Death Note [DVD] [2006] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

Having enjoyed the death note manga and anime series, I was eager to watch the first live action feature length movie.

For those who are not familiar with the story, death note is about a 17 year old genius named Light Yagami who comes across a death note dropped by a shinigami/God of death. The person who's name is written in the mysterious notebook will die. Light takes it upon himself to use the death note to cleanse the world of criminals and create a utopia world which he will be God of. As criminals begin dying all around the world, the police take desperate action and employ the help of the detective 'L' who has never appeared in public, yet has solved every case he has been given. What ensues is a battle of wits between two geniuses, filled with plenty of twists and turns that will keep you glued to your screen. Moreover, this movie makes the viewer think about whether Lights killings are justified or whether he is just a murderer. It also makes us ponder the idea of what we would do if we came into possesion of a death note. It is an interesting concept that has actually become a phenomenon worldwide and has therefore led to Death Note's immensely popular cult status.
During Light's killing spree, he is accompanied by the shinigami called Ryuk, who previously owned the death note. This creepy looking character acts as the spectator to Light and L's battle, while also creating some light comic relief.
This movie sticks closely to the original plot of the manga, yet there are quite a few minor and major differences. A major difference would be that Light has a girlfriend. This addition creates an interesting watch for fans of the series as it offers a different take on the death note story. Newcomers will feel equally at home as you do not have to watch the manga or anime to understand this.
This movie, being the first of two parts leaves the viewer wanting more, with a brilliant ending that is original to the movie, yet is still really entertaining. It was particularly enjoyable to watch this movie and be surprised by a completely new ending.

This movie boasts a solid performance from famed Japanese actor Tatsuya Fujiwara (Battle Royale, Sabu) who plays Light. Furthermore, the actor who plays L, Kenichi Matsuyama, brings the unique character to life brilliantly.
As far as music goes in this film, Red Hot Chilli Pepper fans will be happy because the the main theme song for this movie is Dani California.
At just over 2 hours, this movie is slightly overlong, yet is still undeniably gripping throughout. The death note movies are likely to attract many fans of the asian film genre, yet the anime series is far superior in my opinion. So if you enjoy this then it's worth checking the series out, as well as the original source manga. After watching this movie I'm looking forward to seeing the second live action installment, as well as the spin off movie.

I have just seen this at the ICA in London. It's 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 and I can hardly wait to see the sequel that according to many is even better then the original. It is said that the sequel ends differently then the Manga version and that it is surprising and shocking all together. Believe me "Death Note" will really become a classic!!

Although the film came out two years ago in Japan, and the original manga and anime spin-off have been available freely for three years, I was eagerly anticipating the Death Note movie as soon as I heard it was being made, as the idea is sheer genius. And, luckily, the film takes the proverbial and runs with it.

The story starts with idealistic law student Light Megami feeling disillusioned that criminals are escaping justice by getting off on technicalities and remaining in their ways, and confronts a recently acquitted Yakuza. On the way home, he finds the titular Death Note that the God of Death, Ryuk, accidentally dropped in the real world and experiments and finds it works, so begins to rid the world of all criminals that have escaped justice in short order.

Doing this, he arouses interest from the authorities who believe a serial killer they dub "Kira" is at work, even though at the same time the general public are behind the character they have dubbed Kira, as nobody knows that Light is the one responsible. And, as the authorities close in, Light begins to eliminate those who are trying to catch him, although he cannot eliminate the one person that remains a thorn in his side: L.

Light's slide from an idealist who is acting as any person would, to a megalomaniac who appoints himself judge, jury and executioner, to the person who starts to eliminate anyone that opposes Kira is the main crux of the story of this and the sequel, Death Note: The Last Name, as well as the source of the main drama. Also, as Light learns he can't just write a name to kill the person as it raises suspicion, the deaths he maps out get increasingly inventive to take the focus away from Kira and, as a result, himself.

However, the film has a lot of light amidst the clearly dark plot, mainly the interplay between Light and Ryuk, as well as L's manner that baffles the authorities.

The performances, mainly Light and L (I can't reveal any more as I'd promptly spoil half the plotline instantly) are top notch, as they engage in a battle of wits between L and Kira, and as stated previously Tatsuya Fujiwara captures the range of Light's motives brilliantly.

There may be a lot to take in on the face of it, but in actual fact the film is easy to get into and follow, and it's only one plotline that is left hanging (it sets up, and is only explained in, The Last Name), and it's a lot of fun once you get into it.