Adapted from a 2013 cell phone game, this action anime series is set in a world transformed by the appearance of the titular structure, which has caused social chaos by connecting the human realm with that of the gods. A World Council established to restore a semblance of order has created an academy—presided over by Arthur—to train special youngsters known as adaptors, who are endowed with special powers tied to the elements of air, fire, and water. The students hone their abilities with the aim of opening the gate and thereby (according to rumor) earning the fulfillment of their innermost desires—which might mean becoming gods themselves. Students Akane and Midori encounter a strangely despondent boy named Aoto (who Arthur is anxious to recruit) accompanied by a mysterious spirit called Boy K that only he can see. These three become the major characters in a journey that will end at the gate, although many other figures also play roles in the complicated plot—including a wizard named Oz, Shakespeare, and the manipulative god Loki. Divine Gate boasts some striking visuals, but the narrative is so overloaded with revelations and convolutions that a narrator is needed to straighten out the twists, and the conclusion is an excruciatingly prolonged series of life lessons. Compiling all 12 episodes from 2016 in a dual-language Blu-ray/DVD Combo set, rated TV-14, extras include a featurette that breathlessly explains the premise of the series, an episode commentary, and promo videos. A disappointing effort to translate the game to the screen, this is not a necessary purchase. (F. Swietek)
Divine Gate: The Complete Series
(2016) 2 discs. 300 min. Blu-ray: $29.99. Funimation (avail. from most distributors). Volume 34, Issue 3
Divine Gate: The Complete Series
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: