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Time of India
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Justice, Power and a God Complex: 5 reasons why Death Note still hits hard in 2025
19 years after its official release, the anime Death Note still remains one of the most widely acclaimed and iconic productions worldwide– a psychological suspense so ahead of its time that it is as relevant today as it was back in 2006 when it was first released. Based on the manga by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, Death Note has long since become a household name in the anime community and even beyond, owing to its deeply complex characters and unique struggle between good and evil. In this article, we will list down 5 reasons why Death Note still deserves a spot on your watchlist in 2025: Light Yagami : the philosophy of good and evil Knowledge is power, and power corrupts. In a world today full of surveillance, power games and leaders who have redefined justice to mean something cruel, Light Yagami remains a relevant example to fall back on. A genius of unprecedented degree with a God complex, Light still sparks debates and discussion on whether he was a hero, a villain, or an anti-hero for that matter? He challenges our own moral compass, prodes at our concept of judgement, and makes us question what 'right' even is? Does justice demand surveillance, and if so, who decides what justice is? Death Note: A Retrospective A masterclass in character design: L From his unusual posture to his unique character design, from his enigmatic faceless voice that can simply say 'I am L' and make the room go quiet– L is a masterclass in how to construct a mysterious character that subverts all expectations when revealed. His methods are unconventional, as much as his sitting style; and his cat-and-mouse mind games with Light have kept viewers hooked through multiple decades. He is an antithesis to Light's megalomaniac justice, but he is justice regardless. In the end... Who TRULY won? The psychological tension Death Note is a culmination of watching chess, poker, and a knife fight all at once; but with brains. The classic push back and forth between Light and L is not just their personal battle towards victory– it is a resemblance to what we see happening at a global scale everyday. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Undo Opposing viewpoints that collide head on in a psychological level makes the anime a scintillating watch for the brain. In this age where opinions are borrowed and reflection is burdened on an AI; Death Note makes us re-evaluate our notions, rethink our moral dilemmas and revisit our concepts of simple good and evil. Light and L are both in all of us, and Death Note makes us confront that duality. A cultural classic with global influence Anyone who has spent any duration within and around the anime community has at least heard of Death Note. It is an essential viewing as per many lists of recommendations and for good reason. Its impact on popular culture is undeniable, ranging from memes to philosophical debates. It is a gateway into the gritty psychological thriller genre of anime for the past two decades, and it's influence has not dwindled in the slightest. There has never been a better time to get on with watching Death Note, considering its twentieth anniversary is fast approaching. The animation quality of Studio Madhouse The animation of Death Note stands the test of time. From the detailed color grading in the psychological confrontations to the muted tones in the quieter moments– Studio Madhouse did an impeccable job in bringing this dark, gritty world to life. The high quality animation and effective art direction serve an anime that is a treat to the eyes, making it an immersive experience even today. Death Note is a masterpiece that will remain one of the most discussed anime in many more years to come. The twists and turns, the exciting chase for justice, and the moral dilemma of righteousness– Death Note paints a picture of our own psyche that has only become more relevant now than ever before. At only 37 episodes with little filler, Death Note absolutely deserves a spot on your anime watchlist, even in 2025. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Death Note: The Musical – 10th anniversary Tokyo run
Credits: Crunchyroll Death Note: The Musical will mark its 10th anniversary with a special run this November at Tokyo Tatemono Brillia Hall . Producer HoriPro confirms the show opens in November 2025 at the Brillia Hall (in Ikebukuro, Tokyo) as the kickoff to a wider tour. This commemorative staging reunites original stars and new cast members for a celebratory revival. The musical is based on the popular Death Note manga (by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata) and anime, a series that originally ran in Weekly Shōnen Jump (2003–2006) and spawned hit films and TV adaptations. Its story – about a student, Light Yagami, who finds a notebook that kills anyone whose name is written in it – made a cultural splash. Frank Wildhorn (composer of Jekyll & Hyde , Bonnie & Clyde ) wrote the score with lyrics by Jack Murphy and a book by Ivan Menchell. Tokyo director Tamiya Kuriyama (known for intense psychological dramas on stage) helmed the original 2015 production and returns now. Debut and evolution (2015–2025): The musical premiered in Japan in April 2015 at Tokyo's Nissay Theatre. It captivated audiences immediately, leading to major revivals in 2017 and 2020. From its first year, Death Note spread beyond Japan: a Korean-language production opened in Seoul in 2015 (with a local cast) and the show has continued there with multiple tours. Notably, a concert-version ran at London's Palladium in 2023, extending the franchise's reach to Europe. In each country, the show has been a hit – for example, the Korean runs sold out completely, winning the 2022 Korea Musical Awards' Best Musical of the Year and mounting a record 4-month run in 2023. Overall, critics note that the musical 'has gained a major fanbase in Japan and South Korea' and that the London concerts were 'in high demand'. 10th anniversary cast & crew: The anniversary production brings back original leads and new stars. Kenji Urai and Megumi Hamada – who originated the roles of Light Yagami and Rem in 2015 – return after eight years. (Urai now plays the Shinigami Ryuk, providing a fresh take on the cosmic figure that spawns the plot.) Light will be played by two young actors alternating performances: Kato Seishiro (a rising star from hits like Newsies and Future Boy Conan ) and Watanabe Sō (recently seen in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child ). Vocalist Riho Sasayashi (formerly of idol group Morning Musume) plays Misa Amane, the pop-idol-turned-Shinigami-ally, while veteran actor Riko (from rock group HUNNY BEE) appears as Sayu Yagami, Light's sister. The legendary Kuriyama returns to direct, with Wildhorn's powerful rock score underscoring the show's dark thrills. Creative team: Music by Frank Wildhorn, lyrics by Jack Murphy, and book by Ivan Menchel. Kuriyama Tamiya directs this Tokyo staging. Adaptation and global reach: As a musical adaptation of Death Note , the show translates the manga's complex themes of justice and power into song and dance. Its narrative and tone remain faithful to the original: the thriller's moral questions are dramatized through songs that range from rock anthems to emotional ballads. Since debut, the musical has shown Death Note 's global influence: it not only toured Asia but also attracted Western attention. English-language concept albums and concert editions have built a cult following overseas, and the London Palladium concerts of 2023 sold out immediately. Theatre fans have praised the production values and score, noting that even newcomers can enjoy the story's suspenseful plot when presented through Wildhorn's music. Fan and critical reception: Over the past decade, Death Note: The Musical has enjoyed strong fan support and generally positive reviews. In Japan and Korea, it was repeatedly labeled among the year's most anticipated musicals, with advance buzz driving ticket sales. For example, every Korean run sold out well before opening night, reflecting enthusiastic fan interest. The show has won awards too (the 2022 Korean Best Musical award, for instance). Western critics have also taken note: reviewers of the London concerts highlighted the dynamic performances and sold-out crowds, even as they offered minor critiques on pacing. Fans frequently praise the cast's vocals and the music; as one London reviewer put it, the score 'really fizzes' in key numbers, and the show is a 'thrill ride'. Overall, both fans and critics agree that the anniversary production is a major event – an exciting new chapter in the saga of Death Note. Cultural significance and legacy: Death Note has been a phenomenon since it first appeared in manga form, influencing anime, film, and literature around the world. The musical adaptation has become part of that legacy by bringing the story to live audiences in a new medium. Over its 10-year history, Death Note: The Musical has become known as one of Japan's successful original stage exports, demonstrating how pop-culture franchises can evolve. HoriPro calls this anniversary staging the culmination of ten years and 'the dawn of a new legend', reflecting how the show has captured imaginations globally. As the musical continues to tour, its creators and fans celebrate not just an anniversary, but the enduring impact of a story that has resonated across cultures for years. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
