#dn netflix

[lottafandoms]

So I found out that Netflix made a repeat of Dragon Ball the American movie, with Death Note. Even going as far as to change the last name of Light to...Turner. To make it more...Egghhh, American... The movie is disgusting and a disgrace to the anime and manga.

[rhymelawliet]

I watched Netflix’s DEATH NOTE Adaptation. Here are my thoughts.

Let me begin by saying that I didn’t HATE it. For someone who has considered ‘Death Note’ my favorite manga/anime for nearly a decade, that’s saying something.

(SPOILERS BELOW)

It’s difficult to compare Netflix’s version to the original due to the complete change in characterization and plotline. They are two entirely different species of animal, but it’s safe to say the original is superior in nearly every aspect (which is to be expected).

Let’s begin with Light “Turner”. He begins as an emotionally troubled teen still grieving the murder of his mother and the unjust treatment of her killer. He is already hurt and jaded, unlike Light Yagami who was from an upper middle-class family, earned good grades in school, had a loving relationship with his parents, and was all-around intelligent and well-respected by his peers and adults. Light Turner didn’t have any concept of what he was getting into when he started being Kira. His desire for justice comes from pain, whereas Yagami’s comes from a place of love for the people he cares about (i.e. his family). Turner is far less cunning, methodical, or ingenious. He’s not intellectually average, but he also doesn’t have Yagami’s symptoms of sociopathy or narcissism at the beginning.

Misa (Mia Sutton) gets a pretty great opportunity when compared to the unfair rep the original Misa gets. Mia is far more cunning than Light. She KNOWS what she wants and is determined to get it no matter the cost. She’s no puppet. Her blatant betrayal of Light is the opposite of who Misa is (even if Mia says it’s for the better). Misa trusted completely in Light because he was worthy of her trust. Turner is far more weak-willed, so Mia takes over when she thinks he’s making serious oversights. She has the same ruthless qualities as Misa (Misa once threatened to kill any girl who showed interest in Light...) but uses them to cheat Light out of his vision to make (in her opinion) superior choices on how to use the Death Note.

I think Ryuk’s character was the most surprising. As far as I know, most adaptations haven’t messed with his character at all. This Ryuk, played PERFECTLY by Willem Dafoe, had AN AGENDA. This kind of blew my mind. Original Ryuk was only doing this to prevent his own boredom (which was NEVER touched upon here...) and plays the role of the Trickster, tricking humans into using the Death Note and wreaking havoc upon themselves and the world around them. Not as many funny moments for Ryuk, probably to keep the spooky factor. I once had an English teacher read the first volume of DN (which he liked) but his only complaint was that Ryuk was his favorite character but he didn’t DO enough. This Ryuk with a motive would have suited him.

My favorite character is L, which held up in this version as well. I love the actor who played him (anyone seen ‘Get Out’?? CHILLING PERFORMANCE FROM HIM THERE, HOLY SHIT). I thought Keith Stanfield got L’s quirks down perfectly, and played L as much more outwardly emotional (which I liked, as a different take). I was shocked when L chased after Light with a GUN. I was sort of laughing maniacally as he stole a police car and hunted him down. L? Hunt down Light WITH A GUN? L has never been about revenge. He wouldn’t grieve Watari’s death this way. I was very relieved when he didn’t shoot Light, and no, I don’t believe he wrote Light’s name in the book. That’s the difference between L and Light-- L would not kill out of revenge. Revenge is not justice. I also think (as an American) that they missed an opportunity to make social commentary for L (as an African American male) as someone who truly understands justice (due to the horrific way African American men in our society are treated by law enforcement and the justice system). Would have loved to see his race become a relevant part of his character. 

I was shocked by the events of the film. Partly due to the sudden graphic nature (not because it was graphic, but unexpected). I watched in horror and delight as someone got decapitated. It was wicked. If they’re not dying of heart attacks (AGAIN, NOT EVEN MENTIONED???) then I guess it should be pretty fantastical.

Interesting and beautiful usage of neon lights here. I’m a sucker for darkness and neon, the colors they make, the shadows they cast, the moods they evoke. A cool modern touch. Also, the excellent usage of slow motion made the film aesthetically beautiful. The notebook falling, the couple falling from the ferris wheel-- dramatic. Mia’s explosion into the flowers. Misa would have LOVED the dark drama of that. Stunning images and cinematography. I found it fitting, especially for a modern adaptation (LOOSE adaptation, that is).

Little touches made this Death Note adaptation special, which made me happy. Watari singing to L (YES, MORE OF THIS) (but also, was his name really just WATARI? Lazy writing, folks), funny one-liners (”rest your glutes,” Light’s comments about Ryuk, his fingers, having a pen, etc. which made Light more relatable to a general audience), Mia’s in CALCULUS, L being a trashlord and throwing his candy shit everywhere, his old-fashioned phone, bursting into the Yagami household like it’s nothing... some great moments here. L having his face covered was, in my opinion, a stroke of genius. Also, his wardrobe is already my aesthetic (hoodies, dark clothing, looking mysterious) so I was pleased. HIS BARE FEET. ADORABLE. Thanks.

The lack of a Task Force is nigh unforgivable. It’s probably in the Ten Commandments or something. Light’s dad (JAMES? REALLY? The fuck...) is a different man and not enough help to fully flesh out the task force. It brought some warmth to the cast, humanity, love, humor, and plenty of complex and emotional characters. The inclusion of Kira’s supporters like the guy who saved Light by hitting L over the head to let Kira escape was neat. Kira’s followers WOULD do anything, spur-of-the-moment, to help their “savior” if they thought he was in need. 

There were weird rule changes and plot devices that didn’t work. Watari’s betrayal via Death Note seemed highly unlikely for many reasons. Why the hell does Light panic when the police are after him? He made a huge scene running away, whereas our cunning Yagami would have allowed them to capture him because running is always more suspicious and you can rarely talk your way out of fleeing from authorities. It was intended to mirror the ending of the manga (maybe) but Light had no real reason for a full blown collapse, since there was no loss of sanity. He even said he loved Mia before they fell from the ferris wheel. That’s cool for nice emo boy White Yagami (SERIOUSLY, HOW MANY ASIAN ACTORS WERE SECONDARY CHARACTERS IN THIS MOVIE?!?! SO MANY. But NO, Light had to be WHITE Yagami. There was NO reason for that AT ALL besides them wanting him to be white. Thanks, Hollywood standards. Netflix, thought you were better than that). 

As a reimagining of Death Note, it was watchable, memorable, with many twists and turns. As a film adaptation of an already stellar work with an impressive Japanese adaptation... somewhat pathetic. But Willem Dafoe was an amazing Ryuk, so I guess I’ll take the knowledge of what Willem + Ryuk equals, which is the answer to a question I never asked (but I’m glad to know the answer). Let me know what you think-- message me or leave a comment on this post. I’d love to talk Death Note with anyone because not enough people want discourse on Death Note. I sure as hell do. Thanks for reading, if you’ve made it this far.

[batrachois]

American Live Actions are a Bad IdeaTM and 13 year old me loved death note with all her heart and felt extremely offended by this................................... thing

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[madamecolette]

Someone must have written “Death Note” in the Death Note and “Netflix movie” as cause of death.

[death-oftheworld]

I just love how in that interview with the death note netflix producer he says it's a completely new interpretation and set in a different culture so it's not whitewashing and I'm here like???? Are we gonna pretend the whole death note concept isn't based on japanese culture and religion or????

[trans-l-lawliet]

My Spicy Onion: Light Yagami iterations

1. Manga Light

Original Sin. Thinks he’s smart as fuck, and he does has his moments, but ultimately he’s that over-the-top friend who thinks a course in psychology gives him the right to over-analyse your life and give you lessons on every aspect even though his likes and dislikes are as entertaining as a grocery shopping list. General score 5/10, well constructed character, hate his guts.

2. Anime Light

Original Sin, Now In Technicolor. Don’t be deceived by his goody-two-shoes model looks, this man will steal your house in a strip-poker game and ask why are you naked in his house, and then call the cops on you while he drinks your milk straight from the jug, because, who’s going to believe you?. General score 6/10, he’s more extra in the anime and I can respect that.

3.Japanese Live Action Light

Kira: J-Pop Idol Edition. “How can you suspect and accuse me, a virtuous, young, good looking man who’s learnt the word of The Law, of being a mass murderer that I make clear I agree with his actions but I also obviously am trying to stop because I know he’s Evil?”. General score 7/10, beautiful man, Machiavelli kin.

4. Drama Light

The Ultimate Gay Disaster. The embodiment of keeping your life together with cheap staples, combined with the ultimate chain of poor life decisions, and sprinkled with depressed gay aesthetics; basically, any of us are a bad week and a magical notebook away of becoming him. General score 9/10, my beautiful, lost, disappointing son

5. Musical Light(s)

Make It Gayer And Make It Rhyme. Just like a siren, they are beautiful, and they will lure you in, make you think all your dreams can come true if they do so much as smile in your general direction, but they’re actually ready to bite your head off if you even dare to speak to them without their explicit permission. General score 8/10, I have a weak spot for both musical and their voices.

6. NoteFlix Light

Normal PeopleGood Characterisation Scares Me. This is the vague, lazy, five minutes baked concept art of a self-insert character executed with the script equivalent of My Immortal. General score 1/10, a point solely for his very last plan, the only glimpse of the real Light.

7. Bonus round: Onision Light

Just For Fandom Historical Accuracy. As much as you can hate Light Yagami, you cannot possibly wish this to him, yet this exists and the oldies in the fandom will remember and cringe with the memories, so have this bonus round. General score 1/10, better characterisation than Noteflix, which is infuriating.

[trans-l-lawliet]

Netflix!Ryuk has the personality of Light, while Netflix!Light has the personality of those apple cores that apparently Ryuk doesn’t eat anymore

[trans-l-lawliet]

In this house we don’t recognise Death Note (2017) as a legitimate adaptation of DN