i have never read the manga and but since death note be so hype in japan i think i would give it a chance . after all the concept of the movie be quite interesting . however and i be completely disappointed . maybe i should have read the manga after all and because after read other review i think a lot of blame for this poor film go to the director and screen writer of the film . there be lack of character development in many of the minor yet important character . the main character do not provoke much feeling as well . luke ( aka death ) be an annoy character create to be comic relief ( doesn not work ) and an excuse for add computer graphic and but instead become an eye sore . after have read that the girlfriend doesn not exist in the manga i do not really see the need to have add her to the movie since her character be completely insipid . the climax scene in which she be in would have be more engaging if i actually care for her character . furthermore and the scene be predictable and cliché as well and which be frustrate . the acting be mediocre and but i place blame on the director for that since the directing be just plain bad . there be a lot that happen in this movie that have little or poorly think out explanation ( like the climax ) and make most of it unbelievable . the big disappointment be that there be so much potential for this movie . however and just want to make a quick buck off the manga be the obvious purpose for make the film .