Largo Winch II
Propelled to the head of the W Group after the death of his adoptive father, Largo Winch decides, to everyone's surprise, to sell it, and use the proceeds to create an ambitious humanitarian foundation. But on the very same day, he finds himself accused of crimes against humanity by a mysterious witness. To prove his innocence, Largo will have to retrace the steps of his past life, in the heart of the Burmese jungle...
The film underperformed commercially against its moderate budget of $21.2M, earning $14.4M globally (-32% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its innovative storytelling within the action genre.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Largo Winch II (2011) exhibits meticulously timed plot construction, characteristic of Jérôme Salle's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 59 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.8, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Largo Winch is shown as the successful CEO of the W Group, managing his business empire with confidence and control, representing his established life as a corporate leader.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 15 minutes when Largo is publicly accused of crimes against humanity - specifically that W Group purchased arms used to massacre villagers in Burma. The accusation threatens everything he's built and his humanitarian mission.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
At 60 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat Largo discovers evidence that someone within his own organization orchestrated the frame-up and the massacre. What seemed like external enemies is actually betrayal from within - raising the stakes and changing the game., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 89 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Malunai is killed by the conspirators, and Largo is captured or cornered. He loses the key witness, the evidence seems destroyed, and his own life hangs in the balance - the whiff of death is literal., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 96 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 81% of the runtime. Largo executes his plan to expose the conspirators, confronts the traitors within W Group, and brings evidence of their crimes to light. Final action sequences culminate in justice being served., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Largo Winch II's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Largo Winch II against these established plot points, we can identify how Jérôme Salle utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Largo Winch II within the action genre.
Jérôme Salle's Structural Approach
Among the 3 Jérôme Salle films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.9, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Largo Winch II takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Jérôme Salle filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Jérôme Salle analyses, see The Heir Apparent: Largo Winch, The Odyssey.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Largo Winch is shown as the successful CEO of the W Group, managing his business empire with confidence and control, representing his established life as a corporate leader.
Theme
A character remarks on the cost of power and wealth, suggesting that great fortune comes with moral responsibility and consequences - foreshadowing Largo's upcoming moral test.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of Largo's world as head of W Group, his business dealings, his relationships with board members, and the introduction of his plan to sell the corporation to fund a humanitarian foundation in Burma.
Disruption
Largo is publicly accused of crimes against humanity - specifically that W Group purchased arms used to massacre villagers in Burma. The accusation threatens everything he's built and his humanitarian mission.
Resistance
Largo debates how to respond to the accusations. His advisors suggest legal strategies while he struggles with the moral weight of the charges. He receives guidance on investigating the claims while protecting his reputation.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
Largo investigates in Burma, uncovering clues, facing action sequences, and piecing together the conspiracy. This delivers the promise of an action thriller with exotic locations and dangerous revelations.
Midpoint
Largo discovers evidence that someone within his own organization orchestrated the frame-up and the massacre. What seemed like external enemies is actually betrayal from within - raising the stakes and changing the game.
Opposition
The conspirators close in on Largo, attempting to eliminate him and the witnesses. Pressure intensifies as he races to expose the truth while evading assassination attempts and protecting Malunai.
Collapse
Malunai is killed by the conspirators, and Largo is captured or cornered. He loses the key witness, the evidence seems destroyed, and his own life hangs in the balance - the whiff of death is literal.
Crisis
Largo processes the loss of Malunai and confronts the moral darkness of the conspiracy. He faces his darkest moment, questioning whether justice is possible and mourning the innocent lives lost.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Largo executes his plan to expose the conspirators, confronts the traitors within W Group, and brings evidence of their crimes to light. Final action sequences culminate in justice being served.