Death Note Review: A Cat-and-Mouse Thriller
8.5/10 — Death Note (2006)
Pros
- Brilliant cat-and-mouse plotting
- Stylish direction
- Memorable characters
Cons
- Weaker second half
Student Light Yagami finds a notebook that can kill anyone whose name is written in it, and begins a crusade to cleanse the world of criminals, pursued by the eccentric detective L. It runs for 37 episodes.
What works
The battle of wits between Light and L is gripping, with clever twists and counter-twists, and the stylish direction and music give it a unique atmosphere. Ryuk, the shinigami, is a fun, creepy presence.
Where it falters
The second half loses momentum after a pivotal event, and some of the moral questions are left unexplored.
Verdict
A gripping, stylish thriller that’s brilliant for its first half.
