Death Note Netflix Movie: An Ambitious but Flawed Adaptation

🤔The film attempts to please series fans while transforming the original concept of Death Note into a cautionary romantic coming-of-age story and a metaphor for American intervention.

🎥Despite its flaws, the film showcases impressive cinematography, neon-tinged color palette, bold direction, solid acting, and fantastic music.

🖊️Light Turner's character is portrayed differently from the anime counterpart, with a more sympathetic and relatable portrayal.

📖The film simplifies the rules and mechanics of the Death Note, leading to inconsistencies and plot holes.

⚖️The film's attempt to explore the philosophical debate about justice remains intact, but is overshadowed by other changes and deviations.

Is the Death Note Netflix movie faithful to the original anime and manga?

—No, the film deviates from the source material and makes significant changes to the characters, plot, and rules of the Death Note.

What are the film's strengths?

—The film excels in cinematography, editing, music, and some well-written scenes and character beats.

Does the film explore the philosophical debate about justice?

—While the core concept of the debate remains, it is overshadowed by other changes and deviations in the film.

Are the plot inconsistencies and plot holes addressed?

—While some inconsistencies are explained through smaller details and visual storytelling, the film still has notable plot holes.

Should fans of the anime and manga watch the film?

—Fans may be disappointed with the changes and deviations, but approaching the film as a standalone adaptation may provide some enjoyment.

00:00The Death Note Netflix movie strives to be both a cautionary romantic coming-of-age story and a metaphor for American intervention.

02:26The film features impressive cinematography, editing, and music, but suffers from inconsistent plot logic and an over-reliance on coincidence.

03:00Light Turner's character is portrayed differently from the anime counterpart, with a more sympathetic and relatable portrayal.

05:20The film simplifies the rules and mechanics of the Death Note, leading to inconsistencies and plot holes.

06:40The film's attempt to explore the philosophical debate about justice remains intact, but is overshadowed by other changes and deviations.