DEATH NOTE(2008).
© Encore Films
Mania Grade: A
Movie: Death Note (live action)
Rating: Not Rated
Starring: Tatsuya Fujiwara, Ken'ichi Matsuyama, Takeshi Kaga
Original Story and Art By: Tsugumi Ohba, Takeshi Obata
Directed By: Shusuke Kaneko
Distributor: Encore Films
Movie: Death Note (live action)
Rating: Not Rated
Starring: Tatsuya Fujiwara, Ken'ichi Matsuyama, Takeshi Kaga
Original Story and Art By: Tsugumi Ohba, Takeshi Obata
Directed By: Shusuke Kaneko
Distributor: Encore Films
Live Action Movie Review Death Note
By: Adrianne HessReview Date: Saturday, May 24, 2008
Spoiler Alert! The following review of the live action movie adaptation of Death Note contains references from the manga and animated series. If you plan on reading or watching the original Death Note, please do not read until you have had a chance to at least begin either.
Any fan of Death Note would wonder how the intricate storyline could be condensed into two movies, but after viewing the first part, it would be hard to leave feeling anything but impressed. The judgment has already begun and the storyline moves along swiftly while retaining all critical information. The changes made are mostly in the form of where and how some characters arrive into the plot, but it is done to enhance the movie rather than detract from the original storyline. There are less monologues from Light and L as in the series, they often would voice aloud their thought process and actions. In the movie, there is more room for dramatic effects in other ways, which gives the film a darker feel.
Director Shusuke Kaneko brings the spirit of the characters to his cast which is the perfect ensemble to represent the characters of Death Note. In the movie, Light is given a more laid back appearance and outward attitude more characteristic of young man his age. L is nearly identical, with the same dress, posture, strange mannerisms and same addiction to sweets. He is still child-like in his social interactions yet eventually endears himself to those around him, even if begrudgingly. Chief Yagami appears more suspect of his son and even acts fatherly toward L a few times, most notably when he places a blanket over him, when he thinks he is sleeping. In a scene with Light and L, Chief Yagami orders L to apologize to Light for suspecting him to be Kira, like a father settling a fight between brothers while L and Light attempt to hold back their evil grinning to each other.
Shinigami (death god) Ryuk is as fun as ever in the live action with the same goth rock star ensemble complete with his long creepy black wings. Ryuk remains a non-partial companion to Light and even offers the same concerns as when he questions Light’s use of the Death Note even expressing disgust at how far Light will go to keep his Kira identity a secret. Still, Ryuk is enjoying the events unfolding around him along with his (usually) ready supply of apples.
Other characters, such as Light’s mom and sister are sweet and cheerful with Light’s sister, Sayu, as the precocious younger sister who thinks the world of her bright and popular older brother. L’s assistant, Watari is the also a standout as he has a regal yet sympathetic demeanor and is obviously a person with great mental abilities.
Many anime fans are used to hearing the original Japanese cast and reading subtitles, so the imperfect voice match up is a little annoying in the beginning. The English voices are the same actors used in the anime, so those familiar with the English version of the series will immediately recognize them. While adding the English voice over, it would have been nice if they would have added subtitles for all the times that kanji and katakana are shown on computers, monitors and letters from Kira as it was frustrating when the camera would linger and being unable to comprehend what the characters were reading.
Since the story and filming takes place in Japan, it is fun to see the streets of Tokyo and the recognizable areas of Shinjuku. It helps give the story a more realistic feel especially a scene right in the center of the city where a huge crowd has gathered to watch a live hostage situation on the big screen.
The live action Death Note provides a good blend of similarity and variability so that the most discriminating fans will enjoy the film and even keep guessing at the ultimate outcome.
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