I decided to write this review because of some of the earlier reviews, I'll try to address these people as I go along. I initially watched the movie without having read the comic. The approach to the story I felt was pretty interesting. Whereby the characters dwelve into the mystery by trying to find out more about the past. The cinemagraphy changes during flashbacks and really gives an oldschool Jap movie feel to it. Characterisation was pretty ok, especially since this movie is longer than your standard jap movie. But the movie left me with a lot of unanswered questions. Which led me to reading the comic. I finished the entire series over 7 days and I understand why the movie would have been so popular. For those comparing 20th Century Boys to Death Note, here are some points. The comic for 20th Century Boys is much deeper more detailed and has much more twists than you have in Death Note. Everything in the comic has a significance to they story, just that you may not realise it at that point of time. However, due to time constraint, some of these details are left out. But it's understandable, that's what happened with Lord of The Rings afterall. For those who resent that the movie didn't complete the storyline, well, it's part of a trioligy. So what ending did you expect? The second movie isn't just going to explain the mystery but there is further action to go (a bit of the spoiler but then). But when you watched Death Note or Lord of The Rings, that's how it was too. The story was not stand-alone and did not end with the first show. Having said that, not everyone would be able to appreciate the storyline behind the show. And with so much left out, it probably becomes more difficult too. I myself left feeling confused, but without the negative views of some here. Perhaps the story line is just not your cup of tea, but to pan the storyline because of that would be critically unfair. I think one even said there was no plot, that one person could not be further off even if he or she tried. Yes, it is not your typical action or sci-fi show, but to pan it just because it is downright unfair. I would say it's more of a mystery with a sci-fi twist/element to it. Another thing is people have high expectation because of the box office figures achieved in Japan. Maybe the greater expectation causes greater dissapointment. But to come to this show expecting the same type of show as Death Note is a downright silly thing to do. As a show, I felt the movie was alright since I did not let the hype get to me. It did get me more intrigued about the original comic on which the story was based. I can see a great effort in reproducing the comic but in that sense, 20th Century Boys loses more than Death Note. Then again, the second movie is not out yet so my verdict is still open. I do appreciate though that the movie has tried to rearrange the storyline to make it simpler because of the inability to be as detailed as the comic. A show I feel is worth the ticket price, but people looking for a straight forward shoot and bang kind of popcorn show should avoid this. Neither should you be watching for graphics or whatever, there are more suitable shows are audiences like you (eg; Shrek).