Movie
Description
"Sword of the Stranger" is a historical action anime set in feudal Japan, centering on a young boy named Kotaro and a nameless ronin. Kotaro, accompanied by his loyal dog Tobimaru, is on the run from a group of Chinese warriors led by the ruthless Luo-Lang. The warriors seek to capture Kotaro for reasons tied to a mysterious prophecy involving his blood. During their escape, Kotaro encounters the ronin, a skilled swordsman who has vowed never to draw his sword again due to a traumatic past. Despite his reluctance, the ronin agrees to protect Kotaro in exchange for shelter and food.

As the story progresses, it is revealed that the Chinese warriors are working under the orders of a Ming dynasty official, who believes Kotaro’s blood holds the key to achieving immortality. The ronin’s past is gradually unveiled, showing his connection to a tragic event that led to his self-imposed exile from swordsmanship. The narrative builds tension as the ronin is forced to confront his inner demons and decide whether to break his vow to protect Kotaro.

The climax unfolds in a fortified temple, where the ronin faces off against Luo-Lang, a formidable opponent whose skills rival his own. The battle is intense and serves as a pivotal moment for the ronin’s character arc, as he fully embraces his role as a protector. Meanwhile, Kotaro’s innocence and determination highlight the themes of loyalty and sacrifice. The story concludes with a resolution that ties together the fates of the main characters, leaving their futures open to interpretation while providing a satisfying end to their journey. The anime balances action, character development, and historical intrigue, making it a compelling narrative within the samurai genre.
Information
Sword of the Stranger
ストレンヂア -無皇刃譚-
Type: Movie
Movie/Episode length: 102 min.
Date: 09/19/2007
Categories
Genre
ActionDrama
Settings
Historically
Tags
Samurai
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Cast
Comment(s)
Staff
  • Director
    Masahiro Andō
  • Storyboard
    Masahiro Andō
  • Music
    Naoki Satō
  • Art Director
    Atsushi Morikawa
    Eri Nakamura
    Hidenori Sano
    Megumi Endō
    Tsutomu Momouchi
  • Art design
    Shiho Takeuchi
  • Cgi Director
    Takao Namiki
  • Executive producer
    Masahiko Minami
    Kazumi Kawashiro
    Teruki Matsumoto
    Yoshio Yasunaga
    Taizō Itō
  • Screenplay
    Fumihiko Takayama
  • Unit Director
    Masahiro Andō
  • Character Design
    Tsunenori Saitō
  • Animation Director
    Yoshiyuki Itō
    Tsunenori Saitō
  • Sound Director
    Kazuhiro Wakabayashi
  • Director of Photography
    Yohei Miyahara
  • Producer
    Masahiko Minami
Production
  • Animation Production
    BONES