🪶 Story & Synopsis
In the movie “Death Note,” set in Seattle, Washington, high school senior Light Turner discovers a mysterious notebook called the Death Note. This leather-bound notebook has the power to cause the death of anyone whose name is written in it. Light meets Ryuk, a death god and the owner of the Death Note, who encourages Light to use it. After witnessing the death of a bully and his mother’s killer as he had written in the notebook, Light decides to team up with Mia to eliminate criminals and terrorists under the alias Kira.
However, fans of the original Death Note anime have expressed disappointment in this film adaptation. They criticized the poor acting, pacing, and the overly edgy drama that deviated significantly from the original characters’ personalities. The film’s rushed and poorly directed nature led viewers to question if the director was even familiar with the source material.
Despite the movie’s lengthy runtime of over two hours, the plot barely progresses beyond Light and L’s first meeting. A major deviation from the original storyline comes in the form of the introduction of a new character, Shiori, who becomes Light’s girlfriend and plays a significant role in the climax of the film. Other alterations include a diminished role for Misa and the absence of Rem, a key character in the original manga.
While some fans appreciated the strong performances by the cast, particularly Matsuyama’s portrayal of L, others found the visual representation of Light lacking. Despite the acting strengths, the film’s direction and deviations from the source material left many viewers feeling disconnected from the essence of the original Death Note anime.
🧑 Cast & Crew
Willem Dafoe, Nat Wolff, Lakeith Stanfield, Margaret Qualley, Shea Whigham, Paul Nakauchi, Jason Liles
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Lakeith Stanfield | L |
| Willem Dafoe | Ryuk (voice) |
| Shea Whigham | James Turner |
| Paul Nakauchi | Watari |
| Jason Liles | Ryuk (onset) |
💬 Reviews and feedback
Imagine if a chef took the recipe for a gourmet dish, then accidentally added too much salt and forgot the main ingredient – that’s how some critics feel about the Death Note movie. Director Adam Wingard seems to have stirred up quite the controversy by serving a dish that’s both overdetermined and underdeveloped, leaving fans questioning if it’s worth taking a bite.
- Plot and Themes: The Death Note movie strays far from its anime roots, almost like a rebellious teenager trying to find its own identity. While the anime thrives on strong visuals, unique character designs, and high animation quality, the movie takes a darker turn by showcasing graphic scenes of violence that might catch viewers off guard. It’s like comparing a serene painting to an intense action-packed comic book – both have their merits, but they cater to different tastes.
- Acting and Characters: Just like in any recipe, the actors are the key ingredients that can make or break the final dish. In this case, opinions seem as varied as toppings on a pizza. Some praise the well-drawn and interesting characters perfectly acted out on screen, while others find the performances terrible with plot conveniences and contradictions sprinkled throughout. It’s like ordering a pizza with your favorite toppings only to find out they’ve mixed up your order!
- Direction and Cinematography: Adam Wingard’s direction is like a delicate balancing act – some appreciate his solid competence in bringing Light Turner’s story to life while others find it lacking depth. The moody presentation of the film coupled with musical interludes gives it an edgy Donnie Darko vibe, adding layers of complexity akin to pairing wine with cheese – it can either elevate the experience or leave you wanting more.
- Production Design and Special Effects: In terms of production design, Death Note showcases stunning visuals that hook viewers in much like an enticing dessert display at a bakery window. The special effects bring an extra layer of intensity with graphic violence that contrasts starkly with the anime’s more subtle approach. It’s like choosing between a classic vanilla cake or an avant-garde molecular gastronomy creation – both offer different experiences for discerning palates.
- Pace and Editing: The pacing of the movie is akin to riding a rollercoaster – unpredictable twists keep you on edge while some find it exhilarating, others may feel motion sick from sudden changes in direction. The editing weaves together Light’s journey with neat montages reminiscent of classic crime thrillers but lacks originality according to some critics who expected more flair.
Binge-watching Tip: If you’re new to Death Note, consider starting with the anime before diving into the movie for better context. It’s like enjoying appetizers before digging into the main course; it helps build anticipation and enhances your overall experience.
In conclusion, Death Note is like a fusion dish that blends elements from its source material with new flavors introduced by Wingard. While some may find this concoction intriguing and bold, others might long for the familiar taste of the original recipe. So grab your popcorn (or your favorite snack) and decide for yourself if this adaptation hits the spot!
Rating: 7/10
Remember, just like in cooking or watching movies – everyone has different tastes! Bon appétit!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stunning visuals | Robbed original series’ identity |
| Unique character designs | Underdeveloped plot |
| High animation quality | Movie unrelated to anime |
| Well-acted characters | Terrible acting |
| Unpredictable story | Plot holes |
| Stylish presentation | Contrivances and contradictions |
| Graphic depiction | Wastes premise |
| Good pacing | Illogical plot |
| Some twists | Lack of investigation into premise |
Feedback
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Death Note (2017) - IMDb
SPONSOREDA high school student named Light Turner discovers a mysterious notebook that has the power to kill anyone whose name is written within its pages, and launches a secret crusade to rid the wo… Read allA high school student named Light Turner discovers a mysterious notebook that has the power to kill anyone whose name is written within its pages, and launches a secret crusade to rid the world of criminals.A high school student named Light Turner discovers a mysterious notebook that has the power to kill anyone whose name is written within its pages, and launches a secret crusade to rid the world of criminals.SPONSOREDSPONSOREDLaKeith Stanfield
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Death Note (2017 film) - Wikipedia
Death Noteis a 2017 American supernatural crime thriller film directed by Adam Wingard from a screenplay by Charles Parlapanides, Vlas Parlapanides, and Jeremy Slater, loosely based on the manga of the same name by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. The film stars Nat Wolff, LaKeith Stanfield, Margaret Qualley, Shea Whigham, Paul Nakauchi, Jason Liles, and Willem Dafoe. The plot follows an American high school student named Light Turner (portrayed by Wolff) who finds a mysterious supernatural notebook known as the Death Note, which can kill anyone whose name is written on its pages, using it to murder criminals under the alias of Kira, while a secretive detective only known as L (portrayed by Stanfield) seeks to find him.
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Death Note (2017) | Rotten Tomatoes
Death Notebenefits from director Adam Wingard’s distinctive eye and a talented cast, but they aren’t enough to overcome a fatally overcrowded canvas.
Death NoteWhere to WatchDeath Note
Watch Death Note with a subscription on Netflix.
What to KnowCritics ReviewsAudience ReviewsMy RatingCast & Crew
Adam WingardDirectorNat WolffLight TurnerMargaret QualleyMia SuttonLaKeith StanfieldLWillem DafoeRyukPaul NakauchiWatari
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Death Note (film series) | Death Note Wiki | Fandom
Overview[]
The first and second films, titledDeath NoteandDeath Note: The Last Name, were both released in 2006. The two films adapt the main manga storyline but keep the battle between Light Yagami and L. As with the manga, the story centers around university student Light who decides to rid the world of evil with the help of a supernatural notebook, called a Death Note, that kills anyone whose name is written in it. The two films were directed by Shūsuke Kaneko, produced by Nippon Television, and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures Japan.
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Death Note streaming: where to watch movie online? - JustWatch
Death Note streaming: where to watch online?
You can buy “Death Note” on Microsoft Store, Amazon Video as download or rent it on Microsoft Store, Amazon Video online.Watch NowCCHDR126min – JapaneseRent$3.19CCHDR126minRent$3.99CCHDR126minBuy$14.99CCHDR126min – JapaneseBuy$16.19Didn’t find what you were looking for?Let us notify you once it becomes available on more servicesSomething wrong? Let us know!
⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)
In Netflix’s 2017 adaptation of the popular Japanese manga series “Death Note,” directed by Adam Wingard, the story takes a drastic turn from its source material, causing quite a negative reaction upon its release. Set in Seattle, the movie follows a teenage loner named Light Turner, played by Nat Wolff, who comes into possession of a mysterious notebook titled “Death Note.” This notebook grants its owner the power to kill anyone by writing their name while picturing their face. Light forms a quick bond with Mia Sutton, played by Margaret Qualley, who desires control over the deadly notebook.
Ryuk, the Shinigami creature responsible for dropping the Death Note into the human world, is voiced by Willem Dafoe in the film. While Ryuk remains an intriguing character from the manga, his presence in the movie is limited, with missed opportunities to explore his role further. In the manga, Ryuk serves as a sinister mentor to Light, explaining the rules of the Death Note and eagerly observing the consequences of its use.
The characters in the film, including Light and Mia, often disregard the rules of the Death Note or lack a proper understanding of its powers. They invent a persona named Kira to take credit for the killings orchestrated using the Death Note, deviating from the original plot and neglecting essential rules of the notebook. Mia’s power-hungry nature leads her to betray Light by stealing the Death Note and writing his name in it, showcasing the characters’ disregard for the consequences of their actions.
L, portrayed by Lakeith Stanfield, is a detective hired to investigate the mysterious deaths linked to the Death Note. His character, known for his obsession with candy, remains underdeveloped in the film adaptation. Stanfield acknowledges that the movie is a reinterpretation of the source material, diverging from the manga’s plot while retaining key character elements.
In terms of the deaths depicted in the film, the adaptation chooses to showcase more gruesome and visually intense killings compared to the original manga’s heart attack-induced deaths. The movie opts for a “Final Destination”-style approach, portraying brutal and over-the-top death sequences to emphasize the lethal power of the Death Note.
Despite the film’s departure from the manga’s narrative and character development, the ending of Netflix’s “Death Note” leaves viewers questioning the decisions made by the characters and the overall direction of the story. The adaptation’s reception highlights the challenges of translating a beloved manga into a Westernized film while maintaining the essence of the original source material.
👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating
TV-MA
Age Rating:
Death Note Movie is rated R for strong bloody violence, disturbing images, and language.
Parental Guide:
Parents should be aware that Death Note Movie contains intense scenes of violence, including characters being killed by writing their names in a notebook, a man stabbing himself with a pen resulting in gore, and a shootout with bodyguards opening fire. There is also a brief moment showing a character’s eyes being gouged out in a horror movie scene. Additionally, there is a scene in a club where a woman’s breasts are briefly shown.
This movie is not suitable for children and is recommended for mature audiences due to its graphic and violent content.
📺 Streaming and where to watch
| streaming service | extra information |
|---|---|
| Netflix | You can watch Death Note movie on Netflix. Light Turner finds a supernatural notebook and uses it to mete out death, attracting the attention of a detective, a demon and a girl in his class. |
| Apple TV+ | You can watch Death Note (2006) on Apple TV+ for free. Rent or buy options are also available. |
❝ Quotes and Cult
In this world, there are very few people who actually trust each other.
This world is rotten, and those who are making it rot deserve to die. Someone has to do it, so why not me?
The real evil is the power to kill people. Someone who finds himself with that power is cursed. No matter how you use it, anything obtained by killing people can never bring true happiness.
When you die, I'll be the one writing your name in my Death Note.
I am justice!
I’ll take a potato chip AND EAT IT!
We've eased each other's boredom for quite a while... It's been quite fun.
Yagami-san, if I die in the next few days, your son is Kira.
Kira is childish and he hates losing... I am also childish and I hate to lose. That's how I know.
This has gotta be the longest 40 seconds of my life.
If Kira gets caught, he is evil. If Kira rules the world, he is justice.
Hear this: I'm not only Kira, but I'm also God of the new world!
If you can't win the game, if you can't solve the puzzle, then you're nothing but a loser.
He who strikes first wins.
Having finally made his dream reality, he was overwhelmed both by the magnitude of his achievement and by the joy and happiness that it brought him.
You're just a murderer, Light Yagami. And this notebook is the deadliest weapon of mass murder in the history of mankind.
Don't worry, Commander Rester, making assumptions is part of any investigation. If we're wrong, all it'll cost is an apology.
The human whose name is written in this note shall die.
In all things, one cannot win with defense alone. To win, you must attack.
An eye for an eye my friend
Light, my son... from one murderer to another, I'll see you in hell.
🤖Death Note Reddit Talks
Death Note Movie Discussion
The 2017 Netflix adaptation of Death Note has garnered mixed reactions on Reddit. Some users found it to be a decent film, praising the actor who portrayed L for his accurate portrayal of the character. Others, however, were disappointed, criticizing the movie for straying too far from the original anime series.
One common complaint was that the movie felt underdeveloped, with critics arguing that it lacked the depth and complexity of the anime. Some users also expressed disappointment that the movie did not explore the moral dilemmas associated with the Death Note, which was a central theme in the original series.
Another major criticism was that the movie’s plot deviated significantly from the anime. Some users felt that these changes weakened the story and made the movie less engaging. For example, the movie’s portrayal of Light Yagami, the protagonist, was seen as less sympathetic and more villainous than in the anime.
Despite these criticisms, some users still found the movie to be enjoyable as a standalone film. They praised the suspenseful plot and the performances of the cast. However, they acknowledged that the movie was not a faithful adaptation of the anime and should not be judged as such.
Overall, the Reddit discussions reveal that the Death Note movie is a divisive film. While some users found it to be a decent adaptation, others were disappointed by its departure from the source material. Ultimately, whether or not you enjoy the movie will depend on your expectations and your willingness to accept a different interpretation of the Death Note story.
Specific Criticisms and Praises:
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Criticisms:
- Underdeveloped plot
- Lack of depth and complexity
- Deviation from the original anime series
- Less sympathetic portrayal of Light Yagami
- Lack of exploration of moral dilemmas
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Praises:
- Decent acting, particularly by the actor who portrayed L
- Suspenseful plot
- Enjoyable as a standalone film
Top discussions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/deathnote/comments/6vxckd/netflixs_death_note_is_an_awful_film_not_just_an/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/6vzaae/official_discussion_death_note_2017_spoilers/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/deathnote/comments/10walpz/watched_the_netflix_movie_i_think_its_very_over/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/deathnote/comments/15uqu3i/death_note_2017_is_exactly_what_i_expected_it/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/deathnote/comments/y0sra9/i_never_knew_these_movies_existed_are_they_any/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Was the Death Note movie good according to critics?
A project that feels both overdetermined and underdeveloped. Director Adam Wingard has robbed Death Note of its identity, messing up nearly everything that made the original series so compelling.
Why is Death Note anime highly rated?
The high quality of the anime consists of strong visuals, unique character designs, and high animation quality. Death Note has stunning visuals that hook the viewer in, with beautifully designed characters like Light Yagami.
Is Death Note movie worth watching?
Yes, it’s really great. One of the best thrillers out there, in my opinion. But some viewers may find it slightly less impressive on a second viewing.
Does the Death Note movie spoil the anime for viewers?
The movie had almost nothing to do with the anime. It’s recommended to watch the anime first to fully experience the story. However, if you are curious about the movie, go ahead but be prepared for disappointment.
Is Death Note movie different from the anime in terms of graphic content?
The movie unflinchingly shows how graphic it can be, with scenes like the first on-screen Death Note murder standing out. This contrasts with the original anime’s preference for less graphic deaths.
Who is the fake Kira in Death Note?
Misa Amane is the fake Kira in Death Note. She is an up-and-coming model, actress, and supporter of Kira who eventually becomes the Second Kira.
🔀 Recommended Movie and TV Show
- Tomodachi Game: A high-school series that delves into psychological warfare with surprising plot twists, similar to Death Note.
- Star Trek Movies: Particularly the newer Star Trek movies for their intriguing plots and psychological elements.
- Battle Royale: A Japanese movie with an anime-like premise, offering intense battles and strategic gameplay.
- Kaiji: A Japanese movie that is as intriguing as Death Note, known for its suspenseful storyline.
- Erased: A series with a lot of twists and turns, an amazing plot, and a thrilling storyline similar to Death Note.
- Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion: An anime series with complex characters and psychological warfare, akin to Death Note.
- Attack On Titan: A dark and intense anime with complex themes and moral dilemmas, similar to Death Note.
Wallpapers & Media
🔥 Audience Trends
