Death Note

Light Yagami comes across a notebook that can kill with a single name written inside and a hook of fate behind it. He envisions a flawless world where crime fades away and declares himself a guardian of justice, using the Death Note to track and remove evildoers. Soon a global ripple of fear spreads, and the manhunt begins not for criminals but for a hidden killer who seems to predict every move. A legendary detective known only as L enters the scene, promising a nerve shredding game of wits. The chase tests loyalties and ethics as both sides sharpen their strategies, while the consequences of power press in from every direction. The tension escalates as choices accumulate and risks rise.

Released in 2006, the film was directed by Shusuke Kaneko and adapted from Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata's Death Note manga. Its visuals blend sleek urban energy with a cerebral detective feel. That balance helps sustain tension beyond action scenes.

Its worldwide gross is about 29,667,169 dollars against a 20 million budget, reflecting a solid if modest commercial reception for a genre bending adaptation. That performance signaled steady interest for cross media properties, with audiences rewatching scenes on home video.

The film helped cement Death Note as a cultural touchstone, with the characters Light and L becoming instantly recognizable symbols of the moral tug of war depicted on screen. The duel between brains over brute force influenced later thrillers and fans still reference the cat and mouse mind games globally.

Critics noted the tense atmosphere and sharp performances, especially Tatsuya Fujiwara as Light and Kenichi Matsuyama as L. The film probes justice and power, asking whether ends justify means, while maintaining a propulsive suspense that fits the mystery thriller label. Its ethical questions linger after the credits for many viewers.