A couple of nights ago, I travelled to central London to watch the 2007 film Sword of the Stranger created by Studio BONES at the Barbican Cinema.
(Studio BONES created Full Metal Alchemist, Soul Eater and to my surprise Oran High School!)

Sword of the Stranger (2007) was based on a short film that was created by Studio BONES and then went onto develop into a full feature film.

The story revolves around a young boy and his dog stealing and living rough in ancient Japan. When his companion is hurt, the boy hires the assistance of a body guard called No Name to protect them, all the while trying to flee from a foreign army. However, old ghosts come back to haunt No Name as the story progresses.

In regards to the art direction; I was shocked to see so many of the backgrounds were in watercolour and it gave me more of a positive outlook for my main project’s background style (which consists of mainly watercolours) as before I had wondered if watercolours could work in an animated series. (Australian horse animation Thowra had used this style previously)

Frame rate wise; I would estimate that 12 frames and more were used for dialogue and obviously for the fight scenes a mixture of 1s and 2s were used from what I make out. But the animation was top notch and I am still wondering just how the animators come up with these fight scenes.

Music was my favourite part, as there was a curious change to the tempo in the ending fight sequence. In place of dramatic tension of music there was instead quite an epic and uplifting musical score. I believe this was done to make the whole final scene more beautiful to watch and to me it worked a treat.

After the screening we were honoured to be joined by the co founder of Studio BONES Masahiko Minami and Director Masahiro Ando along with anime expert Helen McCarthy on stage.

Discussions were had about their own personal journey within the Animation Industry, the drive behind what made them create Sword of the Stranger and also on the works Studio BONES have produced.

I found though one of the most interesting comments that was said was that both Mr Ando and Mr Minami didn't realise just HOW popular anime was in the UK. They said that this was their 3rd day in the UK and I believe they made an appearance at London Expo which unfortunately I had to miss.
During the talk they discussed choreograph and writing techniques in directing a film verses a series and to be honest I could have stayed there all night just talking and listening to what theories people have towards anime and animation in general.

After an hour, questions were then taken from the audience which included what BONES had lined up for the future and (my favourite theme); more talk on the diverse character designs from Wolves Rain to FMA.

After the screening I managed to meet and speak to (in my shaky Japanese) co founder of Studio BONES Masahiko Minami. I think I both scared and impressed him with my Japanese speaking abilities, haha.

I feel very refreshed and focued from the event and I'm more in love with animation then I ever was (which I didn't think was possible) I felt lifted and inspired, which carried on while I went to work; even rude customers couldn’t upset me.

My thanks go to everyone involved in the night, to Helen McCarthy whom I also had the pleasure of meeting, to Mr Ando and Mr Minami, their translator and to all the staff who worked there. Plus a special thank you goes to my good friend in London whom offered to have me stay the night

So in short, as my inner fan girl would say;

Epic Night was Epic.

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