Customer Reviews

Train Man : Densha Otoko

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Train Man spends his days either working in the back of an office building aiding his fellow employees with his computer skills or wandering the shops in Akihabara purchasing anime and manga paraphernalia, video games, and other things that otaku enjoy. Living in his parent's home, the Train Man is ensconced within the safe confines of his fandom, but he is far from content. At 22 years old the Train Man has yet to have a girlfriend and in fact feels that he is undeserving of a woman's love. However, one day upon the train his humdrum life changes completely.

After purchasing a few random anime knickknacks, the Train Man boards a train and is soon humiliated by a couple when they notice the items that he has purchased. Yet, it is on this same train that the love of the Train Man's life boards. Of course, being painfully shy, the Train Man does not approach the woman, but when she is later accosted by a drunken salaryman, played by the abrasive Osugi Ren, the Train Man comes to the woman's aid. Although terrified of the larger man, the Train Man stands his ground and defends the woman who has already grasped his heart.

In order to thank the Train Man, the woman asks for his address and soon sends him a couple of Hermes tea cups. Having no real life friends to turn to, the Train Man does what a number of other otaku do: turn to the Internet for help. On a message board, seven people come to the Train Man's aid, including three otaku who hang out everyday at a manga café, a lonely nurse who cannot get over her boyfriend, a shut-in, or Hikikomori in Japanese, a person who has basically cut themselves off from the world and generally pursue their hobbies in their home while being supported by their parents, and a husband and wife whose relationship is on the rocks. With the aid of these individuals the Train Man pursues his romance. However, can the Train Man truly rely on others for the pursuit of his own happiness?

I was honestly reluctant to watch this film at first mainly because I thought the story was quite hackneyed: nerdy guy meets beautiful girl and lives happily ever after. However, Train Man escapes this cliché because of the sympathetic if pathetic figure cut by the actor Yamada Takayuki. Certain scenes in which the Train Man, Yamada's character's name of the message board, talks to Hermes, the name the Train Man gives the woman of his dreams on the message board, on the phone or in person are almost painful to watch because his nervousness is almost palpable. I found myself both encouraging and cursing the Train Man in my mind when he was trying to take the relationship to the next level. Also, I think that the interaction amongst the message board members was quite humorous and well done. Also major kudos to the caster for casting Nakatani Miki in the role of Hermes. Nakatani, although very attractive, is not as stunning as Ito Misaki who played the role of Hermes in the televised version of Train Man. However, Nakatani's character is incredibly sweet and one can easily feel why the Train Man becomes so enraptured with her. A fun film that pulls at the heartstrings, Train Man does a wonderful job reviving a threadbare genre. Since the film is based on a true story, one wonders if a number of nerdy Japanese guys have come to the aid of woman being harassed on trains since its release?

To put it simply, the 2005 romantic comedy Train Man is a fairy tale for geeks. As derisive as that comment may sound, it's not really meant as a criticism, just a factual description. Supposedly based on a true story, Train Man (a.k.a. Densha Otoko) centers on a twenty-two year old manga enthusiast known only by the online handle "Train Man" (Takayuki Yamada). Unlucky in love for his entire life, Train Man has consoled himself to the fact that he probably won't be getting a girlfriend anytime this millennium, so he decides to embrace his nerdy fate and spend his free time prowling for toys in Akihabara.

One evening, our hero's prospects for romance begin to change when he spots a lovely woman (Miki Nakatani) being harassed by a drunken commuter. In a moment of awkward heroism, Train Man intervenes on her behalf. Although he's certainly no Superman, he does delay the drunkard long enough for security to show up. Later, to Train Man's complete surprise, the woman asks for his address so she can properly thank him for his good deed. So energized by this encounter is Train Man that he posts his story on a message board, an act which eventually earns him a faithful, albeit anonymous readership. Little does he know, however, that his story has only just begun.

Things pick up quickly when Train Man receives a set of expensive Hermes teacups in the mail. The sender? You guessed it - the woman on the train. Both ecstatic and highly confused by this surprising turn of events, Train Man turns to his online pals for help, who post back bits of advice on what his next move should be. After much debate, he finally summons up the courage to call her, and amazingly, she agrees to meet him for dinner. But in preparing for his first ever real date with a woman, Train Man smartly makes a few cosmetic adjustments on the advisement of his online peers. It isn't long before he gets a stylish haircut, purchases some designer threads, and doffs his glasses in favor of some contact lenses. The transformation from geek to chic is surprisingly fast, but no matter what he looks like, it's clear that Train Man is still a socially-inept otaku, as his jitteriness and all-around dorkiness in the presence of the woman he dubs "Hermes" is strikingly apparent. Still, Train Man begins to make progress with Hermes, but unfortunately, his deep-seated insecurities just might mess the whole thing up. It's clearly time for Train Man to grow up, but will he do it in time?

On its premise alone, Train Man is essentially a G-rated version of The 40-Year-Old-Virgin culturally suited to fit Japanese tastes. While both films maintain an underlying message that love is more important than lust, the main character in Train Man seems to operate in a world where sex isn't even something that would cross his mind, a factor which greatly contributes to the fairytale quality of the film. And while technology, particularly computers, is crucial to the plot, Train Man is, at its core, an old-fashioned romance about finding one's true love. Some may balk at the simplicity of the story, but in some ways, that's part of the charm.

As far as performances go, Takayuki Yamada makes for a fine Train Man, particularly once the She's All That-style makeover takes place. It's easy to act nerdy when the character is dressed to the nines in Akihabara geek wear, but once he makes the transformation into a more presentable stud, it would be easy for an actor to slip out of the required geekiness necessary for his performance. However, that's not the case with Yamada; the incongruity between what Train Man looks like post-makeover versus his actual behavior helps give this geek fantasy some semblance of realism. No matter how polished Train Man looks, he's still an otaku at heart.

Also carrying the film along with Yamada is Miki Nakatani, who has the unenviable task of making her character's interest in Train Man seem believable. As likeable as Train Man is as a character is, his appeal seems somewhat elusive. Yes, he's a nice guy, but he's also annoyingly skittish, and as the finale proves, a bit of a crybaby to boot. However, the "crying" scene does make for a funny reversal of expectations as Hermes must console the weeping Train Man with several comical "there, there" reassurances. And while the believability of a relationship between Hermes and Train Man is precarious at best, it would be completely unbelievable if not for Nakatani's performance. She is able to project an inner life, if not an entire past history with men for her character that is not in the script, which gives some indication of why she values Train Man so much.

One of the more interesting aspects of the film is how it focuses not only on Train Man's mission, but also on his ability to touch the lives of his readership. Among his online supporters, there's a young shut-in, a nurse who seems to be recovering from a failed relationship, three overgrown otakus who've had worse luck in life than Train Man, and a husband and wife who don't realize they're posting on the same board. As each of these characters participate in Train Man's strange coming-of-age story, his amazing strides with Hermes opens their eyes to what's missing in their own lives, showing them that if he can get a girlfriend, then just about anything is possible. Although, these "sidestories" could probably be developed even better in a television drama, the small glimmers of their lives given in Train Man are a welcome presence and enhance the main storyline immensely.

After all is said and done, Train Man is more or less just a fun little underdog story, thanks in large part to the likeable performances from its cast members. Sure, things are a bit too chaste and simplistic considering the situation, but in some ways, that's part of the appeal. Unlike the protagonist, the film Train Man may not dramatically change your life, but in its all-too-true rendering of the anxieties of dating, on some level it's sure to speak to everyone's inner geek.

A wonderful, sweet movie, with superb performances by Takayuki Yamada and Miki Nakatani. Unlike American romantic comedies which culminate with the two main characters getting together in bed, this film focuses not only on the awkwardness and difficulties of first love, but the impact one person has on the live of others. As Train Man's fellow chat-room members (who are invisible to him) help him and cheer him on, we the viewers see their own lives change as well, as they gain courage to move on and become better human beings.
As a Japanese film, this story works well. If Hollywood gets hold of it and Americanizes it, like they did with 'Shall We Dance?' it will be ruined!

This movie is a story about how the Internet can influence the lives of its users, both positively and negatively. Train Man (hereafter referred to as Densha Otoko) is a 22-23yo otaku [anime geek] who's never had a relationship in his life. This suddenly when he helps save a beautiful woman from a drunkard on the train ride home. That's where he gets his name from.

From there, Densha goes onto 2chan, the Internet's largest bulletin board system forum. He asks for advice and eventually, thousands of people across the net encourages him and cheers him on as he fights the standards and himself in his quest for true love.

This story is apparently true, but after hearing the commentary, I would say it's existence on the Internet is totally true...but in real life? I'm not so sure. However, whether it actually is true or not, the story of Densha Otoko changed thousands of lives across Japan and even the world.

If you love romance and don't mind English subtitles in a foreign film, then this film is a pure delight. Highly highly recommended.

Being a native speaker of the Japanese language, I watched the film with Japanese voice and English subtitle. Often, with other movies, I find myself frustrated with translation being not so accurate, but this film didn't irritate me. It is impossible for translation to convey the exact context, and therefore one can achieve the BEST possible translation. I say that the best possible translation effort was made with a success in this film. The quality of translation matters when one watches foreign films.

As a comedy I think this film is entertaining. They used this film as one of films shown for Japanese Film Festival in Miami, and I could see other audiences having good time in the theater. I thought the film conveys the culture of Japanese high-tech communication in a proper fashion. Although I am not exactly a nerd (some of my friends say I am, but I insist that I am not), I have had an experience a few years ago where I had to receive support from a certain group of anonymous Japanese persons online, who understood a very specific issue, and I think my overcoming that issue had a lot to do with the online support from people I didn't even know their names.

It is true that Japanese online community has unbelievably strong bond and influences to us in a way that wasn't so before Internet came along. That I can say for sure from my own experience.

Train Man is a very funny, touching and twisted story of a young guy who falls in love with an older woman. The only problem is he is a Otaku who has no social skills. In fact, outside of the world of computers, anime and the world wide web, he has no other skills to speak of. So the people on 2ch, the most popular and largest bulletin board in Japan and the world, decide to help him with hints, advice and encouragement. In the end his own actions also encourage them to turn off the computers, step outside and face the real world.
With Otaku commentary, an ASCII art dictionary, culture tips and Train Man manga information, this disc has a lot of extras. I enjoyed watching this film and would suggest it to everybody into Japanese culture, Otaku culture or just enjoys a good love story. Even if it isn't true.

I wasn't sure I was going to like this film, but I liked it quite a bit. I'm always on the lookout for Japanese comedies, and the film "Train Man," aka "Densha Otoku," was definitely a worthwhile purchase. The film itself centers around the life of a very nerdy [I would say shy] 22-year-old young man who lives with his parents. Moreover, he does not have a girlfriend. Part of this reason is that he has immersed himself in a world of anime and video games. Our protagonist may be shy, but his personal life is about to take a sudden change. This change will occur when he helps a good-looking young woman who is being harassed on the train. It is on this train ride that Train Man (Takayuki Yamada) comes to the rescue of Hermes (Miki Nakatini): For she is being harassed by a drunk.

In her gratitude for helping her out, Hermes asks Train Man for his address, and eventually sends him a set of Hermes tea cups. [Hence the name of this woman he has rescued] What is he too do? Well, he immediately turns to the internet for help. Moreover, several people respond to help him out. With the help of these eager internet friends, Train Man sets out to pursue his romantic interest. I know this sounds a little silly, but this film really works. With all sorts of people trying to give him advice on how to pursue this young woman, a delightful story is brought to film.

I understand that this film is based on a true incident that occurred in Japan, and that a television series was made of this incident. I have not seen these, therefore, I cannot comment on them. However, this film stands on its own. Train Man has never been on a date, and does not know what to do. He is desperate in his lonely life to seek out this woman, who for a brief moment gave him a sense of fulfillment--that there is something great missing in his life. I couldn't help but empathize with Train Man, and his attempts to use the only things he knows--the internet, as his way of reaching out to others for help, and in the process even changes those who are attempting to help him. This is a delightful film, and some of the reviewers here have given a better description of the film. I would highly recommend this film to all viewers, as it is a delightfully charming film. [Stars: 4.5]

Based on a true story, "Densha Otoku (literally translated as "Train Man")" is the kind of romance that could only happen in Japan. Partly due to the ubiquitous nature of 2-channel, a country-encompassing internet chat board that puts things like MySpace and YouTube to shame. Partly due to the otaku, a style of unsocial misfit that could only be cultured in the group-based society of Japan.

I should say ostensibly based on a true story. Although the real Train Man and Hermes have never been identified, the origin of the phenomenon is a fact. What is known for sure is that, a poster known as Densha Otoku started a thread on 2-channel telling about how he helped a woman on a train who was being harassed by some drunk salaryman. In gratitude, she sent him a set of teacups from Hermes department store, which would be the equivalent of Saks Fifth Avenue or Harrods in London. Thinking that the value of the gift is far greater than the service he performed, Densha Otoku sought advice from his fellow otakus on 2-channel on what to do. And the legend was born.

There have been many adaptations of the popular story, starting with a book that reproduced the 2-channel posts, then a comic book and a TV series. This movie, starring Takayuki Yamada and Miki Nakatani, presents the whole story and does an excellent job showing the fairy tale nature of the romance. Densha Otoku is not a bad guy, just socially awkward and someone who never really learned how to relate to women. His moment of bravery is nothing daring, and he is no hero, but the small gesture of protection is just what is needed at just the right moment. Miki Nakatani, a mid-level pop star in Japan, is perfect as Hermes,. She is not a great beauty, just a sweet woman who seems to have had her share of bad luck with men, and is willing to give a nice guy a chance.

Aside from the two leads, much of real charm of "Densha Otoku" are the 2-channelers themselves. Swept up completely in the story, they swarm the fashionable districts of Tokyo, studying up on English tea and fashionable places to buy suits and go to dinner, all so they can give the best advice to our wayward hero. Showing the isolated nature of modern Japan, a husband and wife are both equally involved in the internet events, all though neither one realizes that their partner is also online. Hiding under the masks of screen names, so many modern Japanese people lead secret lives on 2-channel, and it took the story of Train Man and Hermes to break them out of their shells and get them back into the living world.

I'm glad to see "Densha Otoku" get an English-language DVD release. This is a film that I had admired for some time, and it was always a shame that I couldn't share it with my non-Japanese speaking friends and family.

I watched this with my wife, brother, sister-in-law and niece. At least half the people who watched it are not huge foreign film fans [the movie is subtitled only.] However, everyone enjoyed it, frequently laughing-out-loud. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars [it warrants 4 1/2] is because the main male character is too much of a wimp and the main female is too much of an ice-queen. However, an argument could be made that perhaps she's as dysfunctional as him; but we just don't see the relationship from her viewpoint.

Train Man, the movie, is likable enough - the based on fact story of a geek who's unexpectedly thrown into a relationship with a woman who may, for him, be perfection.

This was based on a famous account published in a Japanese internet group - which in itself is utterly fascinating and gripping. The problem lies in trying to make an otherwise ordinary romance seem more special than it is. Train Man turns out being fairly unsensational, even despite some smart casting choices. I would, however, strongly recommend the eleven-part Japanese drama; it's fictionalized to a much greater degree, but the dramatic peaks are more palpable.