Cinema review
Directed by Shusuke Kaneko
Starring Tatsuya Fujiwara, Ken'ichi Matsuyama, Asaka Seto
Release date 25 April 2008 (UK)

University student Light (Fujiwara) stumbles across a notebook entitled ‘Death Note’. He finds that if he writes anyone’s name inside the book that person will die of a heart attack shortly afterwards…

Young student Light Yagami discovers that the pen really is mightier than the sword in this sort of bedroom-based Death Wish. At first Light utilises his newfound ‘gift’ to rid the world of murderers and rapists, and becomes a glorified superhero in the eyes of the public. Eventually, though, the power goes to his head, as he begins to use the book against anyone who crosses him.

Released in Japan back in 2006, this is the first of two live action movies to be based on the popular manga series. While the dialogue retains a comic book simplicity, Light makes for a surprisingly complex mixture of hero and villain. His nemesis, the mascara-wearing detective L, is an equally fascinating character, quietly munching on candy kebabs while getting ever closer to the unseen killer.

Death Note’s highpoint, however, is the brilliantly animated demon Ryuuk; he may be a ‘god of death’, but it’s difficult not to warm to this colourful, grinning figure as he scampers around on the ceiling and chomps down on apples. Matt McAllister

VERDICT: 7/10
Offbeat characters and clever plot turns help make Death Note a fun supernatural thriller.