This is an instant anime classic. The action scenes are top notch, better than most live-action films these days. I haven't seen anime action like this since "Ninja Scroll." As a matter of fact, "Sword of the Stranger" will most likely draw comparisons to the classic "Ninja Scroll" because they are both anime action/period pieces. However, for an anime "Sword of the Stranger" is a little bit more realistic. There really isn't any supernatural or mystic powers to be seen here. There also isn't any erotic sex or nudity but, I have noticed that more mainstream anime are featuring less of that kind of thing in recent years. But, like "Ninja Scroll" it doeas feature a lot of great bloody violence.
I highly recommend this movie. As stated in my title, it pretty much saved superhero movies. The last few movies, especially from Marvel, have all been just 'okay' and were nothing really to write home about. This one definately ranks up there with the first two "Spider-Man" movies. The movie is over two hours long but, it really didn't feel like it at all because there was never any dull moment. It still left me wanting more by the end. A note to all who see this movie: stay until after the credits.