Sword of the Stranger [Blu-ray]
by Masahiro Andô
![Sword of the Stranger [Blu-ray]](/images/Sword-of-the-Stranger-Blu-ray-B001W79MB8-L.jpg)
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Actor: Akio Ohtsuka, Kyle Rideout, Naoto Takenaka, Tomoya Nagase, Yuri ChinenDirector: Masahiro Andô
Brand: Infinity
Cinematographer: Yohei Miyahara
Producer: Masahiko Minami
Writer: Fumihiko Takayama
Blu-ray: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Subtitled); Japanese (Original Language); English (Dubbed)
Format: AC-3, Animated, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, Subtitled
Picture Format: 1.78:1
Running Time: 103 minutes
Blu-ray Release Date: 2009-06-16
Audience Rating: Unrated
Studio: Bandai
Blu-ray Reviews of Sword of the Stranger [Blu-ray]
Blu-ray Review: Superb Anime
Summary: 5 Stars
I can't speak for the special features, since I haven't checked them out just yet.
PLOT (no spoilers):
Pretty standard fare. A nameless swordsman must protect an innocent boy against the hostile battlefield of two warring factions. The main antagonist group consists of an elite bunch of highly-skilled Chinese warriors who feel no pain, at the head of which is a mysterious blonde swordsman ailing at his inability to find a worthy adversary. Lacking somewhat in the originality department, the story nonetheless draws you in by the sheer charisma of its characters. The characters themselves convey their archetypes well, without being overly obvious. The cliche factor is evident, but luckily it doesn't detract from your enjoyment of the film.
ANIMATION:
Though at times inconsistent (read: some of the battle clips appear noticably choppy, while others are smooth as silk), this feature is still head and shoulders over many of its contemporary counterparts. The characters' movements are believably natural, and their facial subtext succeeds in making you actually care about what they're thinking. At times, CGI is used for set pieces and background work, but it's so well-integrated that it complements without distracting, and is often unnoticable. Most memorable of all is the climactic battle between the swordsmen No-Name and Luo Lang: this is far and away the single most visually arresting swordfight I have ever seen in an animated feature. Ever. It invokes a tangible feeling of suspense and wonder, the choreography is brilliant, the scope is incredible, the pacing is thrilling, and their movements are positively GORGEOUS. It'll make the hairs on your neck stand up, mark my words.
SOUND:
I usually prefer subtitled anime over dubbed, as English voice-overs can be spotty, and often omit certain important nuances. However, Sword of the Stranger's English voice actors are all very talented, and they mesh perfectly with the setting and their respective characters. The sound effects are particularly well-done; at the moment when No-Name strikes the killing blow against his first Chinese opponent, the explosive crack of wood beams shattering and the brutal gnashing of bone pound straight through to your core. It gives every action scene a very visceral and immersive feel.
BOTTOM LINE:
Sword of the Stranger simply must not be missed. It's certainly not the most original thing out there, but its tried-and-true story formula can be appreciated by most anyone, and the action is definitely top-tier material. This isn't a film you can watch only once.
Description of Sword of the Stranger [Blu-ray]
Studio: Infinity Resources Inc Release Date: 06/16/2009 Run time: 102 minutesBestsellers in DVD
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