Synopsis
10 years have passed since the confrontation between Kira and
L, and this time, six different Death Notes have fallen to the human world. The
Death Note is a supernatural notebook that can grant its user the ability to
kill anyone by the writing the person`s name on its pages. The world begins to
fall into chaos as six is the maximum number of notes that can exist at once.
Global mass murders caused by the Death Notes prompt world famous private
investigator Ryuzaki, who is the rightful successor of L, to investigate. When
a computer virus called Kira start spreading the message to turn in the six
Death Notes, this started a confrontation between people who want to stop Kira
and the person who wants its revival.
The movie is probably one of the most anticipated live-action
manga adaptations this year, especially since it’s the continuation of an
insanely popular series 10 years ago. It leverages on the nostalgia of the
original “Death Note” but adds a few new twists and updates, mainly to the
level of technology, to account for how it interacts with the titular Death
Notes. It’s more of the same, but lacks the spark that made the original so
fascinating.
Mass murders caused by the death note takes place on Wall
Street in the U.S., Shibuya in Japan and other places. World famous private
investigator Ryuzaki (Sosuke Ikematsu), who is the rightful successor of L,
also investigates the mass murders. They discover that 6 death notes exist in
the world.
A computer virus called Kira spreads in the world. A message in the Kira virus says to turn in 6 death notes.
“Death Note: Light Up the New World” is a fantasy action film that’s based on the manga and anime series, “Death Note”. It’s the fourth in the “Death Note” film franchise and takes place 10 years after the events of “Death Note 2: The Last Name”.
ReplyDeleteThe plot, as usual, is filled with dramatic twists and turns as the three main characters try to outwit each other, even if some of them are on the same side. The plot twists also follow the rules of the original Death Notes instead of coming up with arbitrary new ones, which is an impressive feat given how convoluted the plot can get and the number of conditions to consider for Death Note users and victims.
You’ll frequently find yourself consulting your mobile phone or asking your friend what are the properties of the Death Notes, since the film doesn’t explain when certain rules are in play. It’s been 10 years since the last “Death Note” though — couldn’t we at least have had some exposition for the rules of the franchise?
The one thing that "Death Note: Light Up The New World" lacks is the intellectual machinations and intrigues that is classic to "Death Note". Ryuzaki and Yuki Shien, although unique on their own, don’t really live up to being the successors of L and Kira/Light Yagami respectively.
ReplyDeleteOverall, "Death Note: Light Up The New World" is a great movie on its own. With its connection to the "Death Note" franchise, the original fans of the "Death Note" manga, anime and the previous live-action adaptations would surely boost its popularity. It is also a great way for new fans to discover "Death Note".
Watched it last night! And, it was pretty awesome with the twist at the end! Although it's not as smart as the predensor and less charismatic character, this Death Note will bring you to a nostalgic and thrilling journey.
As a Death Note fan, I was excited when a new film is green-lighted. It is only later when it is revealed as a sequel to Death Note: The last name. Though doubtful, I was still looking forward to see how the saga of Kira could be continued. Crafted as an original story, the first trailer looked intriguing.
ReplyDeleteSo how does the final product fare? Death Note: Light up the new world is a decent installment to the popular franchise, paying homage to the franchise. Although it is a sequel, it could easily be a stand-alone film with all the new characters. It may not match the standard of the first two films directed by Shusuke Kaneko but it is a step up from Hideo Nakata's L: Change the world.
None of the characters stand out. Even Ryuk, the iconic shinigami, has limited screen time. Music is throughout and adds to the thrills.