The premise is that a brilliant high school senior Light Yagami finds a "Death Note" dropped by a Shinigami (basically a Japanese Grim Reaper). The Death Note has the power to kill anyone whose name is written in the note, however writer of the Death Note must know the person's real and face to actually kill someone. After Light discovers the power of the note he uses to "create his perfect world" by killing every criminal that is broadcast on TV and basically anyone who breaks the law. To catch "Kira," name given by the public to the mysterious killer of criminals, world's greatest detective "L" takes on the task of trying to catch Kira and then possibly the greatest battle of wits ensues. L vs. Light/Kira is one of the best rivals I have ever seen; it is the ultimate game of cat and mouse as each one tries to discover the others secrets. As to not spoil any plot points, which is imperative to enjoying the series, I will not say more about the storyline other than it is amazing and original. A big thanks goes to Stilwater at In the Shade of My Wide-Brimmed Hat for recommending Death Note in her Anime post. After starting the series last Sunday or Monday I watched it obsessively until Thursday when I finished the entire. The show had me hooked after only two episodes and I could not wait to see what happened in the next episode. Fortunately the entire series has been uploaded to YouTube and I will post it below so that you can watch it.
The Good: Shocking plot twists throughout, Extremely suspense, Unique characters, Near perfect first 24 episodes, Excellent voice cast, Well developed characters, Thought provoking, Morally ambiguous, Superb animation, Epic soundtrack, Mostly satisfying conclusion, Intelligent writing, Always keeps you guessing, One of the greatest rivalries ever,
The Bad: Last few episodes were lacking,
Plot: 9.9/10- Although Death Note is a relatively short series only consisting of 37 episodes, the first 25 are masterpieces of suspense and intrigue. Most episodes are engaging at a psychological level because the viewer is trying to figure things out as the series goes along with all its shocking plot twists and turns. The concept, albeit it slightly ridiculous to some, was incredibly original and well paced. Death Note relies heavily on suspense and man is it suspenseful! There where moments when my heart was literally pounding due to the level tension waiting for what would happen next. Throughout the series there are times where the audience hears the thoughts of both Light and L trying to out match other, and it worked brilliantly to convey the battle wits between the characters. Both Light's and L's characters are well developed and surprisingly likeable. It is almost difficult to determine which of the two is the real protagonist, although Light is the true star of the series. Also the story contains themes of "Absolute power corrupts absolutely" because with the Death Note's power Light develops a "god complex" thinking himself as above humanity and therefore fit to rule mankind as he sees fit. Unfortunately, Death Note does not keep this stoke of brilliance throughout the entire series, after episode 26 the show starts to take a drop in quality. However, it is still an excellent show and I found it enjoyable since I was already invested in the characters.
Action: N/A- Other than a ton of death, there is not much action.
Acting: 9.9/10- Superb English dub all around for the series and all the lines translated well and never felt miss placed, except for a few text errors later in the series. Brad Swaile gives an excellent performance as Light/Kira, he voices the role perfectly. Alessandro Juliani as L was even better as a eccentric detective, being the real standout of the show. While some anime fans prefer the original Japanese dub, I highly recommend watching the English dub because the voice acting is fantastic.
Art Style: 10/10- Normally anime's style is off putting to me, however Death Note's animation was amazing. It seems that in most anime when characters are talking, only the mouths of the characters actually move, which I find odd, however Death Note's style seemed more fluid than others. Despite this, in typical anime fashion, there were a few scenes that over-the-top dramatic to the point where it was almost laughable, however those scenes worked surprising well.
Soundtrack: 10/10- The music ranged from epic orchestral music to detective investigating type themes, all of which is perfect for the series. The epic music makes seemingly mundane things feel epic. The opening theme in earlier episodes is quite good, even though I have no idea what it is saying, however the later episode's "Death Metal" opening is annoying. All it is garbled screaming! Fortunately, it is never used in the show.
Comedy: 6.8/10- While far from comedy, Matsudo, Misa, and L can quite humorous at times.
Overall: 9.8/10- Death Note is one of the most original and suspenseful televisions show I have ever seen, and the first anime series that I actually enjoyed throughout. It is smart and always keeps you guessing with many plot twists and turns.
Closing Comments: From someone who does not normally enjoy anime, I have to say that I recommend Death Note to anyone old enough that wants to watch some awesome and smart television. Even if you are not an anime fan or you have never been seen anime before, Death Note is a perfect place to start.
Recommended for: Psychological Thriller fans, Fantasy fans, Crime genre fans, Suspense fans, Supernatural genre fans, Thriller fans, Anime fans, Animation fans, Fans of good television,
Next on my anime endeavor will be the popular Cowboy Bebop. If you also watch anime please recommend me some series to watch, preferably sci-fi or something along the lines of Death Note.
Below is the entire series uploaded to YouTube, except for episode 5, which you can watch part 1 here and part 2 here. Warning, the show is occasionally violent, although I never found any more violent than a PG-13 movie.
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Fantastic review! I agree on all of your points, except that I found a bit more comic relief especially with Misa, Ryuk, Matsuda, and L. I felt slightly letdown by the last few episodes too (that seems to be a common complaint in the Death Note fandom) but they were still satisfying. I've always loved the anime animation style, but as I mentioned my brother who hates anime adores Death Note. I'm currently watching it my third or fourth time :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Stilwater! I agree about the comic relief, I should have included a more detailed part about it. I also agree that while the later episode were a letdown, but they were satisfying. Now I need to convince my brother to watch the series. :) Also thank you again for recommending it!
Delete-James
I've heard about this forever, sounds fantastic!
ReplyDeleteIf you like anime, this is a must watch and if you do not like anime, you need to watch it anyway!
Delete-James
This sounds like a fantastic series! :D I'm definitely going to watch it at some point; I like anime a lot and this one looks like it will be a good one :D.
ReplyDeleteSome good anime films I've watched are - Spirited Away, Children Who Chase Lost Voices, Princess Mononoke(some of the themes, while I agree with them, are a little over done but it's amazing and worth the watch), Tales from Earthsea, (basically, any Studio Ghibli film, he makes really good ones). I also like Fruits Basket and I'm watching Romeo x Juliet, but they probably wouldn't be your type of story. I haven't watched too many animes, but I can ask my sister to comment on here and give you some ideas :).
I honestly can't see you not liking the series, it is that amazing! :D
DeleteI have heard of Spirited Away and Mononoke, but not the others. I will need to give them a shot sometime. :) Yes, please do, I would like to hear what your sister has to say as well.
-James
This actually sounds right up my alley except that it's anime! I really don't like the look of anime and I don't understand the craze a lot of people have for it. But the plot and genres sound very apealing to me and since you liked it I might give a try sometime; I have a lot of things to watch first, though, before this. So, I might just look up the soundtrack right now instead. :)
ReplyDelete~Jamie
Okay, I actually just ended up watching the first episode. Firstly, it's quite interesting but quite dark. Secondly, I still don't care for the anime style and I know why I don't like anime characters. THEY DON'T BLINK! It's quite unnerving, actually, to be staring at them and their eyes just stay wide without blinking. Okay, I'll be done now. :)
ReplyDelete~Jamie
Glad you decided to watch the first episode and yes, the series is quite dark, although there are some lighter episodes later, especially when L is introduced. I can completely understand your dislike of the anime style, Jacob hates it. I never noticed that before, although I did look for it and notice at least one blink, but in general, I believe you are correct, anime character rarely blink. :) Also about the soundtrack, the opening theme to the later seasons is terrible, basically screaming, the actual soundtrack of the series is excellent. Please tell me if you ever decide to watch more of the series. :)
Delete-James
I've heard about Death Note for a long time, but I've never watched it. Maybe I'll make that the show that gets me through the semester. I ahve also heard from several sources that Cowboy Bebop is good too, but I've never seen it, so I can't really back up those claims.
ReplyDeleteStudio Ghibli makes excellent movies. I would recommend Howl's Moving Castle, Spirited Away, and Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind. In terms of television shows, it sounds like you'd be more interested in Shonen type shows (basically action and suspense). Trigun was excellent, I would recommend that one (although it's early anime so the art isn't nearly as good as later shows, but the story carries everything). I also really enjoyed D. Gray-Man. There are so many different genres in anime you can usually find several shows that really appeal to you, it just depends on what you're looking for.
If you enjoy anime you would probably like Death Note. I have gotten about halfway through Cowboy Bebop and it is quite good.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the recommendations, I have not heard about most of those before. I will have to look into Shonen's and Trigun's work as well.
By the way, do you have a blog or other website? And thank you for following my blog.
-James
No problem (although, just to clarify, Shonen Jump is a magazine that prints actiony type manga,. The word Shonen is used to sort of designate any kind of action, male oriented anime as well, and is not a show).
DeleteAnd I do have a blog, here: http://godwotteryshenanigans.blogspot.com/ (Although I think you're already following it :] ).
Oh, I did not know that, I was thinking it was a anime creation company like Mad House, thanks for explaining.
DeleteAh, I wasn't sure because your profile took me to your Google+ page, not Blogger profile.
-James
After reading this review, I'm more than convinced that you will fall in love with Fate/Zero. It is very similar to Death Note. The only difference is that Fate/Zero is MORE INTENSE IN EVERY ASPECT. And if you loved Light vs L, I assure you that you will also love the rivalry of Emiya Kiritsugu and Kotomine Kirei in Fate/Zero. Haha I'm the one who's feeling excited for you.
ReplyDelete9 episodes into Fate/Zero I have to say that it is mighty intense! If it remains this high quality throughout, I have no doubt that the series will rank in my Top 3 series. I have just gotten the first minor conflict between the two and I look forward to seeing how it plays out.
Delete-James