15 Most Underrated Samurai Films Of All Time
14. Sword Of The Stranger (2007)
Produced by the same animation studio that brought us Fullmetal Alchemist, Darker Than Black, and Ouran High School Host Club, Sword of the Stranger is a feature length anime you’ve probably never heard of, which is a tremendous shame.
If there’s one thing that samurai films are known for, it’s their striking visuals. And, thanks to some serious animation talent being brought aboard, this film offers both breathtaking scenery and visceral action.
Directed by Masahiro Ando (who worked as an animator on Ghost In The Shell and Fullmetal Alchemist), the plot takes us to Sengoku Japan where we follow mysterious ronin Nanashi (Tomoya Nagase) as he escorts a young boy (Yuri Chinen) and his adorable pet dog to safety while being pursued by bandits.
Though this narrative is nothing particularly new, the thoughtful writing alongside phenomenal animation and action make Sword Of The Stranger a must-watch for fans of animation and samurai films alike.