They Were Eleven (1986)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Luke B

  
  Excellent idea and some fantastic moments. They Were 11 is the story of 10 cadets going on a final training mission. However, once they arrive at the ship they discover that there are now 11 trainees. Who does not belong? Is this part of their final test? etc. The film soon descends… More
  Excellent idea and some fantastic moments. They Were 11 is the story of 10 cadets going on a final training mission. However, once they arrive at the ship they discover that there are now 11 trainees. Who does not belong? Is this part of their final test? etc. The film soon descends into paranoia, as everybody suspects each other. Some become leaders, and some followers. For such a short running time, it was incredible to see most of the 11 get equal screen time. Despite its science fiction setting and anime style, the film is a bit dialog heavy. Most of it revolves around discussions as to who is the 11th person. It's more like a play at times, which can cause it to be stale. When there is action, it's well handled. We are also treated to some amazing characters. The main love interest isn't a female, but a hermaphrodite, that will be able to choose their sex at some point. They want to become a man, for a better position in the army, but they soon fall in love with one of their male coworkers. This is such a complex relationship, and unlike anything you'd ever see in western animation. It asks whether gender is important to love, and whether gender is important to careers. This relationship is enough to warrant its high rating.