Death Note (2017)
A Western Take on a Japanese Classic
directed by Adam Wingard
Behind
The Story.
The 2017 adaptation of Death Note, directed by Adam Wingard, presents a Westernized version of the acclaimed Japanese manga and anime series. The film follows Light Turner (Nat Wolff), a high school student who discovers a supernatural notebook that grants him the power to kill anyone whose name he writes in it.
Guided by the enigmatic death god Ryuk (voiced by Willem Dafoe), Light embarks on a mission to eliminate criminals, adopting the alias “Kira.”
As Light’s actions attract global attention, he becomes the target of the brilliant detective L (Lakeith Stanfield), leading to a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. The film explores themes of justice, morality, and the corrupting influence of power.
However, it diverges significantly from its source material, relocating the setting to Seattle and altering character dynamics and plot elements.
The adaptation faced criticism for its departure from the original narrative and themes, as well as for casting choices that sparked discussions on whitewashing.
While some appreciated the film’s attempt to reinterpret the story for a new audience, others felt it failed to capture the depth and complexity of the original. Despite the polarized reception, Death Note sparked conversations about cultural adaptation and the challenges of translating beloved stories across different media and audiences.