Lord Nariatsu as compensation. The measure is designed to spare the Shogunate public embarrassment despite the underlying injustice.

end of November 1839 Edo
4

Tatewaki seeks vengeance and calls on Hayato

Angered by the miscarriage of justice, Chief Retainer Tatewaki seeks aid from his childhood friend Sengoku Hayato and asks him to avenge their lord's murder. Hayato agrees to assemble a small band of loyal samurai to pursue the vendetta. The decision marks the start of a dangerous mission.

late November 1839 Edo
5

Hayato forms a loyal band of 11 samurai

Hayato gathers ten Oshi fief samurai and forms a compact, loyal band that vows to trade their lives for justice. They commit to avenging their lord and persevere despite the odds. Daijuro, a wandering ronin, later joins to strengthen their cause.

shortly after recruitment Oshi/Edo border
6

Daijuro the rōnin joins the group in Edo

Ido Daijuro joins the band in Edo after the others travel to pursue Nariatsu. The ronin brings a personal motive tied to his family’s tragedy and readiness for lethal vengeance. His addition strengthens the group for the deadly path ahead.

on the journey to Edo Edo
7

Ambush plan laid as Nariatsu travels from Edo

The eleven samurai plan to ambush Nariatsu as he travels from Edo’s brothels toward the safety of his Tatebayashi castle, using the element of surprise against his escort. The ambush location is chosen along the river route to the fief. The episode tests their discipline and loyalty of all eleven samurai.

before the ambush Edo to Tatebayashi route
8

A letter halts the planned killing

Just before the ambush, Hayato receives a letter from Tatewaki ordering him not to kill Nariatsu, citing a likely reversal of the abolition decision. Mizumo’s lies have created a fragile political trap, and some samurai hesitate while others obey. Hayato enforces obedience as his code dictates, suppressing doubt for the mission.

before ambush on the road toward Edo
9

Daijuro discloses Hayato's motive and Orie's jigai

Daijuro reveals that Hayato has more reason to disobey than the others because his wife Orie has already committed jigai in anticipation of Nariatsu’s death. The revelation complicates the band’s resolve and deepens the moral stakes. Still, the group remains committed to fulfilling their oath under current orders.

before ambush on the road
10

Mizumo's lie uncovered; Tatewaki orders the killing

Tatewaki learns that Mizumo lied about the intention to spare the Oshi fief and rides to Hayato demanding Nariatsu’s death. The revelation triggers his decision to push forward, even while he recognizes the manipulation. Tatewaki’s escalation pushes the vendetta toward its violent climax.

before ambush on the road / Edo
11

Tatewaki commits seppuku

Overcome by shame and the deceit, Tatewaki commits seppuku to atone for his role in the scheme. His act removes a key obstacle to the vendetta and intensifies the samurai’s vow. The eleven avengers press toward vengeance with renewed resolve.

before ambush Edo
12

The pursuit reaches the river crossing

The eleven samurai close in on Nariatsu and his escort at the river crossing to his fief, where rain slows the movement and heightens tension. The guards number around fifty, creating a formidable obstacle. The pursuit builds toward a decisive clash.

late November 1839 river crossing near Tatebayashi fief
13

A great battle; Nariatsu is slain

A great battle erupts between Hayato’s group and Nariatsu’s bodyguards. Hayato delivers the fatal strike that kills Nariatsu, sealing his fate amid the chaos. Only Gyobu and Hayato survive the initial confrontation, their futures now shrouded in uncertainty.

late November 1839 river crossing
14

Daijuro completes the vengeance and departs

Daijuro arrives and has already dispatched the last of Nariatsu’s bodyguards, cuts off Nariatsu’s head, and walks away content with the vengeance achieved. His actions seal the personal vengeance that looms over the rōnin’s path. The vendetta’s physical violence concludes, leaving the samurai to reckon with their status as masterless men.

immediately after the battle river crossing
15

Vendetta rumors spread; Oshi fief restored and official narrative issued

Rumors of kataki-uchi spread, and the Oshi fief is restored to the Abe clan. The Council of Elders releases a statement that Nariatsu died of illness, masking the vendetta from public view. The political order is restored, even as the truth behind the tragedy remains a whispered matter.

after the battle; late November 1839 Oshi fief / Edo

Last Updated: October 07, 2025 at 09:35

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