The 2017 Death Note live-action movie, adapted from the acclaimed Japanese manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, sparked considerable debate among fans and critics alike. This adaptation, directed by Adam Wingard, aimed to bring the dark and intricate world of Death Note to a Western audience. However, its reception highlighted the challenges of adapting such a culturally specific and philosophically complex story for a different audience. Many fans approached the 2017 Death Note movie with high expectations, given the original manga and anime series' immense popularity and critical acclaim. These expectations were built on the source material's intricate plot, well-developed characters, and profound exploration of moral and ethical themes. The adaptation, therefore, faced the daunting task of not only capturing the essence of the original story but also translating it in a way that would resonate with a new audience while remaining true to its core elements. The film stars Nat Wolff as Light Turner (instead of Light Yagami), Lakeith Stanfield as L, Margaret Qualley as Mia Sutton, and Willem Dafoe as the voice of Ryuk. While the cast brought their talents to the project, many felt that the adaptation failed to capture the essence of the original characters and themes, leading to a significant divide in audience reception. This article delves into the various aspects of the movie, examining its strengths, weaknesses, and overall impact on the legacy of Death Note. It aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the film, considering its faithfulness to the source material, its narrative choices, and its reception by both longtime fans and newcomers.

Plot Overview

The plot of the 2017 Death Note movie centers around Light Turner, a high school student who discovers a mysterious notebook with the power to kill anyone whose name is written in it, as long as the writer knows their face. This premise, while maintaining the core concept of the original Death Note, takes a different approach in its execution. Light, influenced by the shinigami Ryuk, voiced by Willem Dafoe, embarks on a mission to cleanse the world of criminals, adopting the moniker "Kira." This act draws the attention of the enigmatic detective L, played by Lakeith Stanfield, who is determined to stop Kira's killings. The film deviates significantly from the source material in its portrayal of Light, who is depicted as a more conflicted and less intellectually superior character compared to his manga counterpart, Light Yagami. The romantic subplot involving Mia Sutton, portrayed by Margaret Qualley, adds another layer to the narrative, but it also diverges from the original story, altering the dynamic between the characters and their motivations. As L closes in on Kira, the stakes escalate, leading to a series of confrontations and moral dilemmas. The narrative attempts to capture the cat-and-mouse game between Light and L, but it often falls short due to its condensed plot and altered characterizations. The film culminates in a dramatic climax that further departs from the original Death Note ending, leaving audiences with a different resolution and a mixed sense of closure.

Character Portrayals

One of the most significant points of contention surrounding the 2017 Death Note movie lies in its character portrayals. Nat Wolff's portrayal of Light Turner deviates significantly from the calculated and brilliant Light Yagami of the original manga and anime. Instead of a strategic genius, Light Turner is depicted as a more impulsive and emotionally driven character, which alters the dynamic of his actions and motivations. Lakeith Stanfield's interpretation of L also differs from the source material. While Stanfield captures L's eccentricities, some fans found his portrayal to lack the intellectual depth and subtle mannerisms that made L such a compelling character in the original series. The dynamic between Light and L, which is a central element of Death Note, is altered due to these changes in characterization. The intellectual rivalry and psychological gamesmanship are less pronounced, diminishing the impact of their interactions. Ryuk, voiced by Willem Dafoe, is one of the more praised aspects of the film. Dafoe's performance captures the mischievous and manipulative nature of the shinigami, providing a dark and entertaining presence throughout the movie. However, even Ryuk's character is somewhat limited by the narrative choices, preventing him from fully embodying the complex role he plays in the original story. Mia Sutton, a character that combines elements of Misa Amane from the original series, also received mixed reviews. Her motivations and actions are altered in the adaptation, leading to a different dynamic with Light and impacting the overall plot. These changes in character portrayals significantly affect the narrative and thematic elements of the film, contributing to the mixed reception from fans.

Differences from the Source Material

The 2017 Death Note movie takes numerous liberties with the source material, leading to significant differences in plot, characterization, and thematic depth. One of the most notable changes is the setting. The movie is set in Seattle, Washington, rather than Japan, which alters the cultural context of the story. This change impacts the way certain themes and elements are portrayed, as the original Death Note is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and societal norms. The characters' motivations and backstories are also altered. Light Turner's transformation into Kira is driven by different factors compared to Light Yagami's, and his relationship with Mia Sutton adds a romantic element that is not as prominent in the original series. L's character is also modified, with changes to his backstory and investigative methods. The plot of the movie is condensed and simplified, resulting in the omission of key events and subplots from the original manga and anime. This streamlining of the narrative affects the pacing and depth of the story, making it less intricate and nuanced. The ending of the 2017 Death Note movie is also significantly different from the original, providing a different resolution to the conflict between Light and L. These differences contribute to the mixed reception of the film, as many fans felt that the changes compromised the integrity and essence of the original Death Note.

Critical Reception

The 2017 Death Note movie received mixed to negative reviews from critics and fans alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 36% based on 112 reviews, with an average rating of 4.6/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "Death Note wastes a promising premise with a slapdash adaptation that's tonally inconsistent and neglects the intelligence of its source material." Metacritic, which assigns a weighted average score, gives the film a score of 43 out of 100, based on 27 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews." Critics generally praised Willem Dafoe's performance as Ryuk but criticized the film's pacing, plot, and characterizations. Many reviewers noted that the adaptation failed to capture the complex themes and intricate storytelling of the original Death Note, resulting in a shallow and unfulfilling experience. Fans of the original manga and anime were particularly critical of the film's deviations from the source material, arguing that the changes compromised the integrity of the story and characters. Some viewers, however, appreciated the film's attempt to introduce Death Note to a wider audience, even if it fell short of expectations. The negative reception of the 2017 Death Note movie highlights the challenges of adapting culturally specific and complex stories for a global audience.

Themes and Analysis

Despite its shortcomings, the 2017 Death Note movie attempts to explore several themes that are central to the original story, including justice, morality, and the corrupting influence of power. The film raises questions about the nature of justice and the ethics of taking the law into one's own hands. Light Turner's transformation into Kira reflects the seductive allure of power and the dangers of unchecked authority. The conflict between Light and L represents a clash of ideologies, with Light advocating for a world cleansed of criminals and L upholding the principles of due process and the rule of law. However, the film's exploration of these themes is often superficial compared to the depth and nuance of the original Death Note. The characterizations and plot changes diminish the impact of the moral dilemmas, making the thematic elements less compelling. The film also touches on the theme of identity, as Light struggles to reconcile his actions as Kira with his personal values. Mia Sutton's character adds another layer to this theme, as she becomes increasingly consumed by her role in Kira's mission. While the 2017 Death Note movie does not fully realize the thematic potential of the source material, it still provides a starting point for discussions about justice, morality, and the consequences of power.

Legacy and Impact

The 2017 Death Note movie had a significant impact on the legacy of the Death Note franchise, albeit a controversial one. The film's mixed to negative reception led to discussions about the challenges of adapting manga and anime for Western audiences and the importance of staying true to the source material. While the movie introduced Death Note to a wider audience, it also alienated many longtime fans who felt that the adaptation failed to capture the essence of the original story. Despite its flaws, the 2017 Death Note movie sparked renewed interest in the Death Note franchise, leading to increased attention to the manga, anime, and other adaptations. The film also served as a cautionary tale for future adaptations, highlighting the need for careful consideration of cultural context, characterization, and thematic depth. In the years following its release, the 2017 Death Note movie has become a point of reference for discussions about adaptation and the challenges of translating complex stories across different media and cultures. While it may not be remembered as a faithful or successful adaptation, it remains a significant part of the Death Note legacy.

Conclusion

The 2017 Death Note movie is a controversial adaptation that sparked considerable debate among fans and critics. While the film attempts to bring the dark and intricate world of Death Note to a Western audience, it falls short in several key areas, including characterization, plot, and thematic depth. The changes made to the source material compromised the integrity of the story, leading to a mixed reception from both longtime fans and newcomers. Despite its shortcomings, the 2017 Death Note movie had a significant impact on the legacy of the Death Note franchise, sparking renewed interest in the original manga and anime and serving as a cautionary tale for future adaptations. The film raises important questions about the challenges of adapting culturally specific and complex stories for a global audience and the importance of staying true to the essence of the source material. While the 2017 Death Note movie may not be a definitive adaptation, it remains a significant part of the Death Note story, prompting discussions about justice, morality, and the consequences of power. Ultimately, the film serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal and complexity of the original Death Note and the challenges of translating its unique vision to different media and cultures.