Compulsively watchable two-part J-pop saga of supernatural vigilantism run amok, centring on a college student who possesses a notebook that allows him to kill anyone whose name he writes in it.
Screened as part of NZIFF 2007
Death Note + Death Note: The Last Name 2006
Desu nôto
This sprawling, compulsively watchable saga of supernatural vigilantism run amok boasts a concept so ingenious it's a wonder no one's done it before. Based on a manga sensation in its home country, Death Note, and its sequel Death Note: The Last Name, have translated smoothly to screen as a sublime, highly satisfying pair of serialised cinéma fantastique. An inspired J-pop amalgam of Dr Mabuse, MPD Psycho and Final Destination, the film stars Fujiwara Tatsuya as Light Yagami, a college student who comes into possession of a notebook that allows him to kill anyone simply by writing their name in it. Expect devious, razor-sharp plot twists galore as Light begins abusing his newfound brand of justice, playing a shrewdly devised cat-and-mouse game with the authorities and a brilliant mysterious nemesis named "L". Unlike other screenings around the world, you'll be able to enjoy the entire crazily addictive four and a half hours of this two-parter in one sitting; an intermission will be provided, but chances are you'll be so hooked you won't leave your seat.