Stranger: Mukou Hadan

In the Sengoku period of Japan, a young orphan named Kotarou and his dog Tobimaru steal from unsuspecting villagers in order to make ends meet. However, Kotarou is forced to remain on the run when he finds himself being hunted down by assassins sent by China's Ming Dynasty for mysterious reasons not involving his petty crimes.

Fortunately, the duo run into Nanashi, a ronin who has taken refuge in a small temple, when Kotarou is attacked and Tobimaru poisoned. Although the samurai saves the helpless pair from their pursuers, he feels that there is no need to help them further; but when offered a gem in exchange for his services as a bodyguard, he reluctantly accepts Kotarou's offer of employment—just until Tobimaru is healed and the two reach their destination. As the three set out on a perilous journey, it soon becomes evident that their path is riddled with danger, as the Ming Dynasty has now sent a terrifying swordsman after them to capture Kotarou and fulfill a certain prophecy.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Nanashi Main

Nagase, Tomoya Japanese

Tobimaru Main

Luo Lang Main

Yamadera, Kouichi Japanese

Kotarou Main

Chinen, Yuuri Japanese

Feng Wu Supporting

Nojima, Hirofumi Japanese

Mu Mao Supporting

Mizusawa, Fumie Japanese

Inui, Juurouta Supporting

Miyano, Mamoru Japanese

Itadori, Shougen Supporting

Ootsuka, Akio Japanese

Huo Chou Supporting

Houki, Katsuhisa Japanese

Yue Shen Supporting

Aizawa, Masaki Japanese

Minami, Masahiko Producer

Takanashi, Minoru Producer

Iizuka, Toshio Producer

Tasaka, Hidemasa Assistant Producer

Reviews

Jan 24, 2026

Y-MELLY

Recommended

Sword of the Stranger is a beautifully crafted cinematic anime that stands as one of the strongest original anime films of its era. Directed with a clear love for classical filmmaking, this movie feels less like “just anime” and more like a carefully composed historical action film.

This is an old feudal Japan–inspired story, grounded in wandering swordsmen, political tension, and the harsh reality of survival. What truly sets it apart is its unpredictability. The narrative refuses to follow obvious tropes, you genuinely cannot predict what will happen next, which keeps the tension alive from start to finish.

From a factual standpoint, Sword of the Stranger did ... not win or receive an Oscar nomination because it was never nominated for Best Animated Feature. The year it was eligible, the Academy’s animation category was dominated by major international titles such as WALL·E (which won), Kung Fu Panda, Persepolis, Waltz with Bashir, and Bolt. As a result, this film remained more of a critically respected cult classic rather than an awards-season contender.

Where the movie truly shines is in its direction and animation. The sword choreography is fluid, weighty, and realistic, making every clash feel dangerous and meaningful. The film relies heavily on visual storytelling, atmosphere, and motion rather than excessive dialogue, which adds to its cinematic strength.

Summary:
The story follows a wandering swordsman whose path crosses with a young boy on the run, pulling both of them into a violent conflict shaped by mercenaries, ambition, and survival. As their journey unfolds, themes of redemption, choice, and honor are explored through intense encounters and quiet character moments. The film balances action and emotion with precision, delivering a self-contained experience that feels complete and purposeful.

Final Thought:
Sword of the Stranger is not just memorable for its action, but for how confidently it tells its story. It’s a timeless anime film that proves strong direction and animation can rival any global cinematic production, even without major awards recognition.

Reviewer’s Rating: 8

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Jun 2, 2025

Yaroster

Mixed Feelings

Story (4/10): The problem with a lot of Samurai stories in anime is encapsulated here in my opinion.
Always adding an unnecessary part of weird fiction, constant style over essence and such — I would recommend watching the much better Kenshin OAV that is so far the most interesting samurai animated movie we’ve had and it is much older.

Voice Acting(4/10): The voice acting for mandarin was beyond subpar — not even talking about tones it just sounded wrong and the Blu-Ray has a warning before the start of the movie saying that the author purposely pushed the use of mandarin in some scenes but the Japanese ... voice actors didn’t even bother replicating a mandarin « accent », it is (and I mean it) completely unintelligible. That being said, the Japanese VA were standard.

Animation(8/10): Animation is great, although it is to be expected from the storyboarder behind Cowboy Bebop and Ghost in the Shell — with fights being especially well drawn and the overall style being interesting although as always with 2000s anime — the 3D elements feel incredibly out of place.

Overall: 5 /10, this isn’t a necessary watch and truly is disappointing when it comes to such an esteemed director in my heart. Watch the kenshin OAV lol.

Reviewer’s Rating: 5

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Aug 22, 2013

klasha

Not Recommended

Let me start by saying this movie has great animation and great action BUT that's where the praise ends for this movie.

(I personally think this movie is hyped for those reasons only if you want a movie with any dept avoid this now)

Characters - only one word to describe the characters in this movie and its shallow! there is no character development at all I know its a movie and they don't have a major time span to work with but seriously you won't see characters as shallow and dull as this.

Story - Cliché, Dull and predictable a group of about 10 Ming ... dynasty warriors arrive in Japan looking for a kid that they have to sacrifice on top of a tower or some weird shit (I bet just from that you want work out whats going to happen and how its going to happen)

I watch anime for great stories and plots not mindless action and great animation this movie frustrates me because it could have been awesome but because of its lackluster story and horrible characters it gets a poor score from me.

Reviewer’s Rating: 3

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	Poll: Stranger - Mukoh Hadan Episode 1 Discussion ( 1 2 3 4 5 ... Last Page ) Liquid - Apr 16, 2008	269 replies	by Y-MELLY »» Jan 24, 5:11 AM
	Sword of the Stranger ending (warning: spoilers!) ( 1 2 3 ) NamariKirei - Feb 3, 2009	116 replies	by Y-MELLY »» Jan 24, 4:52 AM
	Is this good?? Tanjiro1316 - May 3, 2022	21 replies	by Y-MELLY »» Jan 24, 4:43 AM
	Poll: is it better in sub or dub? which gives a better feel? i_m_a_hero_too - Jul 1, 2020	8 replies	by Y-MELLY »» Jan 24, 4:41 AM
	Why exactly do the need to kill Kotarou? PandaxMochi - Jun 11, 2012	3 replies	by mangalicker94 »» Jan 18, 2025 4:54 PM

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