Synopsis
In the turbulent Sengoku period of Japan, Kotarou, an orphaned boy accompanied by his dog Tobimaru, survives through petty theft among the locals. Unexpectedly, Kotarou finds himself targeted by Chinese assassins from the Ming Dynasty, despite his minor crimes. While seeking shelter, the two encounter Nanashi, a wandering ronin resting at a humble temple, just as Kotarou is attacked and Tobimaru is poisoned. Although Nanashi rescues the pair from their assailants, he shows no intention of aiding them further. However, when Kotarou proposes a deal involving a precious gem in exchange for protection, Nanashi reluctantly agrees, consenting only until Tobimaru recovers and they reach their intended destination. As the trio embarks on a dangerous journey, it becomes clear that their adventure is far from safe, as the Ming Dynasty has dispatched a formidable swordsman to capture Kotarou and fulfill a specific prophecy.
Background
Stranger: Mukou Hadan won the award for Best Animated Feature at Brazil's International Fantastic Film Festival and was nominated for the same categories at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards. It also won the 2009 "Menzione Speciale" recognition at Italy's Future Film Festival. The film wasn't nominated to the Oscars, but it was amongst the 14 finalists for consideration to the Best Animated Feature Award; however, the final nominees were WALL-E, Bolt and Kung Fu Panda.
