11 no Zokugun

This film takes considerable creative liberties with a real event from the Boshin Civil War, during which the small Shibata domain in northern Japan switched allegiances between opposing forces. It introduces a fictional element, a small squad of criminals tasked with defending an isolated outpost caught between the two armies.

Overall, it's a well-crafted period piece-visually impressive and competently acted. However, the storyline is fairly predictable, following a familiar pattern of defenders falling one by one. While some characters feel underdeveloped, others manage to leave a lasting impression.

The film shares some similarities with Miike's 13 Assassins but lacks the same level of intensity. Viewers shouldn't expect much beyond an entertaining action movie that occasionally surprises with its violent and gory moments.