Hey guys! Let's dive into the Netflix adaptation of a manga classic, Death Note, released in 2017. This movie sparked quite a bit of controversy, and we're here to break down why. Get ready for a rollercoaster of opinions as we dissect this live-action film!

What Exactly is Death Note?

Before we tear into the live-action version, let's quickly recap what Death Note is all about. Originally a Japanese manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, Death Note follows the story of Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers a mysterious notebook with the power to kill anyone whose name is written in it, provided the writer knows their face. Light, disgusted by the crime and corruption in the world, decides to use the Death Note to cleanse the world of evil and become the god of a new world. However, his actions draw the attention of L, an enigmatic and brilliant detective, who is determined to stop him. The ensuing battle of wits between Light and L is the heart of the Death Note story, filled with complex moral questions and intense psychological drama.

The manga series became a massive hit, spawning an anime adaptation, several Japanese live-action films, and a stage musical, before Netflix decided to throw their hat into the ring with an Americanized version. The core appeal of Death Note lies in its intellectual cat-and-mouse game, the exploration of justice versus morality, and the complex characters of Light and L. The series is celebrated for its intricate plot, mind-bending twists, and thought-provoking themes, making it a global phenomenon that has captivated audiences for years.

The 2017 Netflix Adaptation: A Brief Overview

The 2017 Death Note movie, directed by Adam Wingard, aimed to bring this iconic story to a Western audience. Starring Nat Wolff as Light Turner (instead of Yagami) and Lakeith Stanfield as L, the film transplants the story from Japan to Seattle. While retaining the basic premise of the Death Note, the adaptation makes significant changes to the characters, plot, and overall tone of the original series. These changes, however, were met with mixed reactions, to say the least. Many fans felt that the adaptation missed the mark, failing to capture the essence of what made Death Note so beloved. We’ll delve into these criticisms in detail, examining what worked and, more often, what didn’t in this controversial adaptation.

Key Differences and Criticisms

Alright, buckle up, because this is where things get juicy. The 2017 Death Note faced a barrage of criticism, primarily focusing on how drastically it deviated from the source material. Here are some of the main pain points:

Character Changes

• Light Turner vs. Light Yagami: Nat Wolff's portrayal of Light as an angsty, somewhat dim-witted teenager is a far cry from the calculating and brilliant Light Yagami. The original Light is a genius who carefully plans his every move, maintaining a facade of normalcy while secretly carrying out his deadly mission. In contrast, the movie's Light is more impulsive and reactive, often making questionable decisions that undermine his intelligence. This fundamentally changes the dynamic of the story, as Light's strategic prowess is a crucial element of the original series.

• L: Lakeith Stanfield's L is undoubtedly talented, but his interpretation of the character was seen as erratic and inconsistent. L in the manga and anime is eccentric but always maintains a cool, analytical demeanor. Stanfield's portrayal leaned into more overt emotional displays, which some felt detracted from the character's mystique and intellectual superiority. His constant screaming and uncharacteristic behavior were jarring for many fans who were accustomed to L's composed and enigmatic presence.

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• Mia Sutton (Misa Amane): Margaret Qualley's Mia is portrayed as an aggressive and thrill-seeking cheerleader, a stark contrast to the devoted and somewhat naive Misa Amane. Misa in the original series is deeply in love with Light and willing to do anything for him, often acting as his loyal accomplice. Mia, on the other hand, is more of an instigator, pushing Light to use the Death Note more recklessly and seemingly driven by her own bloodlust. This change alters the dynamic between Light and his female counterpart, making their relationship less about devotion and more about mutual exploitation.

Plot Deviations

The plot also takes some major detours that didn't sit well with fans. The cat-and-mouse game between Light and L, a cornerstone of the original series, is significantly simplified and lacks the intricate strategies and mind games that made the source material so compelling. The film rushes through key plot points, sacrificing depth and nuance for the sake of pacing. Additionally, the ending is completely different, resolving the conflict in a way that feels abrupt and unsatisfying compared to the complex and morally ambiguous conclusion of the original series. These plot deviations made the adaptation feel like a watered-down version of the original, stripping away much of what made Death Note so intellectually engaging.

Tone and Themes

The 2017 Death Note opts for a more horror-centric and teen-oriented tone, which clashes with the psychological and philosophical themes of the original. The manga and anime delve into complex questions about justice, morality, and the nature of good and evil, while the movie focuses more on jump scares and romantic drama. This shift in tone diminishes the intellectual depth of the story, making it feel more like a generic thriller than a thought-provoking exploration of moral dilemmas. The original Death Note is celebrated for its ability to challenge viewers' perspectives and provoke introspection, qualities that are largely absent in the adaptation.

What (If Anything) Did It Get Right?

Okay, it wasn't all bad, right? Let's try to find some silver linings. Lakeith Stanfield's performance, despite being different from the source material, was still captivating. He brought a unique energy to the role, and some viewers appreciated his interpretation, even if it wasn't entirely faithful. The film also deserves some credit for introducing Death Note to a wider audience who may not have been familiar with the manga or anime. For some, it served as a gateway to the original series, prompting them to explore the source material and discover its brilliance. While the adaptation may have missed the mark for many hardcore fans, it did succeed in bringing the Death Note concept to a new generation of viewers.

Why the Changes?

So, why did the filmmakers make such drastic changes? Adaptations are always tricky, and there's a constant balancing act between staying true to the source material and making it accessible to a new audience. Some argue that the changes were necessary to Americanize the story and appeal to Western viewers. Others suggest that the filmmakers simply didn't understand the essence of what made Death Note so special. Whatever the reasons, the changes ultimately alienated many fans and contributed to the film's negative reception. The decision to deviate so significantly from the original story raises questions about the responsibility of filmmakers when adapting beloved works and the potential consequences of prioritizing accessibility over authenticity.

Final Verdict: Did It Live Up to the Hype?

In short, the 2017 Death Note movie didn't quite hit the mark for most fans of the original series. While it had some redeeming qualities, the significant changes to the characters, plot, and tone ultimately detracted from what made Death Note so compelling. If you're a newcomer to the Death Note universe, it might serve as a decent introduction to the concept, but if you're a die-hard fan, you're probably better off sticking with the manga, anime, or Japanese live-action films. The adaptation serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of adapting beloved source material and the importance of understanding its core elements. Ultimately, the 2017 Death Note remains a controversial and divisive film in the eyes of fans and critics alike.