Destiny of the Shrine Maiden
Synopsis
Kannazuki no Miko begins in the village of Mahoroba, where time passes slowly for both man and nature. Two students from the village's prestigious Ototachibana Academy might as well be night and day. Himeko is shy and unassertive, while Chikane is bold and elegant. Despite this, they love each other, and nothing can come between them, no matter how hard they try. On the two girls' shared birthday, a sinister voice corrupts one of their friends into attacking them, and just when it seemed grimmest, the lunar and solar priestess powers that lay dormant in the two girls awaken, dispelling the evil. That was only the first hurdle, however. The two must now fend off the countless others who would threaten their well-being—even the people closest to them!
Audience Consensus
Audience reception is mixed, with some viewers highly appreciating the yuri romance and character dynamics, particularly Chikane's. However, many find the plot clichéd, the mecha elements out of place, and the melodrama excessive. The series is divisive, with strong opinions on both sides, resulting in a polarized viewing experience, and controversy score of 7.
Strengths
- Compelling character relationships, especially Chikane's development
- High-quality opening and ending themes
- Visually appealing character designs and animation (for its time)
Weaknesses
- Generic plot elements and reliance on anime stereotypes
- Inconsistent pacing, particularly in the first half
- Forced melodrama and cheesy dialogue
- Problematic inclusion of a sexual assault scene