#09 Sword of the Stranger

#09 Sword of the Stranger
Now playing nationwide in Shochiku theaters!

Movies come in many forms: Japanese, Western, Indian, Korean, and more. Here at "Openers' Recommended Films," we introduce cinematic masterpieces chosen by the Openers editorial team, based on our own tastes, biases, and affection.
If any of these films pique your interest, whether you're a cinephile or not, we urge you to visit a movie theater.
Experience the wonder of watching a film on the big screen!

Story
A Masterpiece of Japanese Swordplay Animation

An era of war, where the ruler of the land has fallen, constant battles have led to the rise of the lowly, and even the powerful have become bandits, plunging the land into lawlessness. From across the vast Chinese continent, a boy orphaned and alone crosses the sea, brought to Japan by a Zen monk named "Shoan." His name is "Kotaro."

However, a mysterious armed group from the Ming Dynasty also lands, pursuing Kotaro to uncover the astonishing "secret" hidden within his body. Having lost Shoan's protection and now utterly alone, Kotaro heads towards Mankakuji temple in Akaichi province with his beloved dog, Hikimaru. At a desolate temple, he encounters a peculiar swordsman who has abandoned his name and sealed his blade: "Nanneri." Attacked by assassins from the continent and saved just in time by Nanneri, Kotaro and the rogue, who wears a fearless smile, initially feel animosity towards each other but soon find themselves traveling together.

Meanwhile, the elderly leader of the pursuing continental forces, Bai Luan, collaborates with the lord of Akaichi Castle for the pursuit, while also preparing for a mysterious ritual to be performed after Kotaro's capture. Among his followers, only the striking swordsman with blond hair and blue eyes, Rarou, seems indifferent to the group's ultimate objective. While following orders, he relentlessly wields his blade in search of a stronger opponent.

Soon, Kotaro's "secret" begins to stir numerous ambitions, drawing people into a swirling vortex of schemes. Nanneri and Kotaro, acknowledging each other and deepening their bond during their journey. Rarou and Nanneri, drawn to each other's prowess. The time for the two men, bound by fate, to cross blades is fast approaching...

Editor's Comment
The animation by BONES knows no bounds."

Editor's Comment
The animation by BONES knows no bounds.

Text by Takeshi Takahashi (This Magazine)

Within the two-hour runtime, the story, centered around the protagonists "Nanneri" and "Kotaro," unfolds with a well-balanced and engaging narrative. While the profound story itself is captivating, the truly remarkable aspect is its exceptional animation quality.

This is hardly surprising, considering it's an original feature film produced by BONES, a studio renowned for its string of hits including "Fullmetal Alchemist" and "Eureka Seven," and celebrated for its top-tier animation capabilities in Japan.
Furthermore, with a stellar lineup of staff and cast, this film was crafted with full force, making it a must-see not just for anime enthusiasts.

In essence, this is an opportunity to witness the pinnacle of Japanese animation, arguably the best today. Cast aside any preconceived notions of "it's just anime" and come to the theater, if only to say you were "fooled."

Original Work
BONES

Director
Masahiro Ando

Screenplay
Fumihiko Takayama

Character Design
Sadayuki Murata

Producer
Minami Masahiko

Voice Actors
Tomoya Nagase / Yuri Chinen / Naoto Takenaka / Koichi Yamadera / Unsho Ishizuka / Mamoru Miyano / Maaya Sakamoto / Akio Otsuka

Distribution: Shochiku | Official Website: http://www.stranja.jp/ | Now Showing | PG-12 Rating
©2007 BONES／STRANGERS Production Committee 2007

→ Next, we will deliver an interview with Masahiko Minami, producer of "Sword of the Stranger" and from BONES.

JAM HOME MADE & ready made has achieved a unique collaboration with the film "Sword of the Stranger," and the resulting models are now available at "rumors"!