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mikami · 5 years

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Death Note Audio Drama 10

Disc 10: Karma Police - a summary / partial translation

Prior translations / an explanation as to what the fuck this is.

After I majorly burned myself out on doing these, I am BACK with the rest of this drama in tow. 10 down, 2 to go.

In this: nonsensical but wild shinigami lore, confirmation of ghosts, an actually sad dialogue of grief over Soichiro, and transparently agenda-based bad writing decisions that make me lose my mind with how bad they are.

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We start with a dramatic audio sequence from Kira’s Kingdom. Topics are the rise of pseudonyms in social media and unjustified Kira killings based on rumors online. There is also... a studio guest!

DEMEGAWA: Here in the studio, I can welcome Teru Mikami. Prosecutor in new Kira cases from all over the world. I, Hitoshi Demegawa, take your calls, read your mails, listen to your stories. Whole lifestyles are overhauled, behaviours defined anew. How we approach other people is often only dominated by fear. And... love. The love of Lord Kira. This is Kira’s world. We’re just living in it.

(Note by me: what the fuck does this mean??? Literally what the fuck does any of that mean?? How is a case a Kira case?? He’s pro-Kira not anti-Kira?? Hello?? On that note, DEMEGAWA IS ALSO PRO-KIRA??? WHY IS HE SAYING ANY OF THIS???? The fact that the audio drama writers had zero commitment to even trying to make Kira-following believable in story irritates me a lot. They do so much obvious moralizing at the cost of the story. Like yeah, Kira is bad, but a sane listener doesn’t need you to literally punch them in the face with it............................)

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TITLE MUSIC

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Mello meets Ms Sugai, the mafia lawyer from last disc. They’re at the beach, waiting for the drone to arrive. Ms Sugai is very demanding, definitely views herself as the boss here. She takes Rod Ross’ role in this drama.

The drone gets there, Sugai nitpicks Mello’s methods, Mello stays calm, and the drone is retrieved and brought to Sugai’s place.

_____________________

L and Shidoh arrive in Tokyo. Shidoh remarks how it was very different last time he got there (after the war). Shidoh suspects the war is the cause of shinigami having gotten so lazy, since a lot of them didn’t have to kill for ages after this. (Nevermind that this is complete bullshit because shinigami don’t have anything to do with ‘normal’ deaths and thus would not actually have had to work any at a war unless they were directly painstakingly orchestrating it, lmao.)

L wonders if youkai in Japanese folklore. are just half-remembered sightings of Shinigami. Shidoh isn’t sure.

Shidoh also explains that L’s body is going to change. Everyone starts out with the body they died in and then changes. Shidoh speculates it is related to the manner of death or maybe the personality of the person.

L: Are you trying to say all Shinigami started out as humans?

SHIDOH: Not necessarily. But even a human will change over the course of centuries. I don’t know, L. Maybe your teeth are going to get longer and longer. Or! Horns may come from your skull. Or you’ll just keep growing taller. Death is only the beginning.

The two of them arrive at the Task Force Headquarter. Shidoh goes in, L leaves.

_______________________________

Soichiro is trying to get into the headquarters despite having already had his retirement party. But officially he’s still employed - yet he can’t get in because he’s suspended after stealing the Death Note to free Sayu.

_______________________________

Shidoh approaches Ryuk about his notebook. He demands it back, but Ryuk doesn’t know where it is.

_______________________________

Matsuda and Light are sorting through Watari’s huge amount of physical files that he kept in a storage room. None of that seemed relevant to them 5 years ago. It’s mostly data about his charity work, including his orphanage for gifted children, Wammy’s House. There is a file on N, but there is no picture, only a drawing. Likewise with M. M has a juvenile criminal record in his file. They deduce M is the one who stole the Death Note.

______________________________

Sugai comes to talk to the mafia guy the police arrested. Since she’s his lawyer. She tells him that he has to sit his time in jail for a few months until she gets him out. She also dictates what to state as his testimony.

______________________________

Shidoh then approaches the dude. The dude is appropriately shocked. Shidoh wants him to say where the Death Note is.

______________________________

Light sees this freak-out on the camera feeds and assumes a shinigami is in the cell. Light figures out that Ryuk handed over a stolen Death Note. He’s highly amused.

The mafia guy tells Shidoh where the headquarters are (on the other end of Tokyo) and the investigators who are listening in now also know.

______________________________

Sugai is incredulous that the weapon they got is just a book. She’s immediately wants to test the book. She and Mello discuss the rules and capabilities of it.

______________________________

Light decides not to tell Near about these developments. The Task Force wants to get the notebook back themselves. They scheme how to storm the building, there is a bunch of technical talk about methods here.

______________________________

Sugai and Mello still discuss the rules. Shidoh appears and immediately tells them the 13 day rule is fake.

______________________________

Misa and Light are at a public swimming pool. Light chose the location so nobody can wear a bug and also to drown out noise with the whirlpool. Misa is excited about the outing. Light tells Misa to get rid of the notebook. She’s supposed to kill the mafia first, then give the book up.

______________________________

Soichiro is tending to the roses. Sachiko is giving gardening advice, Soichiro doesn’t know shit about gardening. Sachiko is super happy Soichiro is home and wants to make out, wohoo. But Soichiro gets a call from Kira, rip.

Kira is Misa giving him the plan to storm Mello’s HQ, just like in canon.

______________________________

Mello starts wondering why someone would write the fake rules. And he figures that Kira wanted the police to read the fake rules, to give him an alibi.

_____________________________

The Task Force gets Kira’s Death Note. Soichiro has objections against the plan, morally. Everyone else is just like ‘eh’.

______________________________

Shidoh asks for his book back, Mello and Sugai don’t want to return it.

______________________________

The raid on the HQ is happening! Light is also in with them, he even has a gun.

MATSUDA: Is your weapon ready to fire?

LIGHT: Yes, Matsuda. It is. I’m a real detective.

MATSUDA: For less than a week. How many shoot-outs have you been at?

LIGHT: One, this one included.

MATSUDA: Right. You may officially be my boss, but I still have 7 years on you. This is not a game.

LIGHT: You don’t have to tell me that.

People start dying and the raid is starting.

______________________________

Sugai and Mello notice the attack. Shidoh suggests the eye deal so they can defend themselves.

Sugai also suggests Mello pretend to take her hostage, since officially she is not a criminal and can thus count as a civilian hostage. Mello agrees. They try to take the back door to escape.

Shidoh is surprised nobody wants the deal.

Outdoors, Soichiro yells at them to give up. Mello recognizes his voice and knows his name. Sugai suggests he kill him. They realize neither of them has the book on them.

______________________________

Soichiro meanwhile finds the left-behind Death Note, hurray. Mello and Sugai do their hostage plan to get him to give up the notebook. Sugai screams really melodramatically.

Light also enters the scene but a surviving mafia goon has a target on him. Soichiro meanwhile forgot his weapon on some table, rip.

The situation is dire, Ryuk tempts Soichiro into the eye deal in a lengthy sequence of pointing out just how dire the situation is. Specifically the motivator here is that Light’s life is in danger. Soichiro takes the deal for Light.

_______________________________

The stand-off continues. More and more people from each side arrive at the scene and its more complicated. Soichiro reveals that he has Mello’s name (he pronounces it Michael) and threatens people with it.

Ryuk helps (?) by turning off the light for a moment, which causes people to shoot wildly. Soichiro runs to the roof, injured. Mello and Sugai chase him.

______________________________

Sugai decides to escape without the notebook and fucks off. https://twitter.com/MiyataVld/status/1153658045374746624

______________________________

Ryuk comes to Soichiro and says he ‘has’ to write his name. I don’t know how the fuck shinigami lore works in this. Light comes up to the roof and wants Soichiro to give him the notebook. Shidoh steps in, Soichiro gives HIM the notebook, Light is really pissed about it.

SOICHIRO: We made it, son. We’re finally rid of it.... nobody can misuse it anymore.... And I still have the eyes.

LIGHT: Father...

SOICHIRO: I can see you now son... your name... your death date... do you know what that means?

LIGHT: You can’t go father! The ambulance is on the day. Stay strong. Look into my eyes. Look at me.

SOICHIRO: As I can see... it means... you’re not Kira....

LIGHT: Yes, father, I’m not Kira. But you have to hold on and tell it to the others as well. You can’t die, stay strong! Tell them what you’re seeing! Tell them... Father?! [sobbing noises]

______________________________

Soichiro’s funeral. A Christian sermon again, because who cares these guys are Japanese, I guess.

MATSUDA: Chin up, Light. He’d be proud of you.

LIGHT: Thanks, Matsuda.

AIZAWA: My condolences.

LIGHT: Thank you. Come on, mom. Let’s go home.

SACHIKO: You couldn’t change it either, huh...?

LIGHT: Mom!

SACHIKO: I had him for two days! I waited 35 years and you only left him to me for two. days.

SAYU: Mom... Don’t say that! Not here!

SACHIKO: He was retired. Why was he even there?

LIGHT: He saved my life.

SAYU: And mine, too.

SACHIKO: Hah.

SAYU: He was a hero.

SACHIKO: I didn’t want a hero. I wanted my husband.

SAYU: Calm down, mom...

SACHIKO: Don’t you dare tell me to calm down. I lost him to the police. I lost my whole life to the police! And now they’ve got you, too.

LIGHT: He was proud of me.

SACHIKO: Of course he was. You’re just like him. It’s as if he was still standing in front of me, ready to doom another woman who will spend her life waiting for him to come home!

MISA: Sachiko, please...

SACHIKO: Run while you still can, Misa. It’s not worth it! [sobbing] Why did you let him go?! Why didn’t you talk him into staying home?!

__________________________

RYUK: Humans are so funny.

L: You’re a monster.

RYUK: What the hell?? How did you get here?

L: Surprised to see me?

RYUK: Uhh, yeah? You’re... uh... You’re dead.

L: People keep telling me that lately.

RYUK: What’s going on here? Are you.... Wait. Are you buried here? Is this just a common haunting?

L: Nope.

RYUK: In that case you’re just an echo, you see? It’ll fade soon.

L: Do I sound like an echo?

RYUK: No. You can’t just come back from the dead. That’s impossible.

L: Are you sure?

RYUK: There are rules.

L: And do you also know the one that says you’re not allowed to steal someone else’s death note? That’s one of those rules, isn’t it?

RYUK: Aaah, that’s how Shidoh found me.

L: We helped each other out.

RYUK: But he’s back home now. He left you here.

L: Yeah, there’s still a few things I need to do.

RYUK: You know that there is only a single way for you to still be here? There is only one way for this to end.

L: Yes.

RYUK: Wow, L. You really have to carry a major rage inside of you.

L: I think I merely have a reason.

RYUK: Then just wait, buddy.

L: What?

RYUK: Light has got his teeth in your successor. You know, that miniature version of you.

L: Near. What can Light do to him?

RYUK: He’s close. Light is gonna turn his lights off.

L: But he doesn’t know his real name. He can’t kill him.

RYUK: He doesn’t need that. He just needs to cut him off from reinforcements. Cheers to the chief inspector!

____________________________

A press person tries to do damage control on Trump’s terrible politics. Many Trump jokes here. I am so tired of this drama reminding me Trump exists.

Trump then announces that the US won’t oppose Kira anymore.

___________________________

We’re still at the cemetery. Light is chilling there, as Ryuk urges him to go out. Light asks Ryuk what happens after death and wonders if Soichiro might know the truth now, wherever he is. Ryuk doesn’t answer conclusively. He accuses Light of being scared of his karma and scared of his father’s disapproval.

Light kept a few pages of Shidoh’s notebook. He killed Sugai with it. Light still wonders if his father is watching.

Ryuk says that ‘almost’ nobody ever came back from the dead.

__________________________

Mikami is on a debate program, opposing Paula Virilio. They’re discussing the US’s recent decision. This discussion is BIZARRE and I don’t understand why a single writing decision in it was made. Like, it just makes me so mad. I am solely translating it so everyone else can be mad with me.

TAKADA: Shocking statements from the US president today. But are they really so susprising? That’s what I want to ask general prosecutor Teru Mikami. Mr. Mikami?

MIKAMI: Good evening. No, it really isn’t surprising. I think this recent deed by the US mirrors are global, fast-growing movement that isn’t afraid to call Kira’s actions good.

TAKADA: It probably isn’t true that there aren’t any wars or crimes anymore.

MIKAMI: No. Kira’s actions are rather localized. He pays almost no attention to the third world. And not all crimes happen intentionally or are able to be put to trial without reasonable evidence.

TAKADA: And for you that’s alright?

MIKAMI: I think Kira is listening. I think he is watching us at this very moment. I think he reacts to movements and campaigns in the public. If his punishments reflect the worries of, say, the Japanese middle class, then that’s also a... how should I put this... function of his loudest supporters.

TAKADA: You’re saying that if we were more interested in, for example, Simbabwe, then Kira would do the same?

MIKAMI: That’s my firm belief.

TAKADA: Also in our studio, is the law consultant Paula Virilio, who has lead both Interpol and the SPK in the past. To you the question... where is the 180° turn of the US president taking the criminal justice system?

VIRILIO: I don’t know if this step was really thought through. Only a short while ago, he signed a paper assigning more money to the according task forces. This step now... it is putting the whole task force into a tight spot. There are definitely going to be conflicts with Interpol. The step back from American engagement will likely have consequences.

TAKADA: Do you mean financially?`

VIRILIO: Interpol still views Kira as the world’s most wanted terrorist. And those who work with Interpol usually do this in the shape of a substantial financial contribution. So yes, I think this step will freeze both the US engagement with Interpol and this form of international cooperation at large, for an indefinite amount of time. With a whole row of unpredictable consequences, by the way. Cooperations across borders, agreements to hand people over, tax agreements... At baseline, he just turned the US into a paradise for organized crime.

MIKAMI: Come on, Paula, that’s ridiculous!

_________________________

The scene cuts, to the SPK who was watching. They’re understandably displeased. And they argue that Kira must be blackmailing the president to do this. The SPK things they had something on Kira that made Kira fear them.

This makes them think back to the kidnapping stunt in Japan.

Mello then calls the SPK.

MELLO: My condolences for the end of your job contract. Looks like sticking to the rules was a waste of time.

He then tells Near that he used to have the notebook for a little bit. Near is shocked the task force didn’t tell him any of that. Mello tells Near that he’ll have to work hard to catch up with him now.

Thus he gives Near a tip, telling him a rule is fake.

___________________________

We’re back on Kira’s Kingdom. They talk about Sugai, who’s suicide included a confession (thanks Light), about the family feud at Soichiro’s funeral, and then about protestants circling the SPK building.

___________________________

Near calls Light. He confronts Light on not informing him on the raid. He’s pissed and says they failed because they didn’t use his resources for backup.

He also asks Light what he thinks of fake rules and immediately admits Mello told him this.......................

Near elaborates on the idea that the fake rules were made to create an alibi. Light ‘deduces’ the correct fake rules.

Near suggests testing the book and its rules, the task force refuses this. Near then addresses the task force members and calls suspicion to Light being Kira.

After the call ends, the anti-SPK protesters arrive at the building and try to storm it. Near and the SPK make a run for it.

_____________________________

Light says that Near is just desperate to present just about anything before his special task force gets dissolved. The task force discuss Near’s theory anyway.

Matsuda says that Near is just trying to split them apart. The other task force members aren’t as anti-Near.

#death note #audio drama translations

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cube-e-scape · 6 years

Text

Wish

I wrote a fic as a birthday gift for Mello. If there is any grammatical error, don't hesitate to tell me :)

Here we go. Enjoy!

~~~~~~~

December 13th, 2009

03:00 am. Why was Mello out here, alone, in the street at this time? Oh right, because he ran out of chocolate, and he couldn't stand the annoying sounds came from his best friend's precious PSP. Seriously, Mello could swear: Matt would make out with it if it was a human. He needed to concentrate in order to catch Kira, for God's sake! But then again, the redhead never said anything about Mello's obsession with chocolate, so he couldn't complain. That's when he chose to go outside and take some fresh air.

But no! Life is such an ass. It had to be snow, SNOW, of all things! Maybe leather wasn't a good idea. But Mello shrugged that thought off nonetheless. He liked leather, and he's strong, he could handle this cold. The worst thing's that there was no store left open. Now he was frozen, he was irritated, and he was starving for sugar.

Brrrrrrrr

Mello felt vibration in his pocket. He took out his phone and answered it.

"Hello?"

"Mello..." There it was, that unmistakable, cold and firm yet soft voice.

"...Near." He was slightly surprised. Why would Near, of all people, call him at this time? "What do you want?"

"Would you mind coming to the SPK Headquarters now?" At this, Mello almost fell back and landed on hit butt.

"Why on earth would I-" the younger boy cut him off.

"Please..."

"..." Wow, begging-Near. That was new. "Fine, whatever."

"Good. When you get there, go to the monitor room. I've turned off security system, so there's nothing for you to worry about."

"Yeah yeah." With that response, Mello hung off immediately, staring at his phone for a few minutes. He angrily kicked a nearest bunch of snow. The blonde then head to the SPK Headquarters, confused and a little excited for an unknown reason.

03:30 am. Mello was standing in front of the monitor room's metal slide door. He took a deep breath. This was the same room where he had met Near for the first time in 4 years to retrieve his photo. Why am I so fucking nervous? He scolded and walked in.

White hair, white pyjamas, pale skin and stormy grey eyes. There he was, sitting in the middle of the dim room in his odd yet familiar posture, glowing softly thanks to his alabaster complexion. Near hadn't changed at all, Mello noted. No matter how old the albino was, he still looked like a kid. He only got slightly taller, his voice got deeper, and his cheeks got less round.

"I'm glad that you came, Mello." Near greeted in his monotone, but there was a hint of delight in it.

"Don't Near. That hospitality-tone doesn't suit you. Just go straight to the point." God, he wish he had had chocolate.

"You're correct. That doesn't suit me." The white-haired boy stated. "Please come here."

"Why don't you pick your lazy ass up and come here?" Mello mocked but he still did as told and sat on the floor, in front of Near. "Now what?" He asked absently. The younger male looked into his azure orbs for a moment, before took something from behind his back. A chocolate muffin.

"Happy birthday..." He whispered softly, his voice sounded awkward. Mello just stared, and stared at the muffin in those small hands. A smirk crossed his face.

"...So you do remember huh?" He whispered back, like their exchange words were something special, something needed to be kept secret.

"Why not? It's not like that you forget my birthday." Near tilted his head.

"Yeah, but I gave you stuffs like shit." Mello remembered everything he'd get Near when they were at Wammy's. There was a year, he gave the boy a piece of paper with 'Dear Near, you are an asshole' on it. And another year, the blonde gave Near crumpled cards so Near couldn't build anything with them. But the little teen always kept what his rival got him, and always gave Mello his favourite type of chocolate on his birthday. That, Mello could never comprehend.

"...You're the only one who remembered it anyway."

Awkward silence.

"Whatever. I'm gonna eat this muffin." Mello murmured and reached for the treat, but Near stopped him. He then took out a small candle and a lighter.

"No. You have to make a wish first." The albino put the candle on the muffin and carefully lit it up.

"...You've got to be kidding me!" The chocoholic growled. This kid was so unbearable!

"It's tradition, Mello." Near replied matter of factly. Mello had to snort at the boy's behaviour. Near didn't just look like a kid, he acted like one too. Hell, that seventeen year old still played with toys.

"Alright sir." Mello closed his eyes. After a moment, he opened them and blew out the candle. The mafioso then immediately grabbed the cake and took a big bite. Half of the muffin had gone into his mouth. He moaned, feeling the sweet on his tongue.

"Hey, have some." Mello offered the younger male the other half. Near just gazed at it before hesitantly opened his mouth and let Mello fed him.

"So, what did you wish for?" Near asked, curiosity filled his voice. The blonde laughed, ruffled his white hair fondly. Near's onyx eyes widened at the touch, but he soon relaxed and leaned into it. He liked, no, loved the feeling. He loved the feeling of Mello's hand in his hair.

"I can't tell, Near. It's tradition." The blonde teased. The albino rolled his eyes. Mello was right, unfortunately.

"So did you have it?" He asked quietly.

"No, not yet. But..." Mello trailed off, hand still on Near's head, stroking his hair gently. "...I'll tell you when I have what I wished for."

"When, exactly?"

"...When everything is over. When Kira get caught. When this case comes to an end. When everything is normal again..." The blonde whispered. "That's when, I promise, okay?" Ocean blue locked with stormy grey. Near thought for a moment, and nodded.

"Pinky swear?" He asked innocently, rising his pinky to Mello's eye level. Mello smiled a genuine smile, then hooked his own pinky with Near's.

"Pinky swear."

January 27th, 2010

Near was sitting in the monitor room, a letter in his hands. It was from Mello. Halle found it in the blonde's apartment. It had 'To Near' on it. The white-haired boy inhaled deeply and opened the letter.

'Near,

When you are reading this, I'd probably died. But I'm not the one who can't keep his promise. I'm gonna make this quick, because it's already weird as fuck. Writing this, I mean. So here we go.

What I wished for on my birthday was you, Near. I want you. Funny, huh? I wanted to beat you, now I want to be with you. I want your mind, your heart, all of you. I love seeing your smile, the way you twirling your hair,... I want to be the one you can trust enough to let your walls down, the shoulder you can lean on whenever you break down. You've always fascinated me. But I guess that having you is impossible now.

I'm sorry, Nate, for being a coward. At least you are safe now. Please kick Kira's butt, and lead a happy life, for Watari, for L, for Matt, for me... I'll be waiting for you at the finish line.

I love you.

Mihael Keehl.'

"Stupid Mello..." Near whispered, his voice was cold and empty. "You've always had what you wished for..."

Outside the room, Rester, Gievanni and Halle watched silently as a single tear hit the floor.

#death note #meronia #mello #near #mihael keehl #nate river #mello's birthday #fanfiction

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rhymelawliet · 7 years

Text

I watched Netflix’s DEATH NOTE Adaptation. Here are my thoughts.

Let me begin by saying that I didn’t HATE it. For someone who has considered ‘Death Note’ my favorite manga/anime for nearly a decade, that’s saying something.

(SPOILERS BELOW)

It’s difficult to compare Netflix’s version to the original due to the complete change in characterization and plotline. They are two entirely different species of animal, but it’s safe to say the original is superior in nearly every aspect (which is to be expected).

Let’s begin with Light “Turner”. He begins as an emotionally troubled teen still grieving the murder of his mother and the unjust treatment of her killer. He is already hurt and jaded, unlike Light Yagami who was from an upper middle-class family, earned good grades in school, had a loving relationship with his parents, and was all-around intelligent and well-respected by his peers and adults. Light Turner didn’t have any concept of what he was getting into when he started being Kira. His desire for justice comes from pain, whereas Yagami’s comes from a place of love for the people he cares about (i.e. his family). Turner is far less cunning, methodical, or ingenious. He’s not intellectually average, but he also doesn’t have Yagami’s symptoms of sociopathy or narcissism at the beginning.

Misa (Mia Sutton) gets a pretty great opportunity when compared to the unfair rep the original Misa gets. Mia is far more cunning than Light. She KNOWS what she wants and is determined to get it no matter the cost. She’s no puppet. Her blatant betrayal of Light is the opposite of who Misa is (even if Mia says it’s for the better). Misa trusted completely in Light because he was worthy of her trust. Turner is far more weak-willed, so Mia takes over when she thinks he’s making serious oversights. She has the same ruthless qualities as Misa (Misa once threatened to kill any girl who showed interest in Light...) but uses them to cheat Light out of his vision to make (in her opinion) superior choices on how to use the Death Note.

I think Ryuk’s character was the most surprising. As far as I know, most adaptations haven’t messed with his character at all. This Ryuk, played PERFECTLY by Willem Dafoe, had AN AGENDA. This kind of blew my mind. Original Ryuk was only doing this to prevent his own boredom (which was NEVER touched upon here...) and plays the role of the Trickster, tricking humans into using the Death Note and wreaking havoc upon themselves and the world around them. Not as many funny moments for Ryuk, probably to keep the spooky factor. I once had an English teacher read the first volume of DN (which he liked) but his only complaint was that Ryuk was his favorite character but he didn’t DO enough. This Ryuk with a motive would have suited him.

My favorite character is L, which held up in this version as well. I love the actor who played him (anyone seen ‘Get Out’?? CHILLING PERFORMANCE FROM HIM THERE, HOLY SHIT). I thought Keith Stanfield got L’s quirks down perfectly, and played L as much more outwardly emotional (which I liked, as a different take). I was shocked when L chased after Light with a GUN. I was sort of laughing maniacally as he stole a police car and hunted him down. L? Hunt down Light WITH A GUN? L has never been about revenge. He wouldn’t grieve Watari’s death this way. I was very relieved when he didn’t shoot Light, and no, I don’t believe he wrote Light’s name in the book. That’s the difference between L and Light-- L would not kill out of revenge. Revenge is not justice. I also think (as an American) that they missed an opportunity to make social commentary for L (as an African American male) as someone who truly understands justice (due to the horrific way African American men in our society are treated by law enforcement and the justice system). Would have loved to see his race become a relevant part of his character.

I was shocked by the events of the film. Partly due to the sudden graphic nature (not because it was graphic, but unexpected). I watched in horror and delight as someone got decapitated. It was wicked. If they’re not dying of heart attacks (AGAIN, NOT EVEN MENTIONED???) then I guess it should be pretty fantastical.

Interesting and beautiful usage of neon lights here. I’m a sucker for darkness and neon, the colors they make, the shadows they cast, the moods they evoke. A cool modern touch. Also, the excellent usage of slow motion made the film aesthetically beautiful. The notebook falling, the couple falling from the ferris wheel-- dramatic. Mia’s explosion into the flowers. Misa would have LOVED the dark drama of that. Stunning images and cinematography. I found it fitting, especially for a modern adaptation (LOOSE adaptation, that is).

Little touches made this Death Note adaptation special, which made me happy. Watari singing to L (YES, MORE OF THIS) (but also, was his name really just WATARI? Lazy writing, folks), funny one-liners (”rest your glutes,” Light’s comments about Ryuk, his fingers, having a pen, etc. which made Light more relatable to a general audience), Mia’s in CALCULUS, L being a trashlord and throwing his candy shit everywhere, his old-fashioned phone, bursting into the Yagami household like it’s nothing... some great moments here. L having his face covered was, in my opinion, a stroke of genius. Also, his wardrobe is already my aesthetic (hoodies, dark clothing, looking mysterious) so I was pleased. HIS BARE FEET. ADORABLE. Thanks.

The lack of a Task Force is nigh unforgivable. It’s probably in the Ten Commandments or something. Light’s dad (JAMES? REALLY? The fuck...) is a different man and not enough help to fully flesh out the task force. It brought some warmth to the cast, humanity, love, humor, and plenty of complex and emotional characters. The inclusion of Kira’s supporters like the guy who saved Light by hitting L over the head to let Kira escape was neat. Kira’s followers WOULD do anything, spur-of-the-moment, to help their “savior” if they thought he was in need.

There were weird rule changes and plot devices that didn’t work. Watari’s betrayal via Death Note seemed highly unlikely for many reasons. Why the hell does Light panic when the police are after him? He made a huge scene running away, whereas our cunning Yagami would have allowed them to capture him because running is always more suspicious and you can rarely talk your way out of fleeing from authorities. It was intended to mirror the ending of the manga (maybe) but Light had no real reason for a full blown collapse, since there was no loss of sanity. He even said he loved Mia before they fell from the ferris wheel. That’s cool for nice emo boy White Yagami (SERIOUSLY, HOW MANY ASIAN ACTORS WERE SECONDARY CHARACTERS IN THIS MOVIE?!?! SO MANY. But NO, Light had to be WHITE Yagami. There was NO reason for that AT ALL besides them wanting him to be white. Thanks, Hollywood standards. Netflix, thought you were better than that).

As a reimagining of Death Note, it was watchable, memorable, with many twists and turns. As a film adaptation of an already stellar work with an impressive Japanese adaptation... somewhat pathetic. But Willem Dafoe was an amazing Ryuk, so I guess I’ll take the knowledge of what Willem + Ryuk equals, which is the answer to a question I never asked (but I’m glad to know the answer). Let me know what you think-- message me or leave a comment on this post. I’d love to talk Death Note with anyone because not enough people want discourse on Death Note. I sure as hell do. Thanks for reading, if you’ve made it this far.

#netflix death note #death note netflix #death note adaptation #american death note #death note #netflix #white yagami #ryuk #willem dafoe #DN netflix

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babypunter3000 · 7 years

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The only good things about Netflix’s Death Note Movie

1. Willem DaFoe Green Goblining it up as Ryuk. 2. L for the first half before Watari got Death Noted. 3. The rockin’ soundtrack. 4. The time that-Okay, you know what? No, I can’t even leave just one fully positive post about this you know how much goddamn BULLSHIT it was that Mia/Misa and L were adapted as waaaay more in the wrong than Light was? In the manga and anime, Light was CLEARLY the main bad guy, careening himself farther away from “well-intentioned” and “maybe he has a point” and into “irredeemable soulless fascist dictator” with every chapter and episode. Hell, in the FIRST BOOK AND EPISODE, he clearly states that he will be “the God of this new world,” and his general “I don’t give a general fuck about other people” attitude could already start to be seen. In this adaptation, Light’s all just love and an old soul wise beyond his years who wants to HELP the world out of the goodness of his heart and sense of justice. And at first, it’s not to bad, you think to yourself, “hey, this could be alright. A narrative about how absolute power corrupts absolutely with a kid who only wants to kill the really bad guys, and even then is super freaked out about it. sure, whatever” But no. NO. It NEVER turns that way! Light ALWAYS only kills for “the greater good” and is constantly portrayed throughout this movie as this well-meaning kid who’s just in so much over his head you gu-uys!

Meanwhile, Misa has been taken from her canon form as a devout Kira worshiper who was used and abused by Light to his own ends without a shred of emotion for her and has been turned into the love of Light’s life and THE REAL VILLAIN OF THE STORY! You see, Light didn’t really want to kill all those people and usher in a new era of Kira rule! It was all MIA’S influence and hen-pecking that drove Light to kill all willy-nilly! I mean, there’s this scene in the movie where Mia is showing Light a pro-Kira website where people are suggesting new people for Kira to kill, and Light brings up a point where some of the criminals could just be regular innocent people that have a beef with the poster. Mia basically tells him “Who cares? Any kind of petty crime or personal slight is good enough of a reason to kill for me! Let’s make out!” and they both go on their merry ways writing in the book. Like, fuck the writers for tossing out Light’s original characterization and motives to turn it all into a sexist, lazy, “It was all the EVIL WOMAN’S fault for tempting that poor boy!” narrative. And then Mia is killed off by Light on screen right after they have a fight where she is portrayed in the most clingy, shrewish way possible. She even says that she only killed all those people to get closer to Light. She had no justice-dog in this fight like the original Misa had. She was just in it so that Light would date her, and she somehow turned out to be the most murder-happy one after Light introduced her to the whole thing. And I’m sure that the neanderthal who wrote this drivel is patting himself on the back for writing such a great fucking script. And you’re supposed to feel bad because of course she dies by falling into a giant flower display and of course she has to be pretty when she dies. Fuck you. And while we’re on the subject of this movie going out of it’s way to justify and excuse A MASS MURDERER, let’s talk about how the movie treats L. For the first few minutes of his screen time, I honestly thought they did a good job. True, all he was doing was copying L’s mannerisms from the show and being deductive, but it was nice to see something from the books being portrayed accurately in this tire fire of a movie. But you know how everyone loved the original manga and anime for Light and L’s high stakes game of cat and mouse and how they would constantly one-up the other using their wits and intelligence and plenty of insanely thought out plans? Yeah, that’s also tossed right out the goddamn window in this one. Instead, we get an hour of L and Light basically shouting “Come at me, bro!” and emotionally lashing out at one another until one of them finally does something stupid enough to lose. It’s a race to the goddamn bottom, like the mental version of watching a drunken fistfight in a back alley. There’s no finesse, there’s no skill, just watching two guys shouting, “I KNOW YOU’RE KIRA!” and, “YEAH, WELL, FUCK YOU, KIRA’S THE GOOD GUY AND WHAT DO YOU KNOW ANYWAY?!” at each other for an hour. And L gets such a raw deal in this movie. I think he technically lives at the stupid non-ending (you don’t see Light die in the film, btw. You see Mia die, of course, because she’s an EVIL WOMAN!1! who DESERVED IT!!1, but of course not fucking Light), but even then he has even less dignity than in the manga and anime where he dies halfway through. L, in the manga, anime, and this trainwreck of a film, is the eccentric big-time elusive detective who picks up the task of finding out the identity of Kira to stop him. The only difference is that the manga and anime didn’t go out of their way to fucking destroy him. And I’m not just talking about the plot point in this failure of a motion picture that has Light easily put Watari’s name in the Death Note (yes, Watari is his real name in this and they just parade his name and face around without a worry in the world, I mean, what did you expect to happen?) that puts L into a tailspin. I’m talking about how the narrative treats L, the guy who’s trying to stop A MASS MURDERER from killing, as another bad guy, clearly in the wrong, because Light’s just trying to make the world a better place, yannow? First, he falls apart because Watari is missing and is in the hands of Kira, which okay, I don’t blame him, but he never gets past that. For the rest of the movie, he’s on the verge of tears, he can’t think straight, he’s blinded by emotion. He only manages to figure out a key point at the very end, and this was after Light openly confesses to what it is. Secondly, L is never able to officially out Kira. In light of this, his higher-ups unceremoniously fire him, leaving him an even bigger wreck. This happens around the exact same time Light is explaining to his dad what his master plan in the climax was, which is the only kind of smart thing that ever happens in this movie and is almost reminiscent of it’s source material. Point being, the narrative wants you to believe that Light is competent, L is incompetent. But you know what scene was the ultimate “fuck you” to L’s character as well as containing a horrible implication and clearly demonstrating a crucial flaw in the movie? Near the end of the movie, L has a gun pointed to Light’s head in a back alley. He’s desperate, and Light is shouting about the page of the death note stuck in Mia’s textbook that’s the key to saving Watari (because he’s such a GOOD GUY, you guys!) Since L has no goddamn idea what Light is talking about, and just knows that he’s the guy who killed 400 people and possibly his only friend, he ignores him, and turns to a man who just walked out of his shop, begging him to help and shouts, “He’s Kira!” The man stops and gets clarification that yes, Light is Kira, and then proceeds to knock L unconscious with a wooden plank to the head because he’s a fan of Kira as Light runs off to safety. Did I mention yet that L is black in this movie while Light is white? A black detective who’s implied to be the best of the best and is completely in the right is struck down because the bystander was a fan of the white mass murderer he was trying to stop. It doesn’t matter that “Oh, but Kira was only killing bad guys!” because fuck you, the movie itself established that Light and Mia were killing people on a whim and not bothering to check sources for libel. I will repeat, THE MOVIE POINT BLANK HAD A BLACK PROFESSIONAL STRUCK DOWN TO PROTECT THE WHITE MASS MURDERER THAT THE NARRATIVE TRIES TO PLAY OFF AS INNOCENT. Seriously, this whole movie exists around the premise that a greasy white boy who murders people needs to be cared about and protected from a woman and a black man who somehow convince him to commit more murder against his will because boobies or want him to stop committing murder at all costs. Ryuk, the death god that patiently walks Light through how to kill someone, doesn’t even get as many “DANGER! THREAT TO LIGHT’S SAFETY!” vibes as Mia and L do. The narrative is like, “Yeah, he’s a death god, what do you expect? BUT THIS WOMAN AND BLACK GUY ARE GONNA BE THE DEATH OF THAT POOR NAIVE BOY!” This kind of shit belongs in a trump rally, not in my movie based on a story where the main, privileged, young man was portrayed as an honest to God mass-murdering dictator who yes, must be fucking stopped. And you wanna know the dumbest thing about this movie? There are no stakes. None. The narrative wants you to care about the lives of a couple of murderers because they make a cute couple and are a pair of “good kids” who have glitter on their tongues (yeah) and are white (or at least, that’s what I’m guessing, since the only black character in the movie is treated as a hindrance and a joke even though he was in the right the entire time). Everyone in the movie’s world that isn’t a cop LOVES Kira. The movie is forever showing you pictures of people at Kira shrines, or holding, “I Love You, Kira!” or spraypaint on the walls that says “Kira Lives!” We never see the dystopian hellscape that ultimately was Kira’s world, where everyone was scared fucking shitless because Light was killing anyone who so much as looked at another guy funny. And don’t tell me that there was no crime ever in that world, there was just unreported crime. And we never see any followup to the scene where they just decide to kill people because anonymous sources online told them to. We never see any distraught partners breaking down on the news because their husband died of a heart attack for a crime he didn’t commit. We never see any innocent people die, or at least innocent people who are quickly brushed off as “cannon fodder” and are never mentioned again after they are killed (ie, the twelve FBI agents). Kira is just worshiped by EVERYONE to the point where if he just came out as Kira, nobody would be able to touch him because they’d be coming out of the woodwork to protect him (as demonstrated in the paragraph above). The only reason he DID possibly die in the end is because Light gave L the means to. If he never mentioned the Death Note, he would basically be unstoppable, because everyone in this movie is either SO DUMB or SO IN LOVE WITH KIRA. And while this movie is so bad it’s hilarious to watch and deserves a good MST3K-ing, it’s also so fucking infuriating with it’s fucking worship and embracing of this fucking white boy mass murderer to the point where they had to make characters from the original work into worse versions of themselves to prop him up while decrying anyone who opposes him as “the real bad guys.” These writers are the kind of people who pass a gang of white kids vandalizing a car to call the cops on a black kid sleeping in one. These writers are the kind of people who would say, “Well, of course she got raped, she constantly teased boys with her short skirts!” The writers are the kind of writers who would describe a white male shooter as, “teen genius suddenly snaps! Unfortunate incident for former varsity football player. His friends talk about what a great guy he was on page six.” Seriously, the next time someone scoffs at you for suggesting that white male privilege exists, show them this goddamn movie a bunch of grown ass adults made and went, “Yep, this’ll do!”

#death note #death note 2017 #netflix #netflix death note #death #murder #racism #sexism #I thought this script died in 2007 #rape

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6-v-6 · 7 years

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1-100. Just give it to me all

ALNLSNGLSG ARE YOU SERIOUS OMFG im so sorry this is going to be Long

1. Spotify, SoundCloud, or Pandora? I’ll say Pandora just because it’s the only one I’ve actually ever used. If I used Spotify I’d probably like it the most but I don’t use those apps so

2. is your room messy or clean?VERY VERY MESSY I need to clean it but im lazy

3. what color are your eyes?Brown!

4. do you like your name? why?My birth name? No. And that’s why I changed it ahahahaha yes I like the name Jae since i chose it myself. It’s short and simple

5. what is your relationship status?Single

6. describe your personality in 3 words or lessContradictory ....... Situational

7. what color hair do you have?Currently it’s blue c: Natural color is a lightish brown

8. what kind of car do you drive? color?I don’t have a car nor a license :/ I want a motorbike tho ! a black one

9. where do you shop?I shop pretty much exclusively online. Buyma or Amazon, typically

10. how would you describe your style?I’ve been told that I dress like a “bad boy”. I like leather and black and ripped skinny jeans but I do like casual stuff too. Like hoodies and sweats

11. favorite social media accountIf this is talking about my own social media accounts, then this one right here on tumblr. I’m not very active anywhere else

12. what size bed do you have?uuuuhhhh I don’t know proper terminology but it is small

13. any siblings?Yup! I have an older sister and a younger brother

14. if you can live anywhere in the world where would it be? why?Japan probably? It’s super pretty and I’ve always wanted to visit

15. favorite snapchat filter?hmm I don’t use snapchat that much but probably the flower crown one it’s cute

16. favorite makeup brand(s)I don’t wear makeup tbh so i dunnooooo

17. how many times a week do you shower?7 I don’t ever skip showering

18. favorite tv show?Psych? I also like the 100 currently

19. shoe size?asglnasg... god .... im a 6 in mens nd like a 7 in womens i have small feet

20. how tall are you?ALNSLGNSG im trusting no one has read this far so it’s okay to disclose this info...exposin myself.. im 5′2″ ............

21. sandals or sneakers?Sneakers !! I don’t wear sandals like ever

22. do you go to the gym?Yes! Only recently, actually! I just bought a gym membership with my friend and we’ve been going 3 times a week c:

23. describe your dream dateoh geez I havent really thought about this? I’m not very romantic or anything (im on the ace spectrum) but... i dunno. I think it’d be nice to just have fun together. An amusement park maybe? And just a lot of hand holding and smiles

24. how much money do you have in your wallet at the moment?Upwards of 100 bcuz my mom keeps giving me money even tho i dont use it

25. what color socks are you wearing?HAH im not wearing any

26. how many pillows do you sleep with?1-2 it depends on the night

27. do you have a job? what do you do?I work at the cafeteria in my school. I run the register and help to stock items and also serve food to people

28. how many friends do you have?wow this is a Tragic question. Online I have quite a few! In person i literally have....... 2. Barely that lol. More like one

29. whats the worst thing you have ever done?Killed my sister’s fish (on accident)

30. whats your favorite candle scent?I’ve never thought about this or really smelled many candles to begin with :( something mild though. Maybe a mild vanilla??

31. 3 favorite boy namesuuhghg 1) Cain 2) Luka 3) Eden

32. 3 favorite girl names1) Erin 2) Rayna 3) Kira

33. favorite actor?I rly dont give a crap about actors if I’m being honest lmao. Uhh choi minho :)

34. favorite actress?Lupita Nyong’o?? she’s gorgeous

35. who is your celebrity crush?I don’t have a crush on him but does Lee Taemin count

36. favorite movie?Princess Mononoke

37. do you read a lot? whats your favorite book?I read ff more than books these days. I don’t have a fav book

38. money or brains?is this what I prefer? Money binch if I had money I wouldn’t need brains also I’m dumb anyways

39. do you have a nickname? what is it?No I do not

40. how many times have you been to the hospital?Twice? Maybe 3 times

41. top 10 favorite songscheck out shinee’s entire discography

42. do you take any medications daily?Nope

43. what is your skin type? (oily, dry, etc)i ?? have no idea?? I guess oily? My skin doesn’t get dry so

44. what is your biggest fear?Probably flying. I hate planes

45. how many kids do you want?Exactly none

46. whats your go to hair style?? uh side-swept? I have no idea what to call it just what my hair normally looks like I guess

47. what type of house do you live in? (big, small, etc)A moderately sized house

48. who is your role model?Not to be cheesy but Lee Taemin also Kim Kibum also Choi Minho also Kim Jonghyun also Lee Jinki

49. what was the last compliment you received?that I’m great? lol

50. what was the last text you sent?’okay’ to my mom lmao

51. how old were you when you found out santa wasn’t real?ARE YOU TELLING ME SANTA ISNT REAL??? okay but for real who remembers the age they find out omg .. i was Young so idk maybe like 13

52. what is your dream car?ohhh boy a lambo for sure

53. opinion on smoking?Gross. Smells terrible

54. do you go to college?I do indeed. I’m gonna be a senior ya’ll

55. what is your dream job?To be a writer I guess. I don’t really have a dream job

56. would you rather live in rural areas or the suburbs?Suburbs? I dunno. I like living in the city I’d probably die of boredom in some rural area

57. do you take shampoo and conditioner bottles from hotels?hell yea binch

58. do you have freckles?nope!

59. do you smile for pictures?Not for selfies but for other pictures yes I feel like it’s weird or rude not to

60. how many pictures do you have on your phone?like 300 something

61. have you ever peed in the woods?what the fuck?? lol?? no??

62. do you still watch cartoons?does voltron count :/

63. do you prefer chicken nuggets from Wendy’s or McDonalds?neither if I’m being honest but Wendy’s I guess. I never ever eat at mcdonalds

64. Favorite dipping sauce?barbeque sauce?

65. what do you wear to bed?An oversized shirt and boxers lol

66. have you ever won a spelling bee?no i cant say I have

67. what are your hobbies?Writing, sometimes. Playing video games. Bein unhealthy

68. can you draw?Naaaah

69. do you play an instrument?No :( I wish I did but I never learned any

70. what was the last concert you saw?SHINEE WORLD V IN LA!!!!!!!!! BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!

71. tea or coffee?Coffee bcuz i h8 tea

72. Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts?Well the coffee at dunkin donuts is worlds better so dunkin donuts

73. do you want to get married?no

74. what is your crush’s first and last initial?i dont have a crush

75. are you going to change your last name when you get married?’when’ lol i dont plan to get married

76. what color looks best on you?black, in my opinion

77. do you miss anyone right now?no not really

78. do you sleep with your door open or closed?open because if it’s closed my cat will scratch on it incessantly until she’s let in

79. do you believe in ghosts?hell yeah dude

80. what is your biggest pet peeve?when people like, dance around a subject. I prefer it when people are straightforward. Especially if they want something from me

81. last person you called`Honest to god I can’t remember. I don’t ever call people lmao so probably my mom

82. favorite ice cream flavor?I like Rocky Road a lot!

83. regular oreos or golden oreos?regular. Golden oreos are a lesser creation

84. chocolate or rainbow sprinkles?RAINBOW. GIMME DAT GAY SHIT

85. what shirt are you wearing?It’s just a plain white t-shirt

86. what is your phone background?ot5

87. are you outgoing or shy?Horribly, annoyingly shy although I can mask it pretty well

88. do you like it when people play with your hair?yes :D

89. do you like your neighbors?lmao I don’t know them?? They arent noisy though so yes I like them since they aren’t annoying or anything

90. do you wash your face? at night? in the morning?Both. I take a shower in the morning and wash it then. And then do a skincare routine at night

91. have you ever been high?no.... not that I know of. One time I took nyquil though and it Fucked Me Up i felt high but idk if I was or if that’s even possible

92. have you ever been drunk?nope. I’m not a huge fan of the idea of getting drunk. I don’t like letting my guard down like that so if I ever do it’ll be when I’m alone

93. last thing you ate?a mento

94. favorite lyrics right nowthe entire lyrics to So Far Away by yoongi

95. summer or winter?WINTER. I hate summer fashion i like being able to wear my jackets and jeans and not Die of heat stroke

96. day or night?night I guess just bcuz I can be alone

97. dark, milk, or white chocolate?dark chocolate is superior in every way

98. favorite month?uhm.. December? Because its the end of the year and I’m on break then and Christmas and cold weather and hot chocolate

99. what is your zodiac signI’m a virgo

100. who was the last person you cried in front of?uhhhHHHH I really make it a Goal to never cry in front of people since im just super uncomfortable with that and honestly dont feel comfortable enough around anyone to do that. My sister walked in on me when I was crying once though so her I guess

#im so sorry if you were joking omg #I couldn't tell #so I just went ahead and did them all #alsnglasngsg #long post #i tried to keep the answers as short as possible since there were so many #thank you though omg #sorry if this is Annoying #ns #r #marieguillotineantoinette

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