Sword of the Stranger is a Japanese historical anime film directed by Masahiro Ando and produced by animation studio Bones. The story is set during the Sengoku period in Japan, a time of internal conflict and war between rival feudal lords.
The film follows the story of a young boy named Kotaro who is being pursued by Chinese assassins because he possesses a powerful secret. The assassins are led by a ruthless and skilled warrior named Luo-Lang, who is on a quest for power and revenge.
Kotaro and his loyal dog, Tobimaru, are forced to flee and seek refuge in a temple deep in the mountains. There, they meet a ronin named No Name, who has been wandering across Japan in search of meaning and purpose. No Name initially resists helping Kotaro and Tobimaru, but he eventually comes to their aid when they are attacked by a group of mercenaries hired by Luo-Lang.
No Name is an exceptional swordsman, and he quickly dispatches the mercenaries with ease. Impressed by his skill, Kotaro and Tobimaru befriend him and convince him to help them escape from the temple. Along the way, they encounter a wide range of characters, including bandits, samurai, and other warriors, all of whom are seeking to profit from the chaos of the times.
As the group journeys towards safety, Luo-Lang and his assassins continue to pursue them relentlessly. No Name realizes that he has a connection to Luo-Lang and that their paths are intertwined. The final showdown between the two warriors is epic, and it reveals not only the truth behind their enmity, but also the reason why No Name has been wandering aimlessly for so long.
Sword of the Stranger is a beautifully animated and action-packed film that also explores themes of friendship, redemption, and the cost of vengeance. The characters are well-developed, and their journeys are compelling and emotional. The film has won numerous awards and is widely regarded as one of the best anime films of all time.