King of Thorn
Director: Kazuyoshi Katayama
Actors: Kana Hanazawa, Toshiyuki Morikawa, Eri Sendai
PlotIn a dystopian near-future, a lethal virus known as the Medusa Virus is rapidly spreading across the globe, turning its victims to stone. Desperate to find a cure, the government selects 160 infected individuals to be placed in cryogenic sleep within a facility known as Venus Gate, hoping they can be awakened once a cure is discovered. Among the selected is Kasumi, a young girl separated from her twin sister Shizuku, who bravely faces the uncertain fate of this experiment. Just as the group is put to sleep, the facility's systems malfunction, and they awaken to a nightmarish reality overrun by thorny vines and monstrous creatures.
Chaos erupts as the survivors, including Kasumi, realize they are trapped within the now decaying Venus Gate. They must navigate the labyrinthine complex, filled with both physical and psychological challenges, to uncover the truth behind the virus and their current predicament. Trust is scarce, and alliances are forged and broken as the survivors deal with not only the deadly creatures but also the dark secrets of their own pasts. The harrowing journey reveals the extent of human desperation and resilience, with each step bringing them closer to a revelation that could change everything they thought they knew about the virus and themselves.
Writers: Yuji Iwahara, Kazuyoshi Katayama, Akiko Yajima
Release Date: 01 May 2010
Runtime: 120 min
Rating: TV-MA
Country: Japan
Language: Japanese, English
Home Video Reviews
King of Thorn is a compelling, intricately animated horror tale with excellent Blu-ray presentation, despite its complex narrative showing some logical flaws.
Read our review of King of Thorn Blu-ray Ibara no O to find out more