Death Note aka Desu nôto
Director: Shusuke Kaneko
Genre: Thriller/Suspense

Background
Death Note originated as a highly popular comic in Japan. It's now available worldwide as a DVD. Asian horror has been popular of late however I wouldn't categorize this film as horror because it's more about the thrills and suspense than any actual killing or bloodletting. If you're looking for heads popping off and sprays of blood you'll have to look elsewhere. The movie has a strong plot, and good pacing between moments of suspense and surprise.

Synopsis
The plot involves a supernatural notebook with the power to confer death to anyone whose name is written within it. The notebook falls into the hands of a law student who uses it to rid the world of heinous criminals. So far so good. Power is corrupting and the young hero of the movie takes to his new godlike powers like a wino in a wine cellar. Known to the public as Kira, we witness his initial shock then embrace of his new powers. This gives the movie a deeper relevance and honesty than a simple celebration of vigilantism such as Death Wish. Because Kira is a likable character the story is able to deliver an increasingly creepy experience.

About the plot
The plot inolves two narrative arcs. The first one is a psychological study of a normal young man drawn to the murky side of the word justice. The other is a classic cat and mouse battle between Kira and a mysterious crime solver named L. There are other minor plotlines criss-crossing, keeping things interesting, but the focus consistement remains on the two major plot points.

L is a fascinating character and the makers of the film wisely do not spend time explaining him. Although his stated goal is also Justice, it becomes clear that the intellectual challenge, the chase itself, is as much motivation if not more. L, like Kira, is a flawed seeker of justice. It's exciting to watch Kira and L try to out-think each other. The acting in this movie is first rate. Ken'ichi Matsuyama plays L with his head slightly bowed and shoulders pulled forward and back hunched as if he's protecting a secret, hiding himself in plain sight. Yet even though he is reluctantly present, L is all mouth and eyes, constantly devouring. Tatsuya Fujiwara plays Kira as a shrewd manipulator of his appearance, not a chameleon, but as an actor playing the role most convenient for achieving his goals. Takeshi Kaga has a difficult role portraying Kira's father. He expertly conveys in his face and through body language his personal horror when his son is suspected of being a killer and you can see the burden lifted from his shoulders when his son is apparently vindicated.

Death Note was a pleasure to watch and I highly recommend it. It keeps your interest and doesn't let go even after the surprise ending that leaves you satisfied yet eager for the sequel, Death Note 2 (Last Name).

Robert Totts