Death Note

Just returned from debut of Death Note, and surprisingly I enjoyed it. Manga to big screen adaptations don't always do so well, so I wasn't getting my hopes up over this. All the main characters are portrayed very well by the cast. Yes, even Tatsuya Fujiwara did a great job as the stories protagonist, Yagami Light. However, his rival, played by Ken'ichi Matsuyama was amazing. Completely captured the world's greatest detective's every mannerism with ease. But the true star of this 2 part story is definitely Light's shinigami, Ryuuk. Outstanding job by the CGI crew, and Ryuuk's voice was just as would be imagined in the manga. Can't really give too much away because I'd hate to spoil it for anybody who hasn't read the manga (that being said, definitely read the manga to see what was changed, in my opinion, the changes were overall good, not great, but it won't make you angry) . I guess the main question on everybody's mind would be is the movie better than the manga? No, but in a (about) 2 hour film you couldn't do much better with story. Well worth checking out.

This is the live-action version of the TV anime series, DEATH NOTE. They are both relatively similar, though the plot lines have been moved around a bit and a girlfriend was created for the main character, Light. In the anime and manga, there was no girlfriend and so my purist daughter complained loudly when she appeared in the film. However, I advise you to relax and give the film a chance--I actually LOVED what they did with the lady in the film. Early on, she's about as superfluous as a vestigial tail, but later she becomes an important part of the plot--you'll see. But as for the rest of the film, it is true to the original--Light is an evil piggie and L looks and acts much like a cockroach (like in the anime).

As for the story itself, it's a pretty hard film to describe for Western audiences. If you are already an anime/manga freak, then you probably will not be scared away by the odd plot line and story elements about the supernatural. However, for the uninitiated, please try to suspend judgment--the film can be enjoyed by anyone--not just anime/manga fans. I am much more of a casual fan of the genre and enjoyed the film immensely. My wife generally hates anime and loved the film. And, my insane "sold my soul to anime" teen loved the film as well. In light of this, I really think this live-action film is good entertainment for all.

One final note is that the guy playing Light's father is Chairman Kaga from Iron Chef. Throughout the film, I kept expecting him to whip out a yellow pepper and eat it, but unfortunately he did not!

I admit it I'm a Death Note fanboy, the anime was a masterpiece and truly one of the most intelligent well written pieces of television ever made.

The American adaptation was a travesty, an embarrassment of colossal proportions which missed the entire point of the series and I was concerned about the Japanese version purely because I can't imagine telling that epic a story in 90 minutes.

Immediately I was taken by the solid casting, this was Light and L was sheer unadulterated perfection and a stark contrast to the American version who was the weakest link of the entire film.

The movie is a compact version of the first half of the anime with some slight differences/tweaks near the end which actually change the story quite a bit. Honestly I didn't mind as they were done so well as was the rest of the film.

So where does it go wrong? Well it doesn't really, but be aware this is part 1. Even I didn't realise that and will be shortly venturing into the finale. I always hate movies which aren't self contained and without part 2 this is merely part of a story.

The final moment of this however was outstandingly done 10/10.

If you like the anime I recommend this, yes it's essentially the same story but a valid adaptation that deserves your time.

Well written, fantastically acted, a near masterpiece.

The Good:

It's Death Note

Very well made, written and filmed

Extremely well cast

The Bad:

Red Hot Chilli Peppers was the weirdest choice for a credits song

Ryuk sfx are really quite weak

Things I Learnt From This Movie:

If a person has a gun to their head, point a gun at them as well that'll show em!

The US had no excuse for not making a decent Death Note movie

As a non-aficionado of manga, I am always wary of manga-inspired productions. Nana, for example, panders purely to its manga fan-base and fails to engage a wider audience.

Death Note, however, manages to break free of its comic book origins. Light finds the Death Note, a jotter that allows him to pass a death sentence on anyone whose name he writes in it. Ryuuk, the apple-addicted Angel of Death who owns the book, turns up to play sidekick to Light's procession of executions. The police are at a loss, till super-sleuth 'L' takes on the case and figures out the MO and narrows the suspects down to the lead detectives' family.

Tatsuya Fujiwara is perfectly cast, his angelic features in shocking contrast to the character's dark heart. Ken'ichi Matsuyama is all quirky brilliance as L. The pace is brisk, the twists plausible and surprising. The ending sets up the sequel but in a forgivable manner. Fun, entertaining cinema.

A live-action adaptation of the anime/manga 'Death Note' is not something too far-fetched. Unlike 'Dragon Ball' or 'Saint Seiya', 'Death Note' is not flashy or fight-based, being much easier to be re-enacted with real people instead of drawn ones.

The story follows Light Yagami, a genius teenager who finds a Death Note: a notebook used by Shinigamis ('death gods') with the power to kill people whose name are written on it. Deciding to use the book to kill all criminals in the world and create an utopia, he ends up at odds with L, the world's greatest detective, who is tasked with finding the 'Kira' and bring him to justice.

The premise is rather strange and might sound silly, but it actually develops smartly and creates many thought-provoking points for reflexion. The anime/manga is possibly one of the best ones out there, and the confrontations between Light's and L's views create a splendid philosophical discussion on the nature of good/evil. Is Light right to kill others like he is doing? To have such a power over others lives, how easy is it to cross the line of good and evil? Is there such a line at all?

This film covers the first half of the story. As such, it is obviously convoluted and some of the side-plots are changed/discarded so as to keep the story's flow. The actors are good; in special, Ken'ichi Matsuyama is brilliant as L and manages to copy his mannerisms with perfection. Tatsuya Fujiwara also makes a worthwhile Light. Ryuuk, the Shinigami who gives Light the Death Note, is also present through a good use of special effects. The soundtrack is good at times too.

This is definitely worth a look for 'Death Note' fans, and possibly even for those with no previous knowledge. There are some deviations from the original story, true, but nothing that hinders the quality. A nice touch was having Light read 'Beyond Good and Evil' in one scene, a perfect choice for him.