Sword of the Stranger - Recommendations

alex14san says...

Both Mukou Hadan and Seirei no Moribito makes accent on relationship between an ex-samutai and a kid. Both have very beautiful nature landscapes (especially of autumn) and excellent fights choreography. But Stranger have more fights, blood and violence since it's a samurai action movie and Seirei no Moribito is just a fantasy tale.

ace52387 says...

Seirei no Moribito and Stranger both follow the softening of rogue bodyguards as they travel and protect a helpless child. Visually, the trademark of both is the frenetic and beautiful action scenes. On the drama side of things, both are tales of selfless heroism fit for bedtime stories. These two titles possess everything one would look for in a martial arts epic.

GosoxJ says...

Both Seirei no Moribito and Stranger -Mukou Hadan- start with elite warriors taking up the task of protecting a young child. At first the children and their bodyguards regard eachother apathetically but they gradually begin to warm to one another. Both Seirei no Moribto and Stranger -Mukou Hadan- also feature intense and fast-paced fights and good animation. If you liked Seirei no Moribito or Stranger -Mukou Hadan- your sure to like the other.

poetax says...

While Serei no Moribito is about a woman who protects a young prince from his family, Sword of the Stranger is a story of a man protecting a young boy from their own government. Each story is about a hardened warrior learning to care and protect someone for more than just money. Watch as both young boys learn to trust their protectors, and their protectors in tern learn to live a more filling life. The anime are so similar it is impossible to like one and not the other.

VivisQueen says...

Seirei no Moribito has all the elements of Stranger - Mukou Hada- (a touching relationship between child and warrior, fantasy political intrigue, superb action), but basically is ten times better. While the action in Stranger is superior for being a newer movie, the stunning action sequences in Seirei no Moribito are nothing to shrug at. Balsa and Chagum are infinitely more endearing than in the two in Stranger, and the setting in Seirei no Moribito is more fully-realised and intricate. If you basically want more of the same as Stranger has to offer, but just better, then you want to pick up Seirei no Moribito... like now.

chamomille says...

Both anime are very similar - it's a sensitive story about warrior and a brave child and special relationship they develop by traveling together. If you liked one, you'd surely like the other.

Jei says...

For those that enjoyed the action-adventure of Stranger, you will find an almost a similar feel in Seirei no Moribito. Seirei no Moribito offered more in terms of a more solid and elaborated explanation as to why the main child protagonist is being pursued. The animation in this show is just as formidable as in Stranger when it comes to the fighting scenes, which I really appreciated, and a similar (but again, more elaborated) backstory to the main "hero" or "heroine" in this case.

Anathemus says...

The relationship between the main characters are indeed very similar in Seirei no Moribito and Mukou Hadan, Nanashi and Balsa are both loners with amazing martial artist skills, that will encounter a helpless child in desperate need of help.

The landscape on both of these shows are also equally beautiful, some of the best I've seen in Anime, truly a must-see!

cyberanarkist1 says...

Both these titles have common elements of a young child being protected by a rough around the edges reluctant hero with less than blatantly obvious motivations.

In both cases the hero is a highly trained loner who exhibits incredible competence at fending off , equally capable and relentless persuers intent of the capture of the hero's charge.

JAhU says...

Both Seirei no Moribito and Blade of a Stranger have a bodyguard protecting a child in their plot. Blade of a Stranger has a lot of action sequences, Moribito on the other hand relies more on dialogs and character development. However both shows have similar setting and both don't contain any anime cliches. Thats why fans of one of those anime might find the other interesting.

hamletsmage says...

Both of these anime feature a lone warrior protecting a young boy from those that seek to harm him. Adventure, daring sword fights (spear fights), and some seriously sinister baddies. Where have all the good ronin gone? These two anime of course!

sympa88 says...

They both follow the story of a wondering swords man/woman who is extremely skilled and tasked with protecting a "special" child for some reason.

There is also some mystical aspect in there too.

Inu230 says...

There's something inside a young boy that condems him to death.

Pursued by ignorant people, protectied by a skilled adult, he learns the truth about what's inside him and the part he plays in his world.

Impressive fight sequences and sweet slow developing relationship between young boy and protector await your eyes.

noone says...

Jin, Mugen and Fuu have nothing in common, except for a destination - the location of a mysterious "sunflower" samurai.

In fact, not only do they not fit each other's company, they usually end up arguing and ready to do blodshed. But as they travel through Japan looking for the man Fuu's remembering vaguely, they find things to tie them and slowly start working together. Which doesn't mean they get too friendly. The three of them are cynical people after all.

One of the best anime I've seen recently, and the music, art and story are great!

JinX08 says...

When you were hooked on Samurai Champloo you will just love Blade of the Stranger. Both titles have some incredible sword action. Another thing they have in common is the slowly built relationships between strangers. Everyone in both titles have their on goals but what unites them is the path they take. On this path they fight togehter and strengthen their bondes until the end.

JAhU says...

If you like samurai shows with lots of top quality action scenes, then Samurai Champloo and Stranger are anime for you. Additionaly,both feature a character seeking strong opponents and it makes those two anime them feel alike.

VivisQueen says...

Samurai, ninjas, great action... the stories are different, but many of the episodes in Samurai Champloo give that same 'Wow awesome!' feeling as in Stranger - Mukou Hadan-. What's more, it also portrays a growing relationship between people who have just met as they go on their quest for something important. Samurai Champloo is more creative in terms of setting/stories/action and also has far more comedy, but it has its many dark and touching moments like Stranger-Mukou Hadan.

Menchi says...

Samurai Champloo and Stranger (aka Sword of the Stranger) share similair major themes. Both titles depict the way of the samurai, and travelling is a key element in the plot of these anime. Friendships are made, as well as hardships are encountered and usually defeated. Samurai Champloo might be a little more laid-back series, but for fans of swordfight these two are both worth checking out.

AirCommodore says...

Brought together by chance, the characters in Samurai Champloo and Sword of the Stranger embark on a difficult and action-packed journey despite their differences. Both feature some pretty swanky fight scenes and endearing characters.

Proxy11 says...

Although Samurai Champloo is much lighter in tone and has a water thin plot, the two have amazing battle sequences with real time backgrounds. Stranger is a must see for anyone who is a fan of samurai action with a classic tale, Champloo will give you a fun ride with plenty of shounen eye candy.

Virdelet says...

Same fast fighting and character introduction. Samura Champloo is funny and fit for 16+ watchers, while Sword of the Stranger is family friendly (Its gorey, but I am talking about the story)

miko says...

dealing with the sword, but both are on a mission in order to find something and somewhere they belong.

hamletsmage says...

Samurai for hire, samurai for hire, right here. Can be paid in food! So, you're an especially difficult customer that needs a little armed protection getting from point A to B? But you're a little strapped for cash? No problem! These wandering samurai will epically fight for you for the virtually nothing. And you can watch as they beat the crap out of everyone in a beautful fashion. Comedy, action, foreigners? These two anime have it all! 

Rascal says...

Samurai Champloo and Sword of the Stranger are both feudal-japan set and feature traveling swordsmen in well-animated battles, and are similar in style and tone overall.

PapizOffz says...

If you like sword fights, those two are best for you. Well, Samurai Champloo has much more abundant plot, characters, and vibe, so i reccomend it first. But to see just cool sword fights its ok to watch Sword of the Strander as well. I like that there is a hole in its plot, and we can add something by ourselves.

JAhU says...

Ninja Scroll and Stranger contain a lot of gory action sequences, good animation (with very good frame rate) and a ronin. If you enjoyed one of those two the you'll enjoy the other as well. Though unlike Stranger, Ninja Scroll does contain some erotic content and it has much more fantasy elements in the story.

stingreis says...

Both movies have a very similar idea to them, that the best sword fighter survives and through a long journey, the protagonist in both series (for different reasons) helps out someone who needs it... in order to .... well you'll just have to watch

Sikk says...

These movies have VERY LITTLE in common, do not be fooled by other comparisons. Jubie and the "Stranger" share only their talent with a blade, and the stories only intertwine at the "Despondent Anti-Hero, becomes Respondent Hero" by the end. "Ninja Scroll" is a story of Japanese horror, action, and true fiction, seemlessly interwoven to make a blood soaked braid of awesomeness... A non stop thrill ride.

While "Sword of the Stranger" is really just a fresher take on the classic "Ronin who finds a purpose in a new person to protect" story. It is ultimately a story of "honor, wisdom, skill, and loyalty". Hell, you even start to like the "Strangers" mirror antagonist by the end.

Similar, in that if you like one, you will like the other... Dissimilar in that, they appeal to two very different mood sets. 

zoggels says...

Both very "lone ninja" type movies with the main character as a solemn, tortured individuals with a shady past. But with a bright ending.

Theta says...

These are both epic war stories set in the samurai period. These splendidly animated masterpieces are sure to delight fans of the genre.

globalwild says...

Bones' Sword of the Stranger and MADHOUSE's Ninja Scroll are both classics.  Fans of one should find a lot to like about the other.  Both movies center around a lone swordman in feudal Japan and feature a number of memorable action sequences. The tone of the films differs primarily because of the companions the lone swordsmen encounter in their respective travels.

dragonballk says...

Both Anime tell a hero for hire type story a out a swordsman who is exceptionally skilled. Ninja scroll is a bit more mature, Stranger has a better ending.

Merryberry says...

Both of these series share the common theme of characters that are trying live in a difficult era. Both stand by the way of the sword and while Trust and Betrayl the character is starting his journey, Sword of the Stranger, we see the main character ending theirs. Either way, the style of artwork and storytelling are both similar and you should be able to enjoy both of them.

awpaperwings says...

The main characters of these shows both have a desire to express to people that war is not great and glorious, but is bloody and filled with regret later. In both OVA's the main character is very sullen, and ends up traveling with a companion that they must protect. Although the storyline is very different in each, both are animated very well and contain a rich, well developed story.

LovelyOne says...

These two anime are basically two interpretations of the same character, at different times in life.  Although  they are unrelated anime with very different storylines and animation, they are equally action packed, dramatic, and amazingly similar. (In my opinion they are based on the same person.)  Both are a story of a red haired samurai with great skill and power.   

Theta says...

These are both epic war stories set in the samurai period. These splendidly animated masterpieces are sure to delight fans of the genre.

 

FullMetalAnimest says...

They are both at about at the same awesmeness level

But i think its Sword of the Stranger > Rurouni Kenshin:Tsuiokuen

NamikoYori says...

Both series has similar main characters and idea of stories, even the detail with their hair colour amazes even more! 

Mitzi says...

Dororo reminded me alot of the movie Sword of the stranger, mostly because there's a strong samurai and a brave child traveling together in both. They feel quite similar and have lots of action, swordfights and a great story. Overall, they both are amazing in their own way and a definitely must watch!

Hutai says...

Same era, dark atmoshpere, lots of fighting and action, great soundtracks. Duo traveling and fighting together, protecting each other erc. 

Rascal says...

Familiar edo-era set anime, both with a lot of brutal swordfighting action and a notable relationship between a young theif and a ronin, in both shows. Sword of the Stranger likely being inspired by Dororo.

Neveresta says...

Both of these anime have a samurai who travels with a young kid during an old era. Dororo and The Sword of the Stranger both have amazing action, interesting stories, and great characters. Greatly recommend both of them!

snivets says...

Both shows have a similar premise (a child traveling with a swordsman), and are set in similar old-time Japan eras. Both have lots of violent fights and action scenes, while also touching on themes of what it means to be human in a brutal/violent/hopeless world.

FullmetalDragon says...

Small child adopts a sword wielding guy with a traumatic past and together they travel through feudal Japan. Dark stories and lots of cute character bonding moments, an easy recommend

seasong says...

These are both about wandering ex-samurai who are struggling to cope with their murderous past. There is a large conspiracy in both of these anime that the samurai and their respective companions get caught up in and then they have to reconcile with their past and protect what is precious to them.

sgrby877 says...

These two series both share a stranger who has a secretive past that entail much battle experience in their past lives.  These skills are put to the test to help a complete stranger and creates a story that is intriguing and geniunely memorable.  I loved Kenshin and I loved Stranger -Mukou Hadan-.

awpaperwings says...

The main hero of these two medias have a very similar feel. The two seem to have a similar history, but it is revealed quite differently in the two medias. In Kenshin's case, his history and background are quickly revealed (and completely covered in the Trust & Betrayal OVA) while the nameless swordsman in Sword of the Stranger's history is slowly revealed in blurry flashbacks and overall feels more mysterious. They both have a sense of humour, although Kenshin's is much more outright. If you like one of these, there is a pretty good chance you will like the other. 

tsurugiayame says...

Main characters of both anime are former legendary elite samurai. Both of them were ruthless assassins in their past and now they both atone for that. Kenshin uses his reverse blade sword sakaba so that he can't kill his oponent but can protect his beloved. Nanashi fights with his katana in sheath so he won't kill his oponent. They both try to keep themselves from battle but in the end find something worth fighting for.

NamikoYori says...

Both series has similar main characters and idea of stories, even the detail with their hair colour amazes even more! 

Hutai says...

Both anime have a great story, though very different time and setting, they are very detailed, atmospheric, well developed. Lots of action and great scenes. Definitely must watch 

snivets says...

Both are great stories, featuring the development of a relationship between an orphan and an unsual father figure/protector. There's also lots of sword fighting.

Guinsoo says...

both have similar themes, boys lost at young ages, found by older swordsman, filling that gap of male role model. Action scenes based around saving the kid. Both great films.

FullmetalDragon says...

A stubborn young boy and his mildly chaotic, sword wielding mentor building their relationship from animosity to some semblance of respect, to an actual friendship, both very wholesome relationships with somewhat dark stories

ExileoN says...

Blade of the Immortal has same feel-like setting on this one. Travelling as a duo, through the escapades of journey and circle of fate.

Rascal says...

Both Blade and Sword have blade or sword related things in the title. Just kidding, they're also road trip anime set in feudal japan with epic sword fights, themes of immortality, and cool visuals.

Funkgun says...

Nothing quells the bloodlust of swords better than a double dose of Sword of the stranger and Lupin III: Chikemuri no Ishikawa Goemon.  Violence and Samurai athstrics aside, both have a nice tight short little movie (well, Lupin-Goemon is more like 2 30 minute shows spliced, but still feels like a short movie.)

both of these titles are gorgeous in animation. 

HasseRovdjur says...

Both feature balls-to-the-walls sword-slashing action with exaggerated physics and lots of showy moves and poses. For those that want an action romp focused on swords, it's hard to go wrong with either one of these. Don't let the fact that one takes place in a nebulous "present" fool you: Goemon is steeped in samurai action.

DioX says...

If you're looking for a movie with a brilliant story line, beautifully dark animation, mood setting music, and seeing a horde of enemies get sliced in half from scalp to crotch, then both Comedy and Stranger -Mukou Hadan- were created with you in mind. Not to mention that these are two of best anime movies of all time, in my opinion.