The 2017 American adaptation of Death Note culminates in a chaotic showdown at the Seattle Great Wheel, resulting in Light Turner’s near-fatal fall and his subsequent confession of being Kira to his father, James Turner. While Light survives, the ending leaves his fate and the implications of his actions ambiguous, diverging significantly from the source material.
The Great Wheel Confrontation: A Summary of the Climax
The film’s finale pivots around the desperate attempts of L and James Turner to stop Light, aka Kira, from continuing his deadly crusade. The setting – the iconic Seattle Great Wheel – provides a dramatic backdrop for the escalating tension. Light, attempting to manipulate Mia and escape justice, finds himself cornered.
Mia, driven by her own ambition and warped sense of justice, tries to eliminate Light herself, hoping to seize control of the Death Note. This betrayal ultimately leads to her death, triggered by Light’s pre-emptive planning. The film relies heavily on suspense and visual storytelling to portray the rapid sequence of events leading to Mia’s demise and Light’s incapacitation.
Light’s Confession and Ambiguous Fate
As Light teeters on the brink of death after falling from the Ferris wheel, he confesses to his father that he is indeed Kira. This confession provides a degree of closure for James Turner, who has been grappling with the moral implications of his son’s actions and his own involvement in the case. However, the confession doesn’t entirely resolve the narrative, as Light’s ultimate fate remains somewhat open to interpretation. He survives, but his future, considering his confession and the knowledge held by L and his father, is uncertain. He is certainly not in control.
Unraveling the Mysteries: Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s a deeper dive into the more nuanced aspects of the Death Note film’s ending through a series of frequently asked questions:
FAQ 1: Did Mia die in the Death Note film?
Yes, Mia Sutton (the film’s version of Misa Amane) dies. Light manipulated her into a situation where she was on the Ferris wheel car that was deliberately made to detach and plummet to the ground. This was part of Light’s larger plan to eliminate potential threats and maintain control over the Death Note.
FAQ 2: Why did Light confess to being Kira at the end?
Light’s confession to his father is arguably the most crucial moment in the ending. It serves multiple purposes. First, it offers James Turner some form of closure after his relentless pursuit of Kira. Second, it demonstrates a degree of remorse or acceptance on Light’s part, even if driven by self-preservation. Finally, it allows the film to end on a note of moral ambiguity, leaving the audience to ponder the consequences of Light’s actions. He was on the brink of death and likely believed this was his best opportunity to finally speak his mind and reconcile with his father, albeit partially.
FAQ 3: What happens to Ryuk after Light’s fall?
Ryuk, the Shinigami, remains largely unaffected by the events surrounding Light’s downfall. As always, he is primarily interested in being entertained. The film does not explicitly depict his departure, but it’s implied that he continues to observe humanity, potentially seeking out a new individual to wield the Death Note. His motivation remains constant: amusement and the thrill of witnessing human behavior when confronted with the power of death.
FAQ 4: Does L die in the Death Note (2017) film?
No, L does not die in the 2017 Death Note film. He is very much alive and now holds irrefutable evidence that Light is Kira, thanks to Light’s confession to his father, which L secretly recorded. He is left with the moral quandary of whether to kill Light, knowing the power of the Death Note corrupts, or to bring him to justice through legal means.
FAQ 5: What is the significance of the Ferris wheel setting?
The Ferris wheel is a powerful visual metaphor. Its circular motion can be interpreted as representing the cyclical nature of power and corruption. The height of the wheel symbolizes the elevated status Light attained as Kira, while the eventual fall represents his downfall and the consequences of his actions. It is also a contained space, forcing the characters into a direct confrontation with each other and their choices.
FAQ 6: How does the ending of the film differ from the anime and manga?
The ending of the film diverges significantly from both the anime and manga. In the original Death Note storyline, Light is cornered by the investigation team and ultimately killed by Ryuk to prevent him from being imprisoned. The film, however, leaves Light alive and allows for a more ambiguous interpretation of his fate. The motivations and actions of the characters, particularly Mia and L, are also considerably different.
FAQ 7: What are the main criticisms of the film’s ending?
Many critics and fans have voiced concerns about the film’s ending. Common criticisms include:
- Character Inconsistencies: The portrayal of characters like Light and L deviates significantly from the source material, impacting their motivations and actions.
- Pacing and Plot Holes: The compressed timeline and rushed narrative lead to plot inconsistencies and a lack of character development.
- Ambiguity Without Substance: While ambiguity can be effective, some viewers found the film’s ending unsatisfying because it lacked clear resolution or meaningful reflection on the themes of justice and morality.
FAQ 8: What is the significance of the Death Note still existing?
The fact that the Death Note still exists after the events of the film is crucial. It implies that the cycle of death and corruption is destined to continue. Someone else will eventually find the Death Note, and the power it wields will inevitably lead to similar conflicts and moral dilemmas. This reinforces the idea that the problem lies not just with Light, but with the very existence of the Death Note itself.
FAQ 9: Did Light plan Mia’s death from the beginning?
While it’s not explicitly stated, the film strongly implies that Light had planned Mia’s death for a considerable time. He wrote her name in a specific way in the Death Note, adding details that ensured she would try to kill him, thus setting the stage for her demise. This pre-planning highlights his ruthlessness and manipulative nature.
FAQ 10: How does the film address the moral complexities of Kira’s actions?
The film struggles to adequately address the moral complexities inherent in the Death Note narrative. While it acknowledges the ethical implications of Kira’s actions through the perspectives of L and James Turner, it often prioritizes suspense and action over thoughtful exploration of these themes. The film’s simplified portrayal of morality is a frequent point of criticism.
FAQ 11: Does the film hint at a possible sequel?
The ambiguous ending certainly leaves room for a potential sequel. With Light still alive and the Death Note still in circulation, the narrative could continue with new characters and new conflicts. However, given the critical reception of the first film, the likelihood of a sequel remains uncertain.
FAQ 12: What is the overarching message or theme conveyed by the Death Note (2017) ending?
Despite its flaws, the film’s ending conveys a message about the corrupting influence of power and the cyclical nature of violence. It suggests that even those who start with good intentions can be consumed by their own ambition and ultimately contribute to the very problems they set out to solve. Light’s fall and the survival of the Death Note reinforce the idea that the temptation to control life and death is a dangerous and ultimately destructive force.