This is 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.

One final note is that the guy playing Light's father is Chairman Kaga from Iron Chef. Throughout the film, I kept expecting him to whip out a yellow pepper and eat it, but unfortunately he did not!

DEATH NOTE is an atypical, unusual comic book story from Japan, based on a popular manga that itself was turned into a long-running anime series. This film came out in 2006 and is in reality the first of a two parter, with the sequel entitled DEATH NOTE: THE LAST NAME. The two films are halves of the same story and really have to be seen in unison to get the full picture.

I loved the film. It tells the unusual story of a notebook that has the power to kill anybody whose name is written in it. It's a bit of an unwieldy premise, but in the hands of the filmmakers here it becomes a quite wonderful little thriller that's completely impossible to predict. Just when you think you know where the film's going to go, it changes direction, pulls the rug out from under you, and piles on the twists and surprises. If I had to pick a film it's closest to I think I'd choose UNBREAKABLE, as both films are realistic but with a clear comic book influence.

The young Japanese cast are very good at playing different roles. There are parts for strong women here, along with well-reasoned men. Much of the scene-stealing goes to the central pairing. As the arch-villain Light, Tatsuya Fujiwara (BATTLE ROYALE) is ethereal and spooky; a handsome young man with a woman's eyes in his head. His transformation from hero to villain is handled very neatly and in a totally believable way. Ken'ichi Matsuyama, as the crime-fighting L, is equally good in an unusual part: for most of the film's he's sitting on a sofa eating confectionery.

Special effects are mostly limited to a demonic 'death god' who's always hovering on Light's shoulder; he's voiced effectively by Shido Nakamura (LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA) and I'm pleased to say that the CGI effects used to animate him are excellent. This creation, along with Gollum in the LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy, is what these effects were invented for in the first place.

Like a lot of the best Japanese films, DEATH NOTE is slowly paced and doesn't have much in the way of action, yet it keeps you enthralled and in suspense throughout. Not a single scene seems overlong or out of place. In Hollywood hands, we'd be bored out of our brains and waiting for the next popcorn action sequence, but not here. The story plays out in its own time, leading from an arresting opening into something quite profound. My only complaint is that it's only half a film, with the climax neatly opening the way for the sequel, so fans who are only seeing this one will be desperate for the next.

You might know the original Manga or the anime series (which ran for one season, as is also stated here on IMDb),if so you come with a prior knowledge of things. I only had seen a few episodes of the anime series, so I came somewhat prepared. I think it's good to have seen or read a bit about this one before you go see it, because the story is rather complex.

And I mean that in a good way. There are still some changes to the anime and some things are missing (due to time restraints),but it still captures the essence of the anime and probably the Manga (although I can't guarantee the latter). The actors play their roles exactly how you would expect them to do, the man who plays "L" being outstanding/phenomenal! It's a bit over the top of course, but that's how the characters and the whole story is -> just plain crazy. The basic idea is great, but beware because this is only the first part of a "double feature". As I understand it, this was shot back-to-back with part two, which concludes the complete Manga series in two movies! Highly recommended! :o)