Sword of the Stranger - Reviews

First some items I need to adress. I'm Dutch to expect some spelling errors, if they are to annoying just message me and I'll fix it.

My opinion may vary from others and this is fine. People are different so there is a good chance that I will not like what you love. Deal with it. I'm not telling you that you should hate it too, I'm telling you why I didn't like it.

I'll try to keep swearing to a minimum but fail utterly on occasion. In general it is the more the anime pisses me off the more I swear so watch out for the low scored ones.

Art: Art is excellent. As usual the budget is higher for movies compared to series and it shows. It shines in the action scenes and you are never lost or wondering what is going on.

Sound: No real complaints actually, it's pretty ok. Voice actors are good and I don't remember any music either. This is how I generally prefer my anime.

Characters: The main character is Nanashi. Although a highly skilled swordsman he has sealed his blade. He hires himself as a bodyguard to Kotaro.

Kotaro is a young boy who is on the run from Ming dynasty warriors who are after him and will stop at nothing. He has a bit of a temper and has trouble trusting Nanashi as he is a sword for hire. The only one he cares for is his dog Tobimaru.

Tobimaru is Kotaro's dog and fiercely loyal. He is also very intelligent and it is thanks to him that Kotaru hires Nanashi.

Luo-Lang is the commander of the elite group of Ming warriors tasked with finding Kotaro. He is an expert swordsman who has never been defeated in combat and is bored by it all.

Story. After his parents died in China, Kotaro, is taken in by a monk and returns to Japan. His peaceful life doesn't last long though as Chinese warriors follow him to Japan and raid his monestary. Kotaro manages to flee and tries to reach the main temple. Along the way he meets a wandering swordsman called Nanashi and hires him as a bodyguard.

Rant. If you like your anime to have plenty of action and good characters than this is the one for you. Especially the fight at the end is epic and a must see.

I'm really hesitant to say more as I don't want to spoil to much.

I don't usually watch anime movies that is'nt related to a series. But then I heard about a movie with great action scenes and beautiful animation. So I had to check it out, and I've got to say that I am happy I did.

The Story is about a kid and his dog on the run, who encounter a lone swordsman, whom they end up travelling with. As they travel, chinese troops, with aid from the japanese, are building something grand in one of Japan's provinces, and they are also searching for the young boy. Even though they are cooperating, the japanese are intent on finding out why the chinese troops are there building the large construction, and will go great lenghts to find out. The kid and the swordsman develop a relationship, and as things escalate, blood will be shed, and one man must face his past.
The story might be used or not the most exciting for some, but I still found it very interesting, even though it kind of fell to the background. I wanted to know more, and was satisified with the result.

The animation is simply beautiful. This movie is from 2007, and is still better animated than most series from 2011 and 2012 (at least from what I've watched). It's simply the best animation I have seen in any kind of anime. EVER. Details, lighting, transitions, and the smooth animation gives package of the most beautiful watching experince you can get. Also, the fights are fast-paced, but not too complex or confusing so that you can really see what happens at all times. Facial expressions are also well done.

The sound is also really good. Voice actors aren't top notch, but they are neither bad. Some of the chinese talking might sound a bit "off" but that might just be me being picky. Sound effects are realistic and the music sets the right mood for the right time.

The characters are kinda hard to describe. The main characters should not be much more than decent, but for some reason they are. I felt like I wanted to watch them more and learn more about their stories, though that is rather limited in a movie that lasts roughly an hour and a half. The secondary characters are interesting in the beginning, but that interest fades a bit over time, especially when they begin to get killed off.

Overall I simply loved this movie. The two major positives about this movie is definetly the animation and the fights. Both are the best I've seen in any kind of anime. The two biggest drawbacks is the voice-acting(not that much) and the characters.

9/10

-Vikingr

Sword of the Stranger is not a groundbreaking or innovative dish you would find in a five-star restaurant, but rather an average dish with all your favorite ingredients which you love to savor day after day. This film doesn’t fall into the trap of constantly trying to be what it isn’t, that being a frequent issue with many shows and movies alike. It knows its limits, explores the possibilities within the boundaries, and milks every bit of essence out of it making a simple, yet delightful experience. It is neither groundbreaking nor the pinnacle of story telling, but it was a whole damn lot of fun nonetheless.

Our two main characters, the young boy Kotarou and the lone samurai Nanashi whom he hires, are identified by their roles in the story, as well as their own personalities and morals which happen to be different from one another. It is because of these differences that they don’t get along at first, but they eventually grow a bond and accept each other. This is a simple yet engaging tale thanks to the delivery and how it’s handled.

Nanashi is a cynical, no-nonsense kind of guy. He mainly acts according to logic as opposed to emotion. This makes him a rather arrogant, and frankly annoying person, which is mainly why he has such a shaky cooperation with Kotaru, who acts mainly on emotion. The only reason Nanashi bothers to help Kotaru is because of the reward he receives at the end. But Kotarou’s dog, Tobimaru, who was poisoned by Chinese soldiers, was healed all thanks to Nanashi’s knowledge and act on logic, as well as Kotarou’s cooperation. Through a series of events and compelling dialogue, Kotarou learns to cooperate better with Nanashi, and the two even grow a valuable friendship. This kind of resolution was immensely satisfying to watch. Nothing feels forced or overdone, it all feels natural and well handled.

We also get to know about Nanashi’s past as a samurai, which is where his change of heart through Kotaru comes into play. This leads to his development and growth as a character, coming to realization of his emotions and inner desires later in the story. After a long history of working for numerous military organizations without a care in the world, he learns to act on his own volition and to find who he truly wants to protect as a samurai. This results in a climactic part of the film that is wonderfully and beautifully executed. Great directing, beautiful atmosphere, and overall satisfying conclusion.

Unfortunately, the other aspects of the story aren’t quite as engaging. I frequently found myself zoning out whenever a dialogue scene between the Chinese militia popped up. They just aren’t all that compelling when compared the main plot. On top of this, our villain, by the name of Luo-Lang, is a villain you would typically find in a Saturday morning cartoon. He is pretty much exactly what you’d expect to see in a “tough-guy, I-fight-alone, always-looking-for-a-good-fight” kind of villain. He keeps his eye on Nanashi in hopes that he will give him the battle of a lifetime, and betrays his team as a result. While it works and is handled well, practically no unique trait is to be found. Of course one could say that he doesn’t need one, considering the kind of approach this film is making. That is indeed understandable. Though while Luo-Lang is a charming character in his own right, I can’t really help but have asked for more.

Supernatural elements are also introduced later in the story. They just kind of come out of nowhere and feel like a cheap way of operating the plot. It feels rather out of place especially considering the strictly historical aura the film had at first intended to capture.

Moving on, a major contribution to one’s enjoyment of the film is an audio-visual experience. Not only in production value, but in execution. The film looks gorgeous from a technical standpoint, as expected of Studio Bones, but that’s not where it ends. The artwork mostly consists of dim colors, bringing the Sengoku period to life. Each shot is filled to the brim with atmosphere. The lovely backgrounds, the soothing music reminiscent of historical Japan, the attention to detail, and the clever camerawork will immerse the viewer in nearly every scene, making them feel as if they really have been brought into the Sengoku period, witnessing every event from the length of a hair away.

Another thing we'll get into now is what this film is vastly praised for: the sword fights. Once again, they already look spectacular based on technicality and animation fluidity, but what really makes them so special is the thought process put behind them. The choreography is brilliantly done, carrying one shot to the next in such a natural and fluid way that is guaranteed to bring the viewer on the edge of their seat. What’s also worth noting is that the battles are not only limited to the clashing of swords. One scene in particular will have Nanashi evading an attack, and swinging a pot of hot water with his hilt right onto the enemy’s face. A variety of weapons are also used including arrows, throwing knives, a whip, and even Tobimaru’s canine teeth. You can see how the creators took the effort to expand their imagination beyond simple sword clashing, making each battle fresh in its own way. An example of a nice touch in the film is how the beginning of a fight and a man fishing are put in the same shot, coincidently moving 1 on 1 right as the fight starts, for added effect. This kind of clever directing is worthy of praise, and a huge part of what makes Sword of the Stranger such a blast.

The soundtrack is also a job well done. Not only are the tracks beautiful on their own, they are executed wonderfully and implemented right where and when they need to be used, ranging from calming and atmospheric, to epic and fast-paced. However, most of these tracks contain a very similar theme used again and again. That can be a little annoying to some, but regardless the work and effort put in is still worthy of admiration.

So in conclusion, if you are a viewer looking for something new, original, and groundbreaking, then I honestly think you would be better off looking through the works of Masaaki Yuasa. But if you don’t really care about originality, and just want something standard, with numerous great elements bunched into a nifty little package, then I would not hesitate to recommend you this film. And if you’re a fan of samurai, then this film is most definitely for you, because you’ll find pretty much everything you want. Lovable characters, atmospheric historical setting, brilliant cinematography, fluid animation, and memorable sword battles. While not innovative, and in spite of its shortcomings, Sword of the Stranger is truly a remarkable experience to behold and remember.

"Sword of the Stranger" is a remarkable anime film known for its breathtaking animation, deep storytelling, and intense action sequences. Set in feudal Japan, it weaves the tale of Kotaro, a young boy targeted by the Ming dynasty for his mysterious bloodline, and Nanashi, a ronin who vows to protect him. As they journey together, they face formidable foes and uncover the true power behind Kotaro's lineage. The film stands out for its exploration of themes such as honor, redemption, and the bonds formed in adversity.

Blade's Edge

• Exquisite Animation and Choreography: The film is a visual masterpiece, showcasing fluid animation that brings its dynamic sword fights to life. The attention to detail in the combat choreography captures the beauty and brutality of samurai warfare, making each battle a memorable spectacle.
• Compelling Characters: Nanashi's journey from a haunted past towards redemption, alongside Kotaro's growth from a fearful child to a courageous young boy, forms the emotional core of the film. Their evolving relationship is portrayed with nuance, adding depth to the narrative.
• Rich Historical Setting: "Sword of the Stranger" immerses viewers in the Sengoku period, blending historical elements with supernatural undertones. This setting not only serves as a backdrop for the action but also enriches the story with its depiction of the era's turmoil and cultural aspects.

Forging Flaws

• Pacing and Development: While the film generally maintains a gripping pace, some viewers might find certain segments slower, particularly in the middle. These moments, though designed to develop the characters and their relationships, might momentarily lessen the tension.
• Familiar Story Elements: Despite its many strengths, the film's narrative incorporates familiar themes and archetypes seen in samurai and historical anime. While executed well, those seeking entirely original plotlines might find some aspects predictable.

The Soul of the Sword

• Emotional Resonance: Beyond the action, "Sword of the Stranger" is a deeply emotional film. It skillfully portrays the theme of seeking redemption and the impact of forging human connections, resonating with viewers long after the final scene.
• Musical Score: The soundtrack complements the film's epic scope and emotional depth, enhancing both the serene moments and the exhilarating battles. The music plays a crucial role in immersing the audience in the story's historical world and the internal struggles of its characters.

Conclusion

"Sword of the Stranger" is a standout anime film that combines stunning animation, rich storytelling, and heart-pounding action to create a memorable experience. Its exploration of themes like honor, redemption, and friendship, set against the backdrop of feudal Japan, offers a captivating journey that is both thrilling and emotionally engaging. While it may tread on familiar ground in terms of plot, the execution and depth of character development elevate it above many of its peers. For fans of samurai stories and beautifully crafted anime, "Sword of the Stranger" is a must-watch, a true testament to the artistry and storytelling potential of the medium.

Sword of the Stranger is rather typical a story set in a rather typical take time period in Japan. While the forneign characters in this story are at least somewhat irragular to the genre the entire film is very reminicent of many other Samurai series with a drama tinge. If you're looking for an action flick that at least appears to be aimed at an older audience that's not too deep then this series isn't a bad recommendation at all. 

Story

The premise is basic with a former Samurai meeting a pick-pocketing boy in trouble and being forced together due to circumstances. They supposedly grow closer and the story goes on from there with bits of action here and there. The actual anime begins with showing off the obvious main obstacle in the form of the most powerful opponent in a scene that doesn't really matter to the rest of the story but leaves an impression. The story overall is fairly shallow but at the same time easy to follow with basic if questionable character motivations. 

While not deep or particularly intricately written the story mostly is a decent vehicle for action scenes and actually manages to make you care for the action scenes.

Animation & Sound
The action scenes in this are convincing while the music doesn't really swep you off your feet it does set the tone and feels historical in a sense that it feels like it fits the time period this alternative history tale takes place in. The Japanese voice cast all fit their characters and there's not really any distracting voice acting in this allowing you to keep your attention to the story.

Characters

The characters for the most part in this are pretty much unexplored. While "No Name" and Kotarou's relationship does add some character establishment it doesn't really do much character building outside of a few short nuggets of backstory information. While both characters have a personality they aren't really fleshed out, outside of these characters most other characters are very basic. Luo-Lang as the main threat really has a single driving factor and Shougen's has plenty scenes but they barely make him impressionable. 

Overall

Overall Sword of a Stranger is basically a ''martial arts'' movie with Samurai with some drama and death added. People die and things eventually get quite dark but the anime is mostly for people that enjoy action a lot. So if you're into action, samurai and lot's of sword fighting for some crazier weapons for the antagonists while not requiring a deep or even multilayered plot then this anime is a fine watch. It's fun if you're not expecting anything too intelligent and thought out. 

( This is a Secret Santa (2017) review )