Death Note - Desu nôto: The Last Name

I knew that the Death Note story couldn't be told in a single movie and the Americans proved that several times over, the Japanese made it a two parter and though it's not on par with the anime it's still great viewing.

Following on the story from Light & L's first meeting the battle of the two great minds continues as they try to outdo one another until the fantastic finale.

Once again there are differences from the anime and the story isn't identical (Including the finale) but it's loyal enough to the original material to not be offensive.

Once again both Light and L actors knock their performances out of the park and make up for some shoddy cgi and questionable soundtrack.

I would recommend the Death Note movies to any Death Note fan, anyone who has only seen the US version and anyone who simply doesn't fancy anime.

Now venturing on to the live action spinoffs methinks.

The Good:

It's Death Note

Perfect casting

Extremely well written

The Bad:

They changed Rems entire gender!

Red Hot Chilli Peppers again!? Really!?

Ryuk/Rem sfx still crap

Things I Learnt From This Movie:

The Death note story can be just about accomplished across 4hrs with tweaks

After first film's unexpected finale, this one continues adopting the manga storyline while adding some minor original twists, leading to a completely changed and, in my opinion, improved ending.

Although bad visual effects and mediocre acting might turn some people off. If you can look past that, and if you weren't satisfied with the original manga ending, this might be just what you are looking for.

A little long, but the ending to this movie was definitely better than the ending in the anime.

Even though I'm new to "Death Note", I still have a zeal for it. It was, I apprehended, a comic strip before. The exciting plot attracts me a lot, I especially like the twists in it, and the truth won't come out until finish watching the whole movie. Moreover, it also stimulates deep thoughts, and here are some of my reflections:

First, what is justice? Does it means: "to kill all the criminals"? If so, is killing a kind of commitment? Then how can you create a "Justice World" by murdering? The method that the main character, Light, had took, in my opinion, although an effective way but a burlesque behavior.

Second, is "love" a kind of stumbling block? The main character, Light, seemed so callous that he could avail himself of the people around him to reach his goal. As for the Devil, who has love, dies without doubt. It also shows that "love is blind". Misa, the girl who loves Light, is willing to exchange half of her lifetime, just to help Light to kill people easily. Nevertheless, does Light really loves her? I think Misa doesn't really care about it. In the other hand, Light's father believes in his son so much that never thought of that Light is the murderer. However, the truth is clear.

Last, there are two geniuses in the movie: the greatest detective, L, and the main character, Light. They seem so alike, nonetheless, walking on different path. I think it's really lamentable for a chance to meet a guy whose talent and personality was so resemble to us, but can't be friends. I believe that Light and L really cherish each other.

After all, I really like the movie "Death Note", it'll be great for you to go watching it.

It seems that every live action derivative of a manga/anime that I've seen has been barely watchable at best.

These movies on the other hand were entertaining to the end. They stayed with the main plot as much as possible and delivered the memorable dramatic scenes with new live action flavor, but changed the plot without opening holes and delivered a new, believable conclusion.

I didn't like Fujiwara much in the lead role- he's not dynamic or conniving enough to bring the role to life. Quite often his face seems to "give it away" when his role calls for a solid and impenetrable exterior.

Matsuyama, however, takes on the ridiculously difficult role of "L" and absolutely rocks. Vocal tones, strange postures and movements, appearance, mannerisms, all breathe life into what was one of the best characters ever to grace manga shelves. My only complaint was the over-decadent manner in which he ate his candy- it seemed a little contrived, as opposed to the more matter-of-fact noshing done by the manga/anime character during his investigations.

Thay certainly could have done a lot worse, and they took enough film time to do the series justice. Can't wait for the American version.