The Sword of the Stranger anime movie comes out on Blu-ray and DVD today. Most of you probably have never heard of it but was in contention for the Best Animated Feature award at the 2008 Oscars. I haven’t watched this yet, but I’m been meaning to for awhile now.

According to IMDB the plot is about:

A young boy and his dog find themselves the target of the Ming: a foreign dynasty that will stop at nothing. One day, a quiet and solemn warrior crosses their path, and becomes irrevocably connected with the two. A deal is struck and the warrior agrees to take the boy to a remote, Buddhist temple, where a kind monk is waiting to care for him and the dog. Unfortunately, the Ming have sent their elite, and they will test their strength, courage, and quality every step of the way.

That doesn’t make a lot of sense but there’s lots of samurais, ninjas, and assassins. That alone was enough to pique my interest!

Here’s what other people more famous than me had to say about the movie:

“I was left without words. To see a period piece done so earnestly…and to do so with animation. I am amazed!” – Mamoru Oshii, Director of Sky Crawlers

“The human form depicted with art and motion with an elegant world view…I have to say I’m quite impressed with Ando-san’s work. It’s amazing! This is a prime example of the sheer joy and entertainment that animation can have.” – Hideaki Anno, Director of Evangelion.

Both Blu-ray and DVD versions are at Amazon for those inclined to buy it.

Closest thing to a trailer that I could find: