Death Note: The Last Name
Death Note: The Last Name Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Movie Overview: Death Note: The Last Name
| Movie | Death Note: The Last Name |
| Release Year | 2006 |
| Director | Shusuke Kaneko |
| Genre | Fantasy / Thriller / Mystery |
| Runtime | 140 minutes (2h 20m) |
| Language | JA |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Death Note: The Last Name (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: The Last Name are led by Tatsuya Fujiwara . The supporting cast, including Kenichi Matsuyama and Erika Toda , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Death Note: The Last Name 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: The Last Name 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: The Last Name
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2006, Death Note: The Last Name is a Fantasy, Thriller, Mystery 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.
What Is the Story of Death Note: The Last Name?
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. In the second installment of the Death Note film franchise, Light Yagami meets a second Kira and faithful follower Misa Amane and her Shinigami named Rem. Light attempts to defeat L along with Teru Mikami (a Kira follower) and Kiyomi Takada (another Kira follower) but in the end will Light win? or will a Shinigami named Ryuk make all the difference in Light's victory or his ultimate death? The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
How Is Death Note: The Last Name Structured?
- Opening Hook: Death Note: The Last Name establishes its world and central conflict efficiently, with Shusuke Kaneko introducing Tatsuya Fujiwara as Light Yagami in the opening act, and across its 2h 20m 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: The Last Name
Death Note: The Last Name Ending Explained: In the second installment of the Death Note film franchise, Light Yagami meets a second Kira and faithful follower Misa Amane and her Shinigami named Rem. Directed by Shusuke Kaneko, this 2006 fantasy film stars Tatsuya Fujiwara (Light Yagami), alongside Kenichi Matsuyama as L, Erika Toda as Misa Amane, Nana Katase as Kiyomi Takada. Rated 7.1/10 by audiences, the conclusion brings the story to a satisfying close.
What Happens at the End of Death Note: The Last Name?
In the second installment of the Death Note film franchise, Light Yagami meets a second Kira and faithful follower Misa Amane and her Shinigami named Rem. Light attempts to defeat L along with Teru Mikami (a Kira follower) and Kiyomi Takada (another Kira follower) but in the end will Light win? or will a Shinigami named Ryuk make all the difference in Light's victory or his ultimate death?
Shusuke Kaneko's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Tatsuya Fujiwara (Light Yagami)'s journey. Light attempts to defeat L along with Teru Mikami (a Kira follower) and Kiyomi Takada (another Kira follower) but in the end will Light win.
As part of the Death Note Collection, the ending carries additional weight for fans following the franchise.
How Does Tatsuya Fujiwara (Light Yagami)'s Story End?
- Tatsuya Fujiwara: Tatsuya Fujiwara's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Shusuke Kaneko delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 2h 20m runtime.
- Kenichi Matsuyama (L): Kenichi Matsuyama's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Erika Toda (Misa Amane): Erika Toda's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Death Note: The Last Name Mean?
The ending of Death Note: The Last Name ties together the narrative threads involving Tatsuya Fujiwara. Shusuke Kaneko chooses a conclusion that prioritizes thematic consistency over surprise, resulting in an ending that rewards viewers who engaged with the story's central themes. Based on 544 audience ratings, the consensus is that the ending is adequate but divisive.
Death Note: The Last Name Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Death Note: The Last Name Based on a True Story?
No, Death Note: The Last Name is a work of fiction. While the fantasy, thriller, mystery film directed by Shusuke Kaneko and starring Tatsuya Fujiwara may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Death Note: The Last Name?
Age Advisory: Rated PG-13.
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: The Last Name
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $17.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $47.9M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Death Note: The Last Name Budget
The estimated production budget for Death Note: The Last Name is $17.0M. 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: The Last Name Online?
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Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesDeath Note: The Last Name Parents Guide & Age Rating
2006 AdvisoryWondering about Death Note: The Last Name age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Death Note: The Last Name (2006) is 140 minutes (2h 20m). Directed by Shusuke Kaneko, the film runs for 140 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: The Last Name is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2006 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Death Note: The Last Name worth watching?
Death Note: The Last Name 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: The Last Name parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Death Note: The Last Name identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Death Note: The Last Name (2006)?
The runtime of Death Note: The Last Name (2006) is 140 minutes (approximately 2h 20m).
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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