Death Note 1

Synopsis:
Adapted from the Japanese manga, the film opened with Light (the main protagonist), a top student studying Law (and believes in justice) chancing upon a notebook, whereby he subsequently knows can kill people simply with their names written in it ... as many "criminals" escaped loopholes of the law are being subsequently acted upon by Light, many Japanese begin to be followers of Light (without knowing who he actually is ...) ... The movie challenges the limitation of law and the power to exercise justice on others ... As the views divide, the police also begins attempting to track who is Light ... the BATTLE OF WITS begin ... who will win?

What is commendable ...

-- Somehow, I believe present audience wish to be "surprised" by the plot/script. This is even more so in a cat and mouse story ... throughout, the audience are drawn into guessing whether the main protagonist will be able to escape from the tracking by the police ... even the last scene was a very witty scene ... 

-- To me, the philosophical issues in discussion are also interesting. Especially so in the beginning, the main protagonist seems righteous/assertive of his acts ( as he punishes criminals who have managed to escape the loopholes in law/court sentences) ... However, who are we to decide whether these people are really guilty? ...

-- Likewise, when the story proceeds (i.e., when Light is being tracked) ... the audience is again made to wonder ... are the police right in trying to prosecute a man who helps to eradicate those who abuse the loopholes of law ... versus ... whether the main protagonist is abusing his power (when all he is trying to do is to prevent the police from tracking him and subsequently let the "imperfect law" reigns again ...

What could be better ...

-- Although there are a number of surprises, I have to admit that the debatable "misuse" of power is not unexpected ... although the script writers do try to make it less obvious initially, many audience would tend to side with the police as the story goes on ...

-- Also, some lines may come across as being deliberate in trying to philosophize or make the audience think ...

Conclusion:
Highly Recommended ... As the film seems to target at primarily mainstream audience, I have to admit that the battle of wits is rather engaging ... and you do wonder who will win and who will lose ... As for those who wish to see some depth in the script/theme, there are at least some philosophical issues to ponder over ...


PS: Will write Death Note 2 if I have the time next week ... no promise ...