Homem do Trem

It's hard to imagine a drama or film that involves the internet in quite the same way as Otoko Densha.

The story, as many know, is basically true: In Japan, a shy anime geek tries to save a young woman from being molested by a drunken man in a train. He's almost willing to drop things there, but when an attractive young woman expesses her gratitude, a series of small adventures magnify to colossal ones. That's where his internet chat comes - a network of support he clings to as he tries to wade his way through the uncertain waters of a personal relationship.

A few of the performances here can be a overbaked at times, but Otoko Densha basically a comedy, It's aksi incredibly winning. To add realism, we actually get to read the actual internet posts that the forum members left over the course of the young man's coming of age, including ascii art work left to give him inspiration. There are some deviations from the original plot (some contrived, others extremely funny), but it's hard to recall a dorama that's quite as sweet and touching.

Subtitled versions of the serial are available with a bit of searching, as well as an extensive translation of the original posts.

The storyline is amazing and gives hope that even an Otaku can still have a chance with a beautiful girl. I found the story well written and the daily life of the Otaku very realistic when I compare them from this TV series to the actual Otaku that you find in Japan.

The characters are well played and the main character gave off a real presence that you often find lacks in most TV series.

This is one show I will remember for a long time and all the people I have introduced this show to have loved it.

The series only gets better as it progresses through each episode.

Plus you've gotta love the title song!

Imagine this situation: A complete loser Nerd, saves a beautiful young woman from a drunken man. Then this event starts a friendship with the woman, and this creates an even more complicated situation for the young "Otaku" (Japanese word for Nerd), whos only contact with a girl has been on anime, collectible figures and video games. So he seeks advise on the internet with other Otakus who help him to enter in the world of romance.

In key of comedy, this romantic TV series makes like no other show i have ever seen, not only that, also it is touching and unforgettable. As well as some real heartfelt meaning.

The show is very funny and touching in some times, its really a story of a young man who's life has been full of rejection from everybody; His family, his job, and people on streets, just because he is considered a Nerd. However, despite so many confrontations in his social living, he wont give up until he and his dream girl are together. Also demonstrates that cyber friends can help you as well.

The music is great, specially the opening song, and features lots of 80s music such as Mr. Roboto, Pretty Woman, Twilight, and more.

The actings in some parts were a little exaggerated, along with a few novel clichés, but really nothing that bothers. See it for yourself, you wont be disappointed, I promise.

In all my years of reviewing Japanese media I've never seen a show of this caliber. This show...no... dare I say masterpiece, carefully blends an emotionally breathtaking theme and setting with its powerful romantic plot to create an experience other worldly. After watching this show I feel whole, like a dark void in my heart has been filled by the passion put into this gem. I've never seen such a well crafted performance by the main character, every time he cried, I cried with him. Would absolutely recommend to any person ever.

I first knew this show through "Japanorama" and finally found it and finished the whole 12 episodes in a week. A very "Japanese" show.

I asked a Japanese college, are those things really happening in Japan, like the little girl stepped onto the poor guy's ankle because he lost her balloon, or do Japanese guys cry so much and shiver so when they are nervous, or are the girls and bosses so violent and so alpha that they will hit their male omega and physically abuse them? He was just taken by surprise and laughed and said "no, no".

Sure, Japanese are polite. Look at how they bow, showing their most vulnerable body parts to you. And Japanese are really into manga and anime. So although the whole is very dramatic or "exaggerated", I still find the Japanese elements inside are very adorable.

Especially the "surfing" scene, I was touched. A Japanese female college told me, Japanese take apology very seriously. That is really so in that scene. Yamada kneed and kowtowed to beg Herme-San's forgiveness. A very nice and moving part of the drama.