Sword Of The Stranger: The Best Anime Film You Never Watched | Must Watch Anime

Allow me to spend some time to explain why I consider Sword of the Stranger to be a must watch.
WATCH SWORD OF THE STRANGER:
► www.funimation.com/shows/189972
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► Follow me on Twitter: / glassreflection
#Anime #Discussion #SwordoftheStranger #MukouHadan #AnimeAnalysis #Analysis #Opening #OP #ED #GlassReflection #MustWatchAnime #ストレンヂア 無皇刃譚

[@TheRealGuywithoutaMustache]

Glass Reflection: The Best Anime Film You Never Watched- People: *Bold of you to assume I haven't watched it already*

[@JJJS-mu9hj]

I feel like everyone has watched this movie I think this is what new anime fans do look at the most popular movie and tv series and watch them first

[@00ammy00]

Was literally about to post the same comment. XD

[@sammiboibenton]

Redline Shoulda been REDLINE

[@walterwhite7376]

Plot twist: I watched it and it's a 10/10 movie. If you liked that movie watch Blade of the Immortal (2019) and Shigurui (2007).Be advised: Shigurui anime adapts only half of the manga (it is amazing though).

[@walterwhite7376]

I also recommend Dororo, Kurozuka, Angolmois and Onihei.

[@vustvaleo8068]

everybody gangsta til a lone samurai with a dark past tries to redeem himself.

[@badboy333666999]

top comment material

[@MrPwrt]

brilliant comment

[@Prawnsacrifice]

😂 😂

[@marlonwatson3588]

Pro tip: you can watch series on Flixzone. I've been using them for watching loads of movies lately.

[@marleyaxton123]

@Marlon Watson yup, have been watching on Flixzone for years myself :D

[@marseillesvieux2987]

In the words of The Great Senpai Arkada, "So many anime, so little time".

[@dusanbursac5012]

So much time and so little good anime to watch if you ask me.

[@marseillesvieux2987]

Dusan Bursac depends on taste and understanding what and why we should watch or want to watch something. i.e. guilty pleasure vs quality vs relatability.

[@yamitsukikarasu8857]

@@dusanbursac5012 I know, I've been watching animes for 10 years now and I miss the early times when I was constantly stumbling on great works.

[@2Worlds_and_InBetween]

im still got the last few of Noir 2 get 2...

[@2Worlds_and_InBetween]

@@marseillesvieux2987 in my lift i can sat, sorry i had to swap hands, in my life i say... to. you can... have it fast cheap or Done right... pick 2

[@sibsart2039]

I’ll admit, this movie was a hidden gem. For an action, it’s a fairly chill movie with some drama. But man the fights are top tier.

[@dantechu9051]

This is the kind of action that I really love to watch

[@heavyhold8257]

Yes sir, i hate fights that spend 10 minutes talking in the middle of the fight, this gets right to it and it's so fucking smooth

[@sibsart2039]

HeavyHold It’s always theatrical have have pauses so the characters can talk to each other while fighting. Some can pull off talking during fighting animation which is cool. But a scene where it’s just a fight, and that’s the focus, those are the best.

[@heavyhold8257]

@@sibsart2039 Yeah hate is a bit of a strong word, Them talking to each other during the fight is fine with me, it just bugs me a lil when they are monologuing to themselves

[@sebastianswan7975]

@@heavyhold8257 they can talk, but not to the point where the fight is not the focus, actions speak much more than words.

[@pragyan394]

The final fight in Sword of the Stranger is the best choreographed and best directed sword fight in all of anime.

[@pragyan394]

@Lelouch Vibritannia I've read the manga

[@NinjaGamer820]

Anything from Yutapon is top tier

[@lubossoltes321]

@Lelouch Vibritannia does not compare ... Kenshin is much more static compared to that scene ....

[@jiiaga5017]

@Lelouch Vibritannia maybe 15 year old me would have agreed. Seen a lot of anime since and Kenshin... not nearly so good as SotS

[@richmcgee434]

I've seen at least two other youtube videos that agree with that contention.

[@EbullientSMP]

Sword of the Stranger, really happy to see some more mainstream recognition for this This is one of few anime that I've consumed that even with a simple story has become one of my most thrilling and enjoyable film experiences purely on animation and direction alone, glad to see you cover it!

[@perotekku]

Part of the reason I think the simple plot works is because it's so tightly done. A sort of cliche story, but no really negative points, and fantastic animation and music. Makes it solid and memorable.

[@vighneshvighnesh844]

I'm kinda surprised that ark-senpai didn't even mention OST / "THE MUSIC"

[@johannao4849]

Right! How could he NOT mention the soundtrack!? :O

[@Nimroc]

To be fair he included some of the best parts anyway so the OST speak for itself. lol

[@cadethumann8605]

Damn straight. The soundtrack of Sword of the Stranger is awesome itself, with the best piece being "Ihojin no yaiba".

[@perotekku]

@@cadethumann8605 100% agree. There's a reason they saved it for last. Along with the slower, more flute driven piece in the final scene on the beach.

[@vincentjoe1773]

Plot: Slightly annoying kid teams up with mysterious stranger wielding a blade. Me: D-D-d-D-Dororo!?!?

[@dusanbursac5012]

I thought that too.

[@troisligneBDM]

YESS !

[@neerkum5428]

too bad it ain't got doggo

[@NikolaosSkordilis]

Dodoro plus a dog and minus the demons, except the role of the kid and the stranger are kind of, very loosely, reversed. The kid is also, er, "different". The differences are so many I didn't really think about Dodoro last night I watched the film for the first time.

[@Rider9530]

It's dororo without demons and with better animation and story. And also a dog!!!

[@TheNinjaDC]

There is just something weird in a meta way about this being a Samurai anime film with the two best swordsman being not Japanese...

[@samuraijosh1595]

Wait... wasn't the guy with dark past Japanese?

[@neofromthewarnerbrothersic145]

@@samuraijosh1595 Yes lol. I literally just watched it, and Nanashi (the no-name ronin looking after the kid) is definitely Japanese. Don't know what OP was smoking. But I will say that I don't think it was an accident for the final boss to be a white guy.

[@samuraijosh1595]

@@neofromthewarnerbrothersic145 I dunno mate...lots of anime feature the white guy or at least a guy with white guy features as a the romantic lead in shoujo manga...for instance, Maid sama. So yeah I do think it was just coincidental.

[@neofromthewarnerbrothersic145]

@@samuraijosh1595 smh man... Think about it for a second instead of jumping into defense. It's not an attack, just an observation. Artists and storytellers generally aren't fond of coincidence... if they put something into their art, there's usually some intention behind it. The difference is that those shoujo shows/manga you're thinking of aren't meant to be historical. They're depicting more modern and/or magical worlds. And they usually have more than just one white person in them, because their intention is to depict a world where skin color doesn't matter. The fact that this movie only has one white guy (in a Ming Dyansty army, no less) is a pretty strong hint that it's not a coincidence. But again, it's not an attack either. Luo-lang is an antagonist, but not an irredeemable "villain". He's an honorable warrior just looking for a worthy adversary. Only person on the Chinese side that wasn't blindly following the Emperor's word. Just like Nanashi is the only person on the Japanese side that wasn't following some upstart feudal lord. At the end, Luo-Lang saves Nanashi from getting shot by the priest, and cuts all of his ties to China. Even offers him painkillers because he wanted to face a worthy opponent in a fair fight. If anything, the writers went out of their way to make him as likeable as possible. So if it's not a coincidence, that means there must be a point, right? I think the point is something about individuality and self-determination. Both the Chinese and Japanese cultures around that time were all about obedience and _literally religious devotion_ to their leaders. Whereas white/European societies were much more vocal about questioning their leadership and thinking for themselves. Nanashi wins in the end because his whole arc is about following a moral/ethical code instead of a leader. Whereas Luo-Lang's only code is that he wants a good fight.

[@Harshhaze]

That scene with the bridge and the man fishing was pretty cool. Left an impression on me for some reason

[@notisac3149]

I’m no expert, but I think that the animation holds up REALLY well even by today’s standards. Still hands down my favorite sword fight of all time! Honestly I expect it to still look relatively good for years to come.

[@pagatryx5451]

No it does. Whilst the visual image themselves are dated, animation is much more than just image quality. The movement and effects shown within the movie are stunning. Even by todays standards.

[@henriklarsson5221]

Great things holds forever. Like the action in terminator 2 will forever be great, or the car-chase in the French connection.

[@chinpokomon]

these days people doesn't talk enough about good old shows so the "must watch anime" serie is a gold mine! keep it up!

[@KatsuragiNamika]

For sure. For example, when he mentioned Princess Jellyfish in his best of the decade video, I was very happy, because it is a very underrated show that is all but forgotten

[@history_loves_anime8927]

@@KatsuragiNamika Same with Baccano, Princess Tutu, Wolf's Rain, and Mononoke. I hope those get talked about.

[@bigWILLfrmus]

@@history_loves_anime8927 Wolf's Rain was amazing

[@history_loves_anime8927]

@@bigWILLfrmus I made my friends cry with it *cackles. My cousin loved t, then we got to the end and she still hasn't forgiven me for it 😈

[@loneotaku]

Never watched!? I watched this countless times over the past 11 years, one of my all time favorite anime films. I'm surprised not many folks knew about it.

[@safonso1296]

I love this movie. Even the Soundtrack is something special.

[@AskAScreenwriter]

Thank you for continuing to point out excellent anime that many may miss because they're trying to keep up with the 30-40 new shows coming out every three months or so. There's a LOT of great older stuff out there that still stands up, as well as being important to the development of stories, tropes, artistic styles, etc. today. It's hard to try to encourage newer anime fans to go back and watch some of those 'classics' without sounding like an 'anime snob,' but instead trying to share excitement, enthusiasm, and interest.

[@Darkshugo3]

Thanks bruh, I needed a recommendation in these Quarantine times.

[@SpiderMod444]

really glad you reviewed sword of the stranger, i owe a lot to sword of the stranger and studio bones, its the anime that made me fall in love with animation and started me down the path of becoming an animator my self.

[@moonleafteaofthemonth]

*raises hand* I've seen it! And I'm so stoked you're talking about it! I actually came across its existence while I was watching Eureka 7 for the first time and looking up the OST for that, as the same person did the OST for this, Naoki Sato. All it took was one listen to that track to this film's final battle, and I was all in.

[@joshieee2302]

Yes as both shows are produced by BONES

[@gregoryDO2000]

I saw this in the theater when it came out, at least the one night it screened in Kansas City dubbed. Back then you were damn lucky if any anime was showed on the big screen. Amazing film, reminds me of the Japanese films Zatoichi

[@SolidSnake240]

This movie has one of the most beautiful fight scenes in any medium.

[@RothurThePaladin]

I love this movie. everyone should really take the time to watch it.

[@rkt7414]

The opening is my favorite scene in any anime movie ever. The rising tension at the very beginning, where the lookout barges into the thieves den, panting. "Chief, prey!" Then the music starts. A crash of flutes before the beating of war drums. *CHILLS*

[@jonnda]

Space Brothers is the series I haven’t seen, even though people in my life kept recommending it to me.

[@Ash_Wen-li]

So good. It's in my personal top 5

[@jonnda]

Ash So I’ve heard!

[@sabhadj7476]

Your videos are what's keeping me sane during these crazy times!!! You are amazing!!

[@TheCapefarewell]

YES YES YES YES!!! Literally just watched this again last night! It is by far one of my favorite Anime Movies of all time! So glad you covered this, thank you so much :D

[@LordVader1094]

I watched this film back in 2012 and was blown away, so happy you're bringing attention to a criminally underrated film! You took your sweet-ass time though, lol.

[@laboon344]

Metropolis is also a underrated film you should give it a watch 🙂

[@falinost]

I've watched your channel for a long time, and you're delivery has gotten so great. You have me laughing out loud. Thanks.

[@robsilver8942]

Gonna check this out! Thanks man, more reviews plz!!!

[@SaintJimmy36]

Literally rewatched this last night, so good and definitely deserves more recognition!

[@musashilevi311]

I have loved this for years. You are the first to ever talk about it. Thank you!!!!

[@kmbrose]

BLESSED. So glad you got around to seeing it. It's in my top 2 favs.

[@thats4thebirds]

Yeah my lesser known favorites are definitely : -Sword of the Stranger -Redline

[@gundamsondam]

I was on Amazon today, and this came up. Now I'm on KZbin and this review is up. It's a sign.

[@jackmckenna6880]

Years ago I randomly bought this film on dvd when I was first getting into anime, probably right before Bandai downsized. Always thought it was great but never heard anybody talk about it so it’s great to hear you give it some appreciation!

[@georgeraividian]

Looks like the production value has been raised for this video. Very nice.

[@akshayajay3793]

Thank you so much for this recommendation and I will do my best to let others know of this anime as well 🤝

[@TheNinjaDC]

It’s a Studio Bones movie when Bones owned the anime industry. Of course I seen it.

[@joshieee2302]

They still owned the animation industry up to this date

[@KimionTM]

@@joshieee2302 They may be still pretty good but there is a lot of strong competition these days

[@joshieee2302]

@@KimionTM Yes there still amazing and top notch and I agree that there so much new studio to compete with, it's just good that bones is still evolving there style unike what happened to MADHOUSE

[@justaspring6912]

Thanks for the recommendation, I need it during this quarantine.

[@JMcNultyDrums]

Sword of the Stranger is an absolute classic. I’m always surprised to not see it mentioned more.

[@PlutoBlack]

I'm going to revisit Sword of the Stranger, I've loved it for so many years now so am glad you created a video on it.

[@DillonJoseph]

Thank you for this incredible review Tristan! er.. ugh.. i mean, GR! i will be sure to watch it tomorrow morning! :)

[@Will-jg2zs]

Leave it to Arkada to entertain me during a quarantine.

[@joedanrob]

The intro reminds me of Jojo fans telling people to watch Jojo

[@GlassReflection]

Well, you ARE watching JoJo right?

[@joedanrob]

​@@GlassReflection I may or may not have just finished part 4

[@GenerationBlackMist]

I am subscribed and have the bell selected to "all" and the video is STILL not in my subscription video list. Happy to find this video on my own

[@MurvenJG]

Definitely going to watch this. Thank you for recommending ;) and my phone is spotless I’ve been cleaning it for years ^^ I’m surprised some people don’t 😅

[@CMLT.]

Thank you, I start watching Chihayafuru during this quarantine because of your recommendation, so far so good. Watched Sword of the Stranger long time ago, but have not watched Promare and Redline.

[@Dango428]

"Unless your friend has a DVD" Me: *Yaars in pirate*

[@shivam3467]

Dude, we need more videos of must watch series!! With so much anime coming, this series is the need of the hour...

[@DanDaMaN95cov]

Just finished watching it subbed Animelab. Music and animation were incredible and the end fight was well worth the pay-off.

[@Yahmss]

I may not agree with every review you put out but still very intelligent analysis of every thing which allows me to understand your point of view your channel is amazing homie keep it up

[@Mimyakko]

I think I watched this movie because of your old podcast!! I had completely forgotten about it though lol

[@culeroconners]

I really enjoyed it, saw the first 3 minutes of your review, then went online and saw the movie and then came back to finish the review.

[@roninx2885]

Thank you, Arkada. Sword of the Stranger is still my favorite anime film. Thank you for recommending Chihayafuru as well, I binged it in Japanese and English Dub! I loved it!

[@DwarfLordGeorge]

He finally covers it, so happy you liked it.

[@DarthPoyner]

I saw it when it came out and that end fight scene is still better than the majority of anime today. It is damn good.

[@iceman4424]

I think an anime that’s needed some attention is Xam’d: lost memories. One of the first anime I watched. still one of my favorites to this day.

[@michaels9595]

I will check this out before watching this video. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@SourRobo8364]

I love this movie so much. Thanks for recommending it Arkada.

[@shathriel]

I got the disc to this on a hunch way back and really enjoyed it and kept telling others on message boards what a delight it was to watch, not watched it in a few years now though but it is there for when I fancy watching it :)

[@adraino7345]

I was watching the entire time to see you mention the score, I know they really lean into the main theme. But that theme is the perfect song for the feel and setting of the movie.

[@SonikkuGal]

This was an interesting catch for me. I actually purchased it on Amazon immediately after watching a random Top 10 Fight Scenes in Anime video xD I needed to see this gorgeous animation in action and I definitely wasn't disappointed :3

[@crownedclown49]

The soundtrack is so serene

[@Bluemaverick11]

Animation still holds up. Saw it in 2009. A guy who hated anime told me about it.

[@justinsantos8514]

I'm not much of an anime fan because there's so many and it's hard to find something that i like and easy to follow. I love Fist Of The North Star and Ghost In The Shell(Not the live action) but that was about it until i came across this video. I checked out Sword Of The Stranger and absolutely loved it. I finally found another anime film to enjoy, Thanks for posting this.

[@chetanJC2021]

I didn't see the timing & thought that this video was posted years ago. So, I read the thumbnail & immediately search this movie and after watching it, I came to watch this video and realised this was posted 3 hours ago. Damn, Coincidence or what. Whatever, the Film was amazing and underwatched.

[@hrithikdluffy1310]

MORE people NEED to watch this ABSOLUTE masterpiece. Thank you for talking about this film. This is the ONLY other anime film I've ever seen that's as EPIC as Princess Mononoke.

[@LiiT3xGaming]

Thanks for this video, always been interested in this movie but never actually watched it

[@nbahn]

Don't forget the OST! NEVER FORGET THE OST!!!

[@felinamegan6352]

THANK YOU for mentioning Darker then Black!! I feel like either nobody knows about this or the ones who do didn't really like it. Oh and I've also already seen Sword of the Stranges ^^ it really is really good!

[@neofromthewarnerbrothersic145]

I'm watching this tonight for sure. I'll be the first to admit I'm not the hugest anime junkie, but I always felt like there's a shortage of historical or semi-historical samurai shows. Specifically, I would love to see some that are firmly set in the Sengoku period. So much potential for all kinds of stories, but I want something that delves deep into the war and politics and intrigue. Something more grounded and historical than Samurai Warriors. Shigurui: Death Frenzy is one of my all-time favorites, but that's Edo period. Writers seem to be more fascinated with the time when samurai lost their place, as opposed to the times when they were ubiquitous. I'm glad Shigurui stands as such a unique example, but I can't help wishing there were at least a few more like it. Also love stuff like Samurai Champloo and Afro Samurai though. I totally understand why there aren't more though. If they made nothing but Sengoku/samurai anime, it would be like Hollywood making nothing but westerns or Civil War shows. But if they can crank out hundreds of angsty magical boy shows every year, there's gotta be room for a few more historical ones.... right? If anybody has any recommendations, I'd love to hear them.

[@samuraijosh1595]

Try "Mononoke". It's a collection of Japanese horror stories that seems to be set in some ancient semi fictional Japanese setting. The main lead is extremely Charming and will get you hooked instantly. (And no don't confuse it with the studio Ghibli movie Princess Mononoke).

[@superboyjoestar7142]

I discovered this by accident and I'm glad I did. One of my favorite anime films😁

[@epicparade1]

YESSSS BUDDDYYYY. Yeah I watched this because Demolition D+ made a video on it. I. LOVED it. I just commented on your old haruhi review and said how the haruhi movie was the first anime dvd I ever bought. That was true, but it was 1 of 3 I bought at once. One of the three was this movie!! Yutaka Nakamura is my freaking HERO

[@couufdr]

.....my bro has been telling me to kick some of my sub...the fact that I have seen any of your videos is a sign I should lol. I'm like damn love your reviews

[@separator94]

Great idea for a video. Another one that would be good is delving into old classics. The movies or series' that changed people's minds about anime. Ones like Elfin Lied, Berserk, Akira, Ghost in the Shell, Claymore, NGE, Vampire Hunter D, etc. I'm always interested to hear from people what anime it was that turned them. For me it was Watanabe's Samurai Champloo. That one hooked me good. It was always on late at night when I was younger and I'd watch it right before falling asleep. After that I watched Cowboy Bebop, then it was on. Non-stop seeking for the next great anime.

[@TheCreepypro]

I could not agree with you more Arkada this film is great and worthy of recognition and it is a shame that it isn't talked about more I remember that theatrical run and tried to go see it but you would be surprised how hard it was to find a screening that wasn't already sold out so I had to watch it after the fact just because of that but as a studio Bones fan I had to support it and always talk about it to anyone who will listen so I'm happy to see you do the same

[@Kantorath]

I heard about Sword of the Stranger waaaaaay back on Podtaku, you all talked about how it was a really good movie so I looked it up and watched it. I then bought it on Blu-ray/DVD and proceeded to show it all my friends who were into anime. Its an awesome movie and everyone I've shown it too (even those who aren't into anime) really enjoyed the movie! The music is awesome as well, I go back and listen to its music every once an awhile.

[@SamK31]

YAS! Just in time for quarantine and chill!

[@IreneShardaForever]

I remember this, I loved it. I watched it years ago and I'm pretty sure I have that original DVD. it's a great story and the animation is great.

[@kayleighharris6704]

You know I think I saw this a couple years ago... Time for a rewatch!!!

[@bloodcrusnik7418]

This is me interacting for the algorithm.

[@karlmueller1980]

I actually have the Bandai release of this movie I just picked it all up on the title alone and I fell in love with it. This movie is criminally underrated.

[@shogenx]

i only watched this about a year and half ago, it truly was special the pacing can slow down to a halt though i fell asleep the first two times but i was tired when i started watching it the first two times

[@mask938]

I just watched this movie today. The relationship between Kotaro and Nanashi kinda reminds me of Dororo and Hyakkimaru. Also, Tobimaru is the goodest of good doggos!

[@Bluemaverick11]

Watched the shit outta that film a decade ago. That last fight is an annual experience

[@Wicked061]

Every time I remember the "where is my sword" scene I chuckle. I love Sword of the Stranger.

[@MrPwrt]

I watched this movie around 5 years ago and I'm still oozing satisfaction from how good it was, despite the simplicity of the story.

[@separator94]

I agree with Redline. That one's a visual feast. It's also always thumping with music which makes it a fun watch.

[@neofromthewarnerbrothersic145]

Just watched it. Instantly goes on my list of all-time favorites. The whole final battle and boss fight were frickin excellent. Loved all of the different weapon styles the Chinese used. Love the art and animation. And you're right, Tobimaru is the heckin bestest anime doggo. Nice change of pace that it wasn't just Japanese people fighting each other. Seems poignant that the antagonists were Chinese, and the final boss was a white guy.

[@adigerby9078]

I saw it in the theater and I loved it so much! Still one of my favorites.

[@CravingOppai]

Man I get chills every time I listen this films ost.

[@matthewgeraci5107]

Damn, thx for bringing up this movie, so good

[@rikumajumder1558]

That music brings up emotions I thought I never had...

[@artfire28]

Saw it in its first US theatrical release and I still remember its moments.

[@andromedafrigga7653]

Loved that you loved it

[@chrisdooley6468]

I was shocked by how good this anime was. I hadn’t heard of it before but wow it was amazing. The characters the fight sequences and especially the soundtrack were fantastic imo. People new to anime often ask me where to start - after they watch the always recommended GitS movie and SAC series I always recommend this one.

[@RahulRDev]

Damn gotta watch this one 💯

[@martinblu]

this review just put this in the #1 spot on my watch list haha

[@13ChibiNeko]

I discovered the movie randomly when i was on funi's website when i was looking for a movie to watch. I started it but had to stop for some reason. I did eventually watch it a couple years later and enjoyed it!

[@phanesoaks]

This Movie was soooo great! Thx for the recommendation

[@digitalizotakugamer_]

The dog name is tobimaru 🤣🤣. Btw loved your video I watched it and wanted see ur review