Death Note (2015) User Reviews

Death Note: Outstanding stuff and almost as good as the anime

[Platypuschow · 8/10 · 21 November 2017]

And like that it's over, I have now officially seen every bit of Death Note out there. Anime, Japanese movies, American travesty and now the Japanese live action series.

I went in with low expectations, as much as I adore Death Note I was fresh off the live action films and expected this to be a cheaply made rushed adaptation of the anime but I couldn't have been anymore wrong.

Little did I realise that this fantastic 11 part series has a true identity of it's own. It follows the original story but tweaks it here and there in some minor and some major parts to make it standout. Normally I hate it when stories do that but here because it's so damn good it was forgivable.

The performances are excellent, the writing is flawless and I was captivated once again almost as if I was watching the Death Note anime for the first time.

It isn't flawless overall, there are questionable moments, the cgi isn't great and in places it does look cheap but you can get past all of that with ease.

The shifts in storyline actually add to it, though I do find some of the decisions quite baffling especially when it comes to Nia.

This is essential viewing for fans of Death Note alike the anime and the live action Japanese films. The only poor Death Note is the American version but let's just pretend that never happened.

The Good:

Amazing soundtrack

Beautifully written

Well acted

The Bad:

Some dodgy cgi

Some questionable plot changes

Ryuk gets just plain annoying

Kento Yamazaki plays a great character, but it's really not L

Things I Learnt From This Series:

Hollywood had so much source material to use for their movie and still made that embarrassment

I still don't know what sex Nia was supposed to be

Different from original

[JB10001 · 8/10 · 17 April 2020]

Different from the comics, but it was still good as a drama

a great live action! liked it alot

[idanshlomov · 8/10 · 11 November 2019]

They changed alot tho like alot some of the changes made me happy and some not that much, im not gonna spoil anyone but if u liked the anime then i think u should rly consider watching this one.

Great live action reboot of the series

[wrichardn · 10/10 · 18 June 2016]

I really like this live action mini series version of Death Note. It is a very engrossing story and has a much better pace than the anime series. The anime started out as a masterpiece and then drug on and on forever with a tedious conclusion. This is a reworking of the original and I actually like the live action story tweaks a lot. Light is also much more likable instead of a genius egomaniac. I also found the L character to be very likable and smartly played by the actor. Misa is also less annoying. Some fans of the anime have commented on the changes that were made. I think they were definitely for the better. About the only place I have been able to find this series is on Crunchyroll.

Good. But not as the Anime

[said_kurollo · 7/10 · 5 January 2021]

I liked the show. But actually the anime still much better a million times than this. It is impossible to make some realistic tv show closed to the Anime master piece

The only realistic adaption that deserves the praise. UNEXPECTEDLY BRILLIANT.

[sakram · 9/10 · 20 October 2017]

Oh please, some of us may have seen 'Death Note 2017 Netflix's live action' and we know that they butchered it big time. However, this is not the case for 'Death Note 2015 11-episode Drama'. It is the finest a live action series can get to the level of the original Death Note. Actually, I am pretty sure it's better than it on some levels.

What this Drama did, is adjust a few things here and there, it adjusted Light's attitude, and L's attitude, and kept all other characters unchanged. Also, did some major adjustments on the plot line but ultimately destined to arrive to the same spot. It is brilliant, it did some 'fixes' I may say, and yes, it was intense, and it gave me goosebumps, the music is awesome, the cast did a fantastic job wearing every character's clothes.

I was really surprised, the first episode really pulled my leg into the whole series and forced me to finish in no time at all.

I can't say anything more without spoiling, (Glad I found this on Crunchyroll), this is definitely worth re-watching. If you're a Death Note fan, this is a MUST SEE for you !

9.5/10

Thank Kira its not made in America!

[blackstar93 · 10/10 · 26 July 2015]

Death Note TV Series is based on the popular Manga of the same name. This is not the first time we've seen a live adaptation of the manga as there were three movies released in Japan and later released in America with English Voice overs from the original cast of the Anime! Although these movies were great, I feel there's only so much that can be done when you're restricted to the time-frame of a film. The TV Series has the potential to flesh out the story with a steady pace so it wont feel rushed and it leaves the door open for proper character development as each episode is around fifty minutes long! So far the TV show has shown some new twists on the established story that follows Light Yagami (Kira) and thats not a bad thing! I've read the manga, watched the anime, and seen the films and I am excited to see where the TV version will take it!

a wasted potential.

[kellicros · 5/10 · 25 April 2017]

The 2 featured films were great, but many plot device from the manga/anime had to be omitted due to the limited screen time. One would hope the missing pieces would finally be delivered in live- action by this drama series. Nope, instead, what we get is a story that has been dumbed down story even further.

The incredible detective L Lawliet, now has nearly everything spelled out to him by chances instead of actually figuring things out with his almighty detective skills.

The self-centered badass, Yagami Light is now a whiny cry baby and an otaku-fan of Misa-Misa.

Amane Misa, who was a superstar, now has concert on a tiny stage, and is basically an idiot. Believe it or not, she actually uses her brain in the manga/anime to figure out who Kira is, again, not by chances.

Near, who is supposedly an incredible detective, and portrayed to be even more intelligent than L himself and solved the Kira case on his own in the original story. Now serve only as a puppet, following clues that L layed out for him. I don't mind they merged Melo(who is a completely different character, and a genius on his own), but it's really bad how this merged character is written.

To sum up my review, the series feels like a low budget and dumbed down version of the incredible story. Don't waste your time on these episodes. Watch the first two featured films if you want a well summarized story of the original Death Note, these films also portrays the characters much better, better yet, read the manga or watch the anime series if you enjoy those.

Awsome

[mahtataheri · 10/10 · 4 March 2021]

It was so good.the actors of light and L were great.the music was great.It was a little different from anime but It did'nt ruin it.

Difficult to follow.

[enjoiskateboarding-34639 · 4/10 · 27 July 2016]

I remember seeing the live movie when it was release way back in 2007. I've not seen the anime, so I can not comment on how well this relates to the anime, but from what I recall of the movie. This is pretty far apart.

The plot, seems to be pretty much the same as the movie, but as of course, cut down to fit the 55minute time slots per episode, and not dragging on to much of a side story to produce each episode.

The show starts of pretty solid, fairly close to the movie, but as each episodes go on, the more the show is questionable.

There are things that happen behind the scenes, that are not explained at all to the viewer, but you just have to go with it. I do not want to ruin anything from the show so I'll give an example.

You are trying to hide something, and instead of hiding this object in your normal hiding location. You decide to create a new one, not letting anyone know where it is, or giving away that you are hiding anything.

But Dave from next door, knows where you hid it, what time you hid it, what the item is, and why you are hiding it. He doesn't explain how he knows, doesn't show how he knows. He just knows.

That is what a lot of these episodes are about with the great detective. It was the same issue I had with the movie, things aren't explained, and it ruins what could've been a decent show.

The last few episodes are just dragged on, and with a slight spoiler, L predicts everything down to a T.

I had lost interest around episode 8, but because I had gotten this far into it, I decided to watch it through to the end.

A pretty disappointing mess if I'm to be honest.

Worth the watch - faithful, yet surprisingly refreshing adaptation

[khalexx · 10/10 · 26 August 2019]

We all know the anime was GOLDEN. The Japanese live action movies imo weren't that bad and I also managed to get my hands on Death Note: The Musical and found myself pleasently surprised. They were all it's own thing, but following pretty much the same formula (and it worked). The Netflix's awful attempt at rebooting or somehow renowating this universe failed horribly.

This adaptation on the other hand DIDN'T fail at all. Apparently you *can* tweek a few things and introduce new ideas and make a very good show. Who would have thought. I was a bit surprised at the beginning because Light was much more human in the earlier episodes than what I was used to, but it worked very well. I very much enjoyed wathing his descend into calculating darkness, because literally anyone could be him. It felt much more relatable than if he was this sort of cold genius right off the bat. As far as events go, it pretty closely followed the anime version, but with small and bigger twists thrown here and there. There were also stuff that I found more realistic? Like it could happen to anyone, in the real world. It was a psychological, refreshing and thrilling masterpiece. This version also had my most favourite version of Near. First of all, he's introduced pretty very early on as a side character so it doesn't feel like someone dropped a bomb on you when he becomes bigger part of the plot later. The portrayal of Light's and L's relationship felt very well done and natural. Both actors were incredible and their cat-and-mouse game was incredibly fun to watch. I could go on and on but this review has already gotten very long so I'm just going to tell you - go watch it, give it a chance, it's really worth it.

Amazing version of a well known and beloved story

[medicalforce · 10/10 · 17 August 2016]

After watching the anime, a month ago, I decided to try this drama series. Despite of what most people think, I think I found a real gem. In my opinion, it is pretty irrelevant to think the series is bad because it didn't follow the source material step by step. That wasn't the point, was it? I love how they portrayed characters I didn't care much about in the anime, such as Near and even Misa. Many of the ideas presented in the series are brilliant and unique, such as Mello being some sort of an alter-ego of Near. A big highlight is the portrayal of Light. At first, he is actually very scared of the power of the death note and feels remorse, at some point even wanting to throw the note away! His path to insanity and lack of humanity is gradual. It is a much more believable version of this character, and one I honestly prefer over the one in the anime. Every character was very well thought out and enjoyable, having both a touch of the original manga and the director's vision. The story was engaging and had me at the edge of my seat from start to finish. Each actor was the embodiment of the played character, not just because of the looks, but also the attitude and reactions. Whoever chose these specific actors for the series is a genius. I enjoyed this series a lot. It made my appreciation for Death Note grow even bigger.

Good enough

[PennyReviews · 9/10 · 23 July 2017]

Having just finished the drama, I can say that I experienced a lot of feelings that I didn't expect to. The series is quite good, with the performances taking the wheel and leading the drama till the very end. I liked that Kira was made more human, and we could see his journey from where he began and the struggles he had to overcome and made him who he was. In the end, he kind of reminded me of the Golum, obsessed over the ring, though, in Kira's case, he had a huge god syndrome to boot. The acting by the lead actor was excellent, portraying the paranoia of Kira brilliantly. Second to that was Kento's performance. I've got to say, as his fan, I am a little biased, but that aside, he did a great job and it was different from what he had shown so far in the manga romantic comedies. The story was unfolded beautifully, with the twists coming out of no where and the story keeping you on your toes till the very end. My only concern about this drama are the graphics that were really bad, but other than that, this is a seriously great drama.

Ruined.

[happyvirus · 1/10 · 25 July 2015]

So OK. I somehow liked the first two episodes, but after watching episode 3. They totally lose my interest! They ruined it. For example: the scene of Raye Penber and Light.

Raye Penber's an "FBI agent" yet he has no idea who is Kira when all along he spies on Light. When Light entered the bathroom and suddenly out of nowhere to be found, Raye Penber found a card which has a reservation under his fiancé's name. And again, HE HAS NO CLUE?! I was like WTH??? I would be suspicious of Light but this "FBI agent" doesn't have any clue??? Ugh. Boohoo!

I really tried my best to like it, but they are just ruining it every episode... And it feels rushed. So sad. They wasted an opportunity to make something big.

Cool

[moschou-96666 · 8/10 · 30 April 2020]

I love it . It is better than i expected ,also is the shane as the anime version

It's different in bad way

[Littlesummer14 · 3/10 · 17 October 2021]

I dont know how to say this Once i see Light as a 'simple' fanboy i just lose interest. He is so awkward and so not having the brain to be Kira, left alone beating a genius L.

Why? Why change the dynamics?

Poor Light.

I guess one of the biggest story in death note (comic) is that two geniuses fight to proof both of em are the 'good' person. Aaanndd it's gone here.. Why Just why.

I am satisfied

[diminutive_despondent_conceits · 9/10 · 4 August 2022]

This drama was not surprisingly amazing, it was amazing but I had it coming. CGI worked good and did not distract from the plot. Compared to the anime, it was enjoyable. Compared to the movie, it should be at the opening gate to heaven. The plot changes were fine and I guess, made it less predictable since I've watched the anime.

Literally the best adaptation out there can't emphasize this enough!😳

[deppj-19590 · 10/10 · 10 September 2022]

This kind of adaptation is so rare. In my opinion, the plot was even better than the original manga / anime plot at some point. VERY engaging and full of emotions i literally couldn't take my eyes off it.

Definitely worth watching!!!!

This kind of adaptation is so rare. In my opinion, the plot was even better than the original manga / anime plot at some point. VERY engaging and full of emotions i literally couldn't take my eyes off it.

Definitely worth watching!!!!

This kind of adaptation is so rare. In my opinion, the plot was even better than the original manga / anime plot at some point. VERY engaging and full of emotions i literally couldn't take my eyes off it.

Definitely worth watching!!!!

This again favors Misa.

[ihateveryone · 1/10 · 20 August 2021]

Just because the original misa doesnt have light love her back, they make her love requited wherever possible. Here, light starts of a brainless fanboy of misa, and hes a complete idiot over the show . How can you expect me to love a light thats even more idiotic than misa amane . It deserves one and only star. Erikas performance as misa has been passed as the best misa amane portrayal still...

Dubmed down soap opera version of the original

[ni6hant · 1/10 · 8 October 2022]

Everything is made for the camera and assuming that people are stupid who are watching this.

Watching the first episode itself I laughed so hard when I saw L actually smirking like a stupid idiot in the first episode itself when he is revealed for the first time.

They ruined the characters of what they were supposed to be and after watching this I have a humble pledge to all Japanese audience, stop making live action remakes of your own animes. Your animes and mangas are amazing but don't try to make tv shows like these.

Just because you did good in manga doesn't mean you can replicate the same in live action TV show. Watching your TV shows makes me realize you are just like India, hiring people either because of nepotism or because they are good looking but never actually of how they act.

More Desu Noto

[daisukereds · 5/10 · 15 January 2023]

This is an acceptable adaptation of the source material.. with restrained content and decent execution, but with enough changes to make it different.

But I ask.. what is the reason to make some very important foundational changes that will ripple throughout the series, when the rest of the story will try to remain the same? There's no reason to change Light, of all characters, to be a wimpy fanboy. What was Light 's ego is now desperation and weakness.. and now the character isn't as much fun to watch or root for, and missed the point. Instead, this series seems to be made with L at its core, affecting many other things in the way.

There's also some cheap CGI, lots of conveniences, poor explanations and rushed developments that make this something of a chore to get through.

If it's not going to be like the best version of it, for those that decide to watch this first.. it could ruin the experience. And for those that have already seen it, there's nothing to gain from it.

Honestly, watch the faithful Anime adaptation or read the original Manga instead..