Death Note - TV-14
TV Rating: TV-14
Network: Cartoon Network Cast: Brian Drummond, Brad Swaile, Alessandro Juliani
Genre: Science Fiction
Available on: 
DVDDownload
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this mature Adult Swim anime series isn't intended for kids. It revolves around a high school student who becomes a serial killer. Since his victims are all criminals, he justifies the murders as a way of creating a crime-free world. Most of the deaths aren't too graphic, but they're frequent. The frightening appearance of a Japanese death god adds to the show's dark psychological nature.
Families can talk about the cultural differences between TV shows in the United States and in other countries. What are the distinguishing characteristics of Japanese anime series? Why do you think there aren't many U.S. shows that tackle the same topics in a similar way? Families can also discuss Light's actions. Is there ever such a thing as justifiable murder? Is doing anything that you know is illegal ever OK if the target is a bad seed? Is there a point when your actions become just as reprehensible as the people and bad deeds you're targeting?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Melissa Camacho
Based on the popular Japanese manga created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, DEATH NOTE is an anime series about a young serial killer and a mysterious detective who attempt to defeat each other in a psychological battle of wits.
Light Yagami (voiced by Brad Swaile) is an intelligent high school student who's become frustrated with the endless criminal activity taking place all over the world. After finding a notebook that gives its owner the power to kill people by writing their names in it, he realizes that he possesses the means of creating a crime-free world. He verifies the book's powers with its former owner -- a bored Shinigami (death god) named Ryuk (Brian Drummond) -- then becomes a serial killer who targets criminals. His goal is to one day become a god in this new crime-free world.
Followed by Ryuk wherever he goes, Light delights in the fact that criminals are being forced to hide from an unknown enemy whom the increasingly supportive public knows as "Kira." But he meets his match when the mysterious, cunning detective known only as "L" (Alessandro Juliani) joins the police investigation. L (who only communicates with the world via computer) knows that Kira is in Japan and is committed to finding him and bringing him to justice. As each man tries to outsmart the other, they find themselves developing a better understanding of the internal struggles that drive them to do what they do.
This somewhat brainy series explores the mind of a young man whose almost childlike vision of a new world allows him to detach himself from the immorality of his acts. It also looks at some of the ethical questions surrounding the execution of criminals (both legally or otherwise) in the name of justice. But while it lacks a lot of the blood and gore noted in other anime series, this dark psychological drama isn't intended for young anime fans.
Fans may also enjoy Paranoia Agent, Bleach, and other Adult Swim shows. For older teens and adults, Dexter explores some similar themes -- though with a lot more blood.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentSuggestions of romance appear in later episodes. |
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ViolenceThe series centers on the serial killing of criminals; the murders are typically depicted as people suddenly dying of heart attacks, though one victim is shown being hit by a truck. Brief scenes of criminal activity, including hostage taking, as well as discussions of various violent criminal behaviors. The police use a convicted criminal as "bait" and allow him to be killed in order to find clues. An early episode shows an attempted sexual assault. Ryuk is not violent, but his image is frightening. |
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LanguageIncludes words like "damn" and "hell." |
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Social BehaviorLight does not view his serial killing as wrong or evil, nor does he see himself as a criminal; he considers himself a good student who's trying to create a better world. But, still, he's responsible for a lot of deaths. And he's willing to sacrifice his soul to become a god. He loves his sister and respects his parents. |
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