A History and Review of DEATH NOTE (Desu Noto)

In December of 2003, Death Note began running in the weekly Japanese comic Shonen Jump. Written by first time manga writer Tsugumi Ohba, and drawn by acclaimed artist Takeshi Obata (Hikaru no Go), Death Note reached great success amongst readers. The series ran for twelve volumes, ending in May of 2006, and recently had a thirteenth volume released with detailed character biographies and interviews with both Ohba and Obata. Before the series saw it’s conclusion however, Viz Media bought the US distribution rights and began releasing the volumes here in the United States. Much like in Japan, Death Note found a large group of dedicated readers, and continues to be one of the most well loved, more mature manga series available. Perhaps it is unsurprising then, that the manga was quickly picked up to be adapted into two feature length films by several companies working under the name “DEATH NOTE” Film Partners. The studios involved in this venture were Nippon Television Network Corporation (NTV) and Nikkatsu Studios, with Warner Bros. distributing the film in Japan. The man who was chosen to direct both films is one who is a very familiar name to fans of tokusatsu: none other than Shusuke Kaneko.
Shusuke Kaneko is well known as the man who revived Daiei’s Gamera franchise. Director of the Gamera trilogy, AZUMI 2: DEATH OR LOVE (Azumi 2, 2005), and many others, Kaneko was picked to helm both Death Note films. In fact, many of the cast and crew of DEATH NOTE (Desu Noto, 2006) are no strangers to Japanese science fiction. Kenji Kawai, music composer of the film, has done countless scores all across Asia, including but not limited to GHOST IN THE SHELL (Kokaku Kidotai, 1995), ULTRAMAN NEXUS (Urutoraman Nekusasu, 2004), and DRAGON TIGER GATE (Lung Fu Moon, 2006). Actor Tatsuya Fujiwara was the star in Kenji Fukusaku’s blockbuster films BATTLE ROYALE (Batoru Rowairu, 2000) and BATTLE ROYALE II: REQUIEM (Batoru Rowairu II: Chinkonka, 2003). Other members of the cast and crew include Shido Nakamura whose roles include NEIGHBOR NO. 13 (Rinjin 13-Go, 2005), and FEARLESS (Huo Yuan Jia, 2006), and Kenichi Matsuyama from YAMATO (OTOKO-TACHI NO YAMATO, 2006) and NANA (NANA, 2005). Perhaps most surprising is the inclusion of Takeshi Kaga, known internationally as the host of IRON CHEF (Ryori no Tetsujin, 1993). The follow up film, DEATH NOTE: THE LAST NAME (Desu Noto 2, 2006), received its Japanese theatrical release on November 3rd, 2006.