Death Note ~ Review

Having only cursory knowledge about DEATH NOTE , I missed the outcry of the white washing of the Manga-inspired film. To me many Asian properties ( The Ring, The Grudge, The Eye ) have been reinterpreted, transplanting their Asian roots and resetting them in America with white actors. Cultural insensitivity aside, this particular story was much more beloved and carries a deeper resonance with Japanese audiences and beyond. And who can blame them. The story is a multi-layered and sensational exploration of right, wrong, God-complex, cults, and one malevolent trickster spirit. The Netflix original film directed by Adam Wingard (who also directed the notable films You’re Next, The Guest, Blair Witch) stands as it’s own creation, albeit on very wobbly legs. It leans much more towards the horror genre and was surprisingly gory. Unfortunately, there is entirely too much story for one movie and it becomes a burden trying to cram so much narrative into 1 hour and 40 minutes – like the ri