Hey guys! Let's talk about the Death Note live-action movie from 2017. If you're a fan of the original manga or the anime series, you've probably heard of it, and maybe you've even seen it. For those who haven't, Death Note is a wild ride of a story. It's about a high school student who finds a notebook that lets him kill anyone whose name he writes in it. Pretty heavy stuff, right? The 2017 movie, directed by Adam Wingard, tried to bring this epic story to life, but, like many adaptations, it stirred up a lot of opinions. We're going to dive deep into this movie, looking at the story, the characters, and what made it stand out, or maybe, what didn't. Buckle up, because we're about to get into it.

The Story: A Modern American Take on a Japanese Classic

First off, the Death Note movie 2017 made a pretty big change. It moved the setting from Japan to the United States. Our main character, Light Yagami (renamed Light Turner in the movie), is now a high school student in America. This shift in setting changes the cultural context of the story quite a bit. The movie tries to capture the essence of the original, but the cultural differences can feel a little jarring to fans of the source material. Instead of the meticulous planning and cat-and-mouse game between Light and L that we see in the anime and manga, the film takes a more direct, action-oriented approach. This approach sometimes sacrifices the psychological depth and strategic brilliance that made the original Death Note so compelling. The core plot, though, remains. Light finds the Death Note, meets Ryuk (a death god), and starts using the book to kill criminals, believing he's making the world a better place. Of course, this attracts the attention of L, the brilliant detective who's determined to stop him. The movie condenses a lot of the original's plot, which is something a lot of adaptations have to do. But in doing so, it sometimes feels like it's rushing through key moments and character development, leading to a feeling that some of the deeper themes get a little lost in the shuffle. It's a faster-paced version, for better or worse.

Now, let's look at the actual plot points. The movie follows the basic premise of the original: Light finds the Death Note and starts using it. The movie really gets going when L gets involved. The cat-and-mouse game between Light and L is a highlight of the original story, and it's also a major focus here. However, it's worth noting that the way this game is played out in the movie is, let's say, different from the original. The movie amps up the action and the intensity, and the stakes feel incredibly high, very quickly. While the movie tries to capture the suspense and tension of the original, it sometimes relies on shock value and quick cuts to drive the narrative forward. While the film packs a lot of information and plot into a relatively short runtime, the focus on action over the meticulous planning of the original can leave some fans feeling like something is missing. In the anime, and the manga, the tension builds slowly and deliberately, but the movie opts for a more immediate and visceral experience. The goal? To hook you in from the first moment.

Characters: Light, L, and Ryuk – How Did They Fare?

Alright, let's talk about the characters. This is where things get really interesting, because how well the characters are portrayed can make or break an adaptation. First up, we have Light Turner, played by Nat Wolff. In the original Death Note, Light Yagami is a complex character. He starts out with good intentions but gradually becomes consumed by the power of the Death Note, and his ego and sense of self are also huge factors in how he navigates the world. In the movie, Light's characterization is a bit different. He is more impulsive, and he seems to make decisions on the fly. This makes him feel less like the calculating mastermind from the original and more like a somewhat reckless teenager who's in way over his head. Some viewers found this take compelling, especially because it gives a good example of the chaos of Light. Others missed the cool, intellectual, manipulative Light of the original. It's safe to say this is one of the biggest points of contention among fans.

Then there's L, played by Lakeith Stanfield. L is one of the most beloved characters in the Death Note universe. His eccentric behavior, his brilliant deductions, and his dedication to justice have made him a fan favorite. Stanfield's portrayal is also quite different. He captures L's unique mannerisms, his hunched posture, his love for sweets, and his odd way of speaking, but the movie version of L feels less mysterious and more... intense. The movie really ups the ante on L's mental instability and his reliance on guesswork, which changes the dynamic between him and Light. The original L is more of a calm and collected character, who seems to think a lot more before he moves. In the movie, his eccentricities are amplified, and his actions feel more erratic, which can make it hard to connect with the character in the same way. The original L is also more observant and patient, while the movie L is more reactive and impulsive, which really changes how the audience views the character.

And let's not forget Ryuk, voiced by Willem Dafoe. Ryuk is a Shinigami (death god) who is a key element of the Death Note universe. Dafoe's voice work is one of the movie's strong points. He manages to bring the mischievous and detached personality of Ryuk to life. Ryuk is the observer, the one who watches everything unfold with an almost bored interest. His design and movements are also pretty accurate to the source material. It is Ryuk that makes this adaptation work.

The Visuals and Tone: Style vs. Substance?

Okay, let's talk about the visuals and tone. The Death Note movie from 2017 leans into a darker, grittier aesthetic than the anime or manga. The movie is full of dark shadows, and stylized lighting to create a sense of tension and unease. The violence is also more graphic, which might appeal to some viewers. The filmmakers clearly aimed for a modern, edgy feel. One of the main goals of the movie was to make it stand out from the other adaptions, but some people think it went a little too far. The use of quick cuts, shaky cam, and loud music creates a sense of chaos, which really can overwhelm the subtler nuances of the story. The movie's tone is also quite different from the original. The original Death Note blends elements of suspense, mystery, and psychological thriller, with a touch of dark humor. The movie, however, emphasizes the horror and suspense aspects of the story. It doesn't really have the same sense of the original's balance. This shift affects the overall experience, because it changes the focus of the story.

In the original Death Note, the cat-and-mouse game between Light and L is a complex dance of intellect and strategy. The movie simplifies this dynamic, emphasizing action over the strategic planning. The focus on shock value and violence also changes the story's themes. The original Death Note raises ethical questions about justice, power, and the value of life, and the movie touches on these themes, but it does so in a less thoughtful way. The movie's visual style and tone are definitely a departure from the original, and whether this works for you really depends on your personal preferences. Some viewers appreciate the modern, edgy take, while others feel that it sacrifices the depth and nuance of the source material.

What Worked and What Didn't: The Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the Death Note movie from 2017? Well, that's a tough one, because opinions are super divided. Some people love it, some people hate it, and a lot of people are somewhere in the middle. The movie has its strengths and weaknesses, so let's break it down.

What Worked:

• Willem Dafoe as Ryuk: Dafoe's performance really brings Ryuk to life. His voice work perfectly captures Ryuk's mischievous personality and his detached interest in the human world. Ryuk is the anchor of the movie, and he did an amazing job.
• Visuals: The movie's visuals are striking, with its use of shadows, lighting, and a modern aesthetic. The movie is beautiful to watch. The visual style, while different from the source material, is definitely a highlight.
• Intensity: The movie keeps the suspense high and the stakes feel real, from the beginning. It's a fast-paced thriller that can keep you on the edge of your seat. For people who like action movies, this might be a plus.

What Didn't Work:

• Character Changes: The changes to Light and L's characterization are controversial. The characters feel different, and some fans of the original felt that the essence of Light and L was lost.
• Pacing and Story Compression: The movie tries to cram a lot of the original's plot into a shorter time frame, leading to a sense of things being rushed. Some key moments and character development felt skipped over.
• Tone: The shift in tone, from a psychological thriller to a horror-leaning action movie, might not appeal to everyone. This is a point of contention for many fans of the original.
• Cultural Shift: The change of setting can also feel a little jarring, as it changes the cultural context.

The Legacy of the 2017 Death Note Movie

So, where does the 2017 Death Note movie fit in the grand scheme of things? It's not a perfect adaptation, for sure. It's very different from the original, and it makes some major changes that might bother fans. It has its share of flaws and has gotten a lot of criticism. But it also has its strengths. The movie stands as a unique take on a beloved story. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of the Death Note concept and serves as a reminder that adapting a story from one medium to another is always a challenge. The movie has sparked a lot of discussion and debate among fans. It shows how passionate the fans are about the source material. It proves that the Death Note is worth revisiting. Whether you love it or hate it, the 2017 Death Note movie has definitely left its mark on the legacy of Death Note adaptations.

Final Thoughts: Should You Watch It?

So, should you watch the 2017 Death Note movie? Well, it depends on what you're looking for. If you're a die-hard fan of the original manga or anime, be prepared for some changes. Keep an open mind, and you might find something to enjoy. If you're new to the world of Death Note, this could be a good introduction, but be aware that it's a different take on the story. The movie's a fast-paced thriller with strong visuals, but if you're looking for the depth and complexity of the original Death Note, you might be disappointed. For those who enjoy a modern horror film with some familiar characters, it might be a fun watch. Ultimately, the best way to know if you'll like it is to watch it and decide for yourself. Whether you love it, hate it, or feel somewhere in between, the Death Note movie from 2017 will get you thinking. And that, in the end, is what makes it so interesting.