Death Note
Death Note Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Movie Overview: Death Note
| Movie | Death Note |
| Release Year | 2006 |
| Director | Shusuke Kaneko |
| Genre | Fantasy / Mystery / Thriller |
| Runtime | 126 minutes (2h 6m) |
| Language | JA |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Death Note (2006) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Fantasy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Death Note are led by Tatsuya Fujiwara . The supporting cast, including Kenichi Matsuyama and Asaka Seto , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Death Note stands out as a strong entry in the Fantasy genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Fantasy narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Death Note has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Fantasy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Death Note
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2006, Death Note is a Fantasy, Mystery, Thriller film directed by Shusuke Kaneko, written by Tetsuya Oishi. The narrative transports viewers to imaginative worlds filled with magic, wonder, and epic adventures. As part of the Death Note Collection, it provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Tatsuya Fujiwara as Light Yagami.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Light Yagami finds the "Death Note," a notebook with the power to kill, and decides to create a Utopia by killing the world's criminals, and soon the world's greatest detective, "L," is hired to find the mysterious murderer. An all out battle between the two greatest minds on earth begins and the winner will control the world. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: Death Note establishes its world and central conflict efficiently, with Shusuke Kaneko introducing Tatsuya Fujiwara as Light Yagami in the opening act, and across its 2h 6m runtime, the pacing proves deliberate.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Tatsuya Fujiwara's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings the narrative threads together, with Tatsuya Fujiwara's arc reaching resolution. Shusuke Kaneko's handling of the finale provides adequate resolution.
Ending Explained: Death Note
Death Note Ending Explained: Directed by Shusuke Kaneko, Death Note resolves its central conflicts in a coherent and engaging way. The ending highlights the core fantasy themes developed throughout the film.
The final twist encourages viewers to reconsider earlier moments in the story, particularly in scenes involving Tatsuya Fujiwara. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The main storyline reaches a clear conclusion.
- Character Development: The central characters complete meaningful arcs.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the fantasy themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Death Note reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Death Note?
Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Fantasy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Tatsuya Fujiwara or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Death Note
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $20.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $29.7M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Death Note Budget
The estimated production budget for Death Note is $20.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch Death Note Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreDeath Note Parents Guide & Age Rating
2006 AdvisoryWondering about Death Note age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Death Note (2006) is 126 minutes (2h 6m). Directed by Shusuke Kaneko, the film runs for 126 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.1/10, and global performance metrics, Death Note is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2006 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Death Note worth watching?
Death Note is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Fantasy movies. It has a verified rating of 7.1/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Death Note parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Death Note identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Death Note (2006)?
The runtime of Death Note (2006) is 126 minutes (approximately 2h 6m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
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