Fridae

Folks, take our advice and catch this superb Japanese thriller. Based on a popular manga series, Death Note was a box-office sensation in its home country and Hong Kong where it opened a few months ago. It is now fast gaining cult status among comic and movie lovers around the world. Along with The Departed and My Summer of Love, it is October's must-see movie.

The story centers on a teenage boy (Tatsuya Fujiwara) who acquires the ability to kill just by writing down a particular person's name in a special book. When infamous criminals and rogue politicians start to die from mysterious heart attacks, the police and public begin to suspect that the serial deaths could be the work of an avenging angel. They set out to uncover the identity of this killer, not knowing that they are the work of a teenage boy...

Thanks to its superb production values and unique storyline, Death Note stands out as one of the best and most original films of the year. Despite the fact that it has youthful lead actors who are meant to appeal to teenage viewers, the film will surely appeal to anyone else who enjoys a smart and challenging movie.

The film has an astonishing plot filled with endless (yet coherent and believable) twists and turns. Indeed, this is one movie where no one who has not read the comic book will be able to predict what happens next. It is that original! Whether you are 16 or 60, we highly recommend that you see it.