Densha Otoko -- 電車男 -- Specials

Ok, after the enormous emotional climax of Densha Otoko episode 11, I sat down and watched the two specials. Densha Otoko SP was released quite quickly behind the TV series, and without spoiling it, I can describe it as a sort of epilogue where you get to know the forum gang a bit more. It's executed in the same excellent manner as the series, and is highly recommended. In fact, it really is quite "must see" if you've watched the series.



Spoiler 1, highlight to view:
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I didn't like Matsunaga and Kawamoto dubbed the crucial emotional climax from episode 11. I saw it coming, I fast forwarded through it, but it still left a blemish on that pristine scene. I loved everything else though, it's great to see the last episodes play out from the perspective of the forum gang. The "strategist" getting together with his Korean sweetheart is the icing on the cake. And even that moron Matsunaga's horrid ballad was nice.
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On September 23rd, the second and last special was released: Densha Otoko SP Deluxe. It features almost the entire cast from the TV series. Although not 100% certain, this 2 hour special will most likely be the final chapter in the Densha Otoko drama universe. The anime spin-off "Getsumen Toheiki Mina" or "Moon-faced Rabbit Weapon Mina" is set for January 2007.





Spoiler 2, highlight to view:
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This entire special reminded me of Love Hina's Summer Special. I think it was the tropical island. I also love Jinnkawa-san, after about 25 minutes without her I was afraid she wasn't going to show up at all. Luckily the Vader-theme put me at ease. Kitamuri Kazuki is a great villain, I hated him from the start. His psychotic state at the end was even better. The ending is very satisfying, but you'll have to admit that's it's kinda "seen it, been there, done that". Once again the forum team throw themselves in battle to save Densha. But although predictable, it's again very well executed, albeit not so earthshattering as episodes 9-10-11. And of course, we have the whole "ke...--cut to Sambomaster" and ringless finger scene at the very end. Although in my heart I utterly despise this and called my PSP names (Densha Otoko should have an ultimate, happy ending!) it's probably done on purpose. Either we'll get one, final "honeymoon/marriage" special, or the director wanted to point out that it's all still based on a real story. Densha would've probably picked another time/place to propose and Densha and Hermes will live and experience their relationship on a more mature, calm and non-J-dorama pace.
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And so (probably) ends the entire Densha Otoko story. In drama-form, that is. I must say that this television show has moved me more than any other show ever has. It's a modern fairy tale, a legend that will reverberate across popular (Japanese) media for years to come. And let's not forget how funny this show is. The reason I like Densha Otoko so much probably is my stubborn belief in old-fashion friendship, love and happy endings. Despite the collective, snobistic intellectual reflex to dispel such stories, Densha Otoko manages to come across as loveable, honest and endearing.



電車男とエルメスさん、またね。

Densha Otoko -- 電車男 -- キター！！

I just finished Densha Otoko. I...can't quite put into words how I feel. I'll do it at the end of this post, perhaps.

Densha Otoko (Train Man) is a J-Dorama (Japanese TV Drama) adapted from a true story. Yamada Tsuyoshi is a typical 23 year old otaku. Nice, dorky, and a bit of a loser, things never seem to swing his way. But one day, a beautiful woman is harassed by a drunk and Yamada gathers all his courage to put a stop to this. She sends him a gift, and not knowing what to do, Yamada decides to turn to a BBS for help and advice.

And so, the legend of Densha Otoko is born.

I'm sure many of you know the story and have probably have seen the series/specials/movie. If you didn't, I can wholeheartedly recommend it.

There's so much to like from this series. First of all, the actors (leads Misaki Ito and Atsushi Itou but also all of the auxiliary cast, not in the least the BBS gang) are so believable and endearing. The story, whilst very simple (it's a boy meets girl story, in its core), is so well executed that it never grows stale. Densha Otoko also succeeds in intercutting the sometimes very involving love theme with lighter arcs (Jinnkawa-san! Sakurai-san!), that will leave your sides thoroughly split.

Also, last and not least, the otakuculture and akiba-kei is expertly depicted here. And as opposed to Genshiken, what you see is all on location and real. Densha Otoko is a testament to the entire identity of what it is to be a Japanese Modern Art fanatic. Not just the crazed frenzy, but also the fact that we are living, breathing people that are afraid, cry and love just like anyone else.

http://www.fujitv.co.jp/denshaotoko/index2.html (TV official)
http://www.trainman-movie.com (movie official)
http://www.geocities.co.jp/Milkyway-Aquarius/7075/trainman.html (the real BBS)