Save the Cat rankings

SEVEN SAMURAI script analysis

SEVEN SAMURAI script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A band of mercenaries is hired to defend a Lao village terrorized by Khun Lao. They recruit farmers, build defenses and engage in ambushes. A turning point comes when they discover the Buddha statue is lead, refocusing their resolve. Dawn finds them committed to stay and truly fight.

45 Save the Cat fit score 28% analysis confidence / 21 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

75%

Helicopter attack establishes bleak violent world and stakes.

Then why do you burn our harvest?
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

60%

Villagers debate fate, hinting at endurance and unity theme.

3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-3 / Page 1 / 10% target

55%

Introduces terrorized village, villagers’ plight and Charlie’s world.

4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / Page 1 / 12% target

80%

Tasanee approaches Charlie to hire mercenaries.

You're looking to hire mercenaries.
5

Debate

Scenes 5-6 / Page 1 / 20% target

50%

Charlie and team face police pursuit and question leaving or fighting.

Flight’s leaving early. The fucking Mong Tai, Charlie.
6

Break into Two

Scene 7 / Page 1 / 25% target

50%

Mercenaries commit to journey with villagers despite danger.

7

B Story

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 30% target

40%

Ellis’s rescue of a Lao family introduces personal stakes.

8

Fun and Games

Scene 12 / Page 1 / 40% target

65%

Villagers train and prepare for battle under mercenaries’ guidance.

Go to the tunnels. You'll be safe.
9

Midpoint

Scene 10 / Page 1 / 50% target

70%

First clear victory when Sammy kills raider—stakes rise.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 16 / Page 1 / 65% target

75%

Khun Lao vows revenge, signaling imminent major conflict.

This fucking guy wants a battle, I'll give him a bloodbath.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 18 / Page 1 / 75% target

60%

Khun Lao confronts Charlie directly, hope seems lost.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 19 / Page 1 / 80% target

65%

Charlie negotiates, doubts and alternatives surface.

You've made an army out of a bunch of barley farmers. Now that's leadership.
13

Break into Three

Scene 20 / Page 1 / 85% target

80%

Discovery Buddha is lead refocuses mission’s true purpose.

14

Finale

Scenes 15-17 / Page 1 / 95% target

55%

Mercenaries and villagers ambush convoy and braced for Khun Lao’s army.

15

Final Image

Scene 21 / Page 1 / 99% target

80%

At dawn they choose to stay and fight, full circle from terror.

I told you there was gold here. There's not.