Death Note

[TylerDurden99]

Anyone else aware of this brilliant anime show? I've never read the manga series, but I'm immensely enjoying the show. It has it's flaws, but it's still a very intriguing series.

http://www.google.com.au/search?q=death+note&hl=en&client=safari&tbo=u&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ei=pS0VT4XwI4WViAeohYkw&ved=0CFAQsAQ&biw=768&bih=928

[linespalsy]

I read the first several volumes of the manga a few years ago. Interesting premise, but like most manga it's too drawn-out/soap opera-y for me.

[planet news]

Never read the manga, but the first season is largely good. #7 is probably the most excellent out of those. I was very sorry to see that not even attempted in the live action version (which was sh*t). It only gets more exciting from thereon but then there's this odd moment before the second season (if it can be called that) where the entire premise of the show is inverted and essentially destroyed. We then move onto a totally new main conflict without really resolving the first one in any meaningful way... It's pretty much all downhill from that point.

[TylerDurden99]

I never bothered with the live action film after I watched the trailer, which conveyed some laughable acting and effects.

PN, when you say the entire premise of the show is inverted, do you mean when

Light, the main character loses his memory after relinquishing power of the Death Note? Because I didn't like that either, but after that little eight episode storyline is over with, the story becomes more intriguing as it goes along.

[bouncingbrick]

I couldn't get past the first episode. The somber, self-serious tone and lethargic pacing made me want to never watch anime again. And I'm a bit of a fan of the genre.

Does it get better or ever get any life injected into it (funny joke)? And by better, I mean does it ever move faster than a snails pace?

[TylerDurden99]

I do agree that the first episode isn't that good, but that all changes when you hit the third episode. From then onwards, there is some relatively good pacing and some very good plot twists. But the "self serious" tone remains, which I thought was fitting, but others may find off putting.

Also, Bouncingbrick, I read in another thread a couple weeks back that you were a big fan of Cowboy Bebop, a show I was aware of but never decided to watch. Well, after reading your opinion on it, I rented the first volume, which had something like five episodes, and I loved it. Definitely a show that defied my expectations (I'm not an anime fan) and one that I could watch endlessly.

[bouncingbrick]

I do agree that the first episode isn't that good, but that all changes when you hit the third episode. From then onwards, there is some relatively good pacing and some very good plot twists. But the "self serious" tone remains, which I thought was fitting, but others may find off putting.

Also, Bouncingbrick, I read in another thread a couple weeks back that you were a big fan of Cowboy Bebop, a show I was aware of but never decided to watch. Well, after reading your opinion on it, I rented the first volume, which had something like five episodes, and I loved it. Definitely a show that defied my expectations (I'm not an anime fan) and one that I could watch endlessly.

I may have to give Death Note a second chance...

And, concerning Cowboy Bebop, awesome! I love hearing people giving it a chance. It's a truly great show and a journey I love to take. I also recommend Samurai Chaploo. It's the other TV show that was made by Bebop director Shinichiro Watanabe. It's just as fun and clever as Bebop. Give it a view.

Also, watch Bebop all the way through to the end and keep watching in order!

[TylerDurden99]

Yeah, I'd love to watch it all the way to the end. I'm on episode 9 "Jamming with Edward" and I would like to see more. But the video store near my house only has the first two and last two volumes, which is very annoying.

Also, if you've seen it, is the movie worth watching? I've heard both good and bad things about it.

[bouncingbrick]

Yes, watch the movie. It's a bit more contemplative and existential than some of the episodes, but it's truly wonderful. It takes place during the main bulk of the show chronologically so it can be viewed once you're familiar with the main cast. Watch a few more episodes with Edward before watching it, though it's best viewed after you've consumed the show, IMO.

Sorry to hijack this thread. I swear I won't post again unless I can talk about Death Note!