Densha Otoko (2005)

Densha Otoko is definitely one of the best dramas I’ve watched, not about the super rich boy who falls for the poor girl, but about an otaku that falls for a refined lady. I have not watched the anime nor the movie that was aired first so I can’t make any comparisons.

But for the drama I can say that the actors were really well picked. Itoh Atsushi was definitely my favorite character and he really portrayed it well, the normal otaku one would imagine. But what I liked the most about Yamada was the way he felt towards Hermes and how he expressed it. From the first time they met and especially when he had to reveal his true self. I just found it so cute.

Itoh Misaki was also great. At first I thought she was a bit stiff, but I guess that’s how the character is supposed to be and she kind of started to grew on me, since they actually made a really cute couple.

And, of course, all the user of the internet thread made the story a lot more interesting, I just loved their conversations, their unique ways to react and their sometimes laughable sometimes useful advice that went accordingly to their internet characters. There were times when I couldn’t stop laughing.

Definitely a must watch. : D

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Story [10] - The story in this drama was interesting from beginning to end. I loved that it is based on a true story, this makes much of the content easier to relate to. Much of the conflict in this series is completely internal to the main character, something I expected to get old, but as you see Yamada Tsuyoshi grow as a person it never actually does get old. His growth seems natural and believable, and this makes every conflict and triumph meaningful to the series as a whole. The small side stories all eventually tie into the end of this series leaving the end feeling complete rather than lacking. I love that there aren't any major loose ends at the end of this series. Seeing some of the otaku culture is also quite interesting and really adds to the story.

Acting/Cast [10] - I felt that all of the characters were portrayed very well. The acting was great, even for the characters with very extreme personalities. It left the characters feeling real even though some of the personalities were very off-the-wall.

Music [8] - The music in this series while fitting, seems a bit dated to me. There isn't a large variety of music used but what is used fits the scenes well. I liked very much that the ending credit song is tied into the story as well.

Rewatch Value [9] - I'm not huge on rewatching but this series had such great characters that I can easily see myself watching it again. Knowing the story will allow me to pay more attention to details that I may have missed the first time through.

Overall [10] - This series left me with one of those warm connected feelings at the end. I love the way the main characters grew together and how that growth supported the entire story. The ending didn't leave me feeling like the story was incomplete so that is a huge plus for this series. Overall, I would recommend this series to anyone looking for something great to watch!

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Densha Otoko was the very first drama I ever watched from start to finish. I came in expecting a cliched plot about how the geek gets the girl through unrealistic means. A main character who starts out unbelievably weak but it somehow able to goad a female into liking him through means unexplained. I've watched plenty of anime that have this type of plot, and while it's not terrible, it does grow tiring to see it reused consistently. This show does a great job at deviating from the mold.

It's a show about an anime otaku named Tsuyoshi Yamada (Atsushi Ito), who confronts a creepy old man harassing Saori Aoyama (Misaki Ito, no relation), and how the two end up dating one another. Now on the surface that seems like a cliched plot, until the show throws in a twist that completely inverts the normal RomCom plot. Because he has no experience with women, he has documented the entire dating process with her on the Single Men's page of the BBS Aladdin Channel (a fictitious version of 4-Chan), and he consults the members of the BBS for help on how to win her over. They help him with everything from how to dress for the first date to him sealing the deal with a kiss.

The show starts out as a ridiculous, over-the-top showing of a nerd looking for love with a chick clearly out of his league, but it has some great developments that really change the scope of the show as it progresses. Tsuyoshi isn't the only character whose troubles are chronicled, as many of the members of the Single Men's BBS have their stories shown. Not only do they succeed in helping him out of his qualms, but they end up heeding their o0wn advice and improve their lives for the better. Even some his Tsuyoshi's friends find a way to improve themselves for the better.

I really love the cast as well. Atsushi probably played the most entertaining geek I've ever witnessed. I never felt like he was overacting and sometimes, you felt like you were in his shoes with the way he could relate to others. I actually put a personal stake in his reletionship success because of how relateable he was to me at least. Misaki played her role with class and it really helped to show that the way men think women judge their worthiness of dating is dependent on the person themselves, not by a broad way of thinking. She portrayed Saori with a level of value you don't see in most dramas.

I marked out when they played ELO's 'Twilight' as the opening theme. And then did much of the same when Sambomaster did the ending theme. The music selection was very exciting, and to this day I think of this show when those songs queue up on my iPod. The music BGM was fun and silly. It conveyed that the show was a lighthearted funny affair, and not a roller coaster ride like others. This a show to enjoy, not one to fret over.

Overall, it's a perfect show to watch if you're new to drama. If you're a fan of RomComs, this a one of the best ones you'll watch. It never strays from its mood, and always finds a way to really keep you interested. You feel the guy's pain (and he gets pretty pathetic at the beginning) and you feel great when he succeeds inch by inch throughout the show. It's a definite must-watch if you're an anime fan!

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Densha Otoko grabs a formula that should be easy to relate and make work but, although funny and moving at times, has mistakes that makes it very hard to watch at times.

Story:
The in very short is a looser guy gets beautiful woman and they fall for each other. specifically a very shy otaku meets a rich girl and the series follows how their relation develops while he posts on the stories on an online forum.

I don't have much complains with the story. it isn't very complicated which isn't bad so the series manages to acknowledge this and play the cards that it has. However it does seem that the story is a little to good to be believable even for a show of this type's standard. I will touch about this later but the basically the story doesn't do a good job convincing us that this things happened in a logical way.

Acting/Cast:
My main concern is here. although some of the cast is wacky/funny and there are some memorable moments my problem is with the main character which is a huge deal for a show. The show wants to give us a looser otaku protagonist and show us how he gets the girl. However, the guy is borderline unbearable there isn't a single moment where he is not stuttering while talking with the girl or isn't crying even when no normal person will cry. I understand a person being shy but they exaggerated. Due to the misrepresentation of shyness i don't think there is anyone that can relate with the main character which to me is a huge issue in this type of show. Not only this but during the whole show there very little character development in him when he was the one who needed it the most.

Thankfully the rest of the cast did their job at the very least which managed to saved the show for me.

Music: I will just say i though the music was interesting int he style they chose very retro and choosing to go for english lyrics. however i didn't feel any outstanding scores.

Rewatch Value: I guess you can get some rewatch value out of the moe moments and few funny ones.

Overall I was about to drop the series it main shortcoming is so big. A series is not good in my opinion if I still want to punch the main character after the last episode. However i think that after standing the first few episodes one gets desensitized of the cringy stuff that they throw at you and you can manage to finish because of funny scenes scattered far apart.

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I don't remember how or why I put Densha Otoko on my "Plan to Watch" list, but I'm glad I did. Ususally, love stories like these would make me roll my eyes. Loser-guy gets the beautiful girl way out of his league... heard it all before. But what made this drama unique was the aspect of the online community. How much support and encouragement one can get from them. I felt moved by everyone's support for Densha. Some people don't understand the effect online communities can have on a person. You can end up finding people just like you from all over the world. You can guarantee at least one other person in this world feels the same exact way as you, and that's what I love so much about this drama. It's a showcasing of that. So, even more than the romance, I really loved the connection Densha made with people around the world (or Japan lol).
This drama was also pretty funny. I'm thinking of one scene in particular and i can't stop cackling. I just know this is gonna be one of those dramas I think of at random moments and bust out laughing and no one will get it. The first episode was really boring to me. I was almost gonna drop it cuz I thought it was gonna be extremely stupid, but I'm glad I didn't. Of course there are some things that really annoyed me, but all in all I'd recommend. It's just not a must-see, but I think it's worthy of you watching it.

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It's like the princess and the frog, but the frog is actually just a frog

In almost all of the scenes meant to be sympathetic with 電車男, I honestly felt cringe and even a level of disgust. All the sniveling and crying and stuttering >_< Also, is 電車男 genuinely kind, or just too weak and scared to stand up for himself? I think his devotion mostly comes from a self-awareness of his loserdom, and a lack of self-respect. He's so self-sacrificing because it's his only viable strategy in competition with an army of ikemen.
Also, his infatuation with Saori is purely based on looks, and an ideation; a mental image of her he created after their first meeting. He doesn't actually get to know who she is, because their relationship remains surface-level throughout the whole show. I learned nothing of much substance about either of them.
All that is to say that I don't think he's a saint; he's a simp, and kind of pathetic (but he doesn't have to be!).
Reminder that in real life, Ito Misaki, the actress playing Saori, married a handsome CEO.

Otherwise, the show has some merit: the way the forum discussions are presented is cool; the kaomoji master is a true artist; Shiraishi Miho and Toyohara Kosuke's characters are great - they're good actors; Ito Misaki is beautiful, and this show gives her a lot of screen time. I also really like the Jamaica pouch Otaku's raspy voice.

Overall: as a romance, it failed for me, but I thought it was a solid comedy :) Mostly due to the talents of Shiraishi Miho and Toyohara Kosuke <3

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This is actually my frist review. This drama was recommended by realdeal. In the beginning I thought the drama was too silly for me and the actors overreacting- especially Yamada. But since episode 6, when I sensed the vibes coming from this drama and the inspirating acting that started to touch my heart I got captivated. Each personality that is being put into a picture is perfectly captured. It is so sweet and endearing, so honest and straight forward, it 's been a bliss to watch it, see the growth of friendship and love. Especially in Corona times when many people live in singularity even in partnerships. I really enjoyed this drama - beautiful, charming and enticing!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Give it a go, you'll grow too!

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Well first of all if you are an OTAKU you will surely like this drama and you'll see the actors pains and happiness.

Now for a Normal Person the actor might look to be acting extremely shy or awkward well but thats just how it is so you might have to deal with it throughout the whole drama.
But the drama is quite good and i liked it very much. I would re-watch it again. Cause im sucker for this kinda S***.
Well its not anything new that we haven't seen. Its the same pretty girl - pushover not so pretty guy love story but even still its presented in a good way.
I recommend giving it a try at least by watching the first episode which might make you hooked because of the actor he'sso good in this... oh and trust me the actress gets better after the first episode ( i did'nt like her in the first episode cause she's looking all rich, dreamy like and whatnot)

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Love finds a voice in the most unlikely hero.

-------------------------------- ✧✦ Pros ✦✧ --------------------------------
• Heartwarming Story: "Densha Otoko" is based on a true story and follows the journey of a socially awkward otaku (geek) named Densha, who finds love and transforms his life. The narrative is uplifting and showcases the power of community and self-improvement.
• Quirky Characters: The drama features a diverse cast of characters, each with their unique personalities and quirks. Their interactions provide both comedic relief and moments of genuine emotion.
• Real-Life Inspiration: "Densha Otoko" is inspired by a series of forum posts from the early 2000s, where an anonymous user sought advice after saving a woman from harassment on a train. The drama captures the essence of this real-life event and the impact it had on the otaku community, making it relatable and inspiring.
• Otaku Culture Exploration: The drama delves into the world of otaku culture, showcasing their hobbies, passions, and the challenges they face in society. It provides insight into a subculture that is often misunderstood, promoting empathy and understanding.
• Positive Message: "Densha Otoko" promotes the idea that anyone can change and find love, regardless of their background or social skills. It encourages viewers to embrace their unique qualities and not be afraid to take chances.
--------------------------------------------------------- ✧✦ Cons ✦✧ ----------------------------------------------------------
• Slow Pacing: Some viewers may find the drama's pace slower compared to other fast-paced dramas. However, this deliberate pacing allows for deeper character development and emotional resonance.
• Stereotypical Characters: While the drama features diverse characters, some of them can fall into common archetypes or stereotypes seen in Japanese dramas. However, the performances and growth of the characters make up for this.
--------------------------------------------------------- ✧✦ Characters & Story ✦✧ --------------------------------------------------
• Densha (protagonist): An otaku who lacks confidence and social skills but experiences a transformation when he falls in love. His journey from being an anonymous forum user seeking advice to finding the courage to pursue a relationship is both endearing and relatable.
• Hermes (love interest): A kind and compassionate woman who captures Densha's heart. Her initial interactions with Densha and the development of their relationship form the emotional core of the drama.
• Online Community: The drama highlights the supportive online community that rallies behind Densha, offering advice, encouragement, and assistance in his pursuit of love. This portrayal reflects the power of virtual communities in fostering real-life connections.
--------------------------------------------------------- ✧✦ Conclusion ✦✧ ----------------------------------------------------------
"Densha Otoko" is a heartfelt and inspiring JDrama that celebrates the transformative power of love and community. With its relatable characters, positive message, and exploration of otaku culture, it offers a unique and engaging viewing experience. Despite its slower pacing, the drama's real-life inspiration and portrayal of personal growth make it a must-watch for those seeking a heartwarming and uplifting story. Take a journey with Densha as he learns to overcome his fears and discovers that love truly knows no boundaries.

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Щемяще трогательная история и ,наверное, все-таки сказочная, хотя в жизни чего ведь только не случается. Вон пишут, что основано на реальных событиях, даже тот форум предоставляют как доказательство. Люди верят в чудеса. Ну и мы поверим.
Отличный сценарий, хорошие актеры, даже на неискушенный взгляд куча культурологических отсылок. Очень хотелось бы понять смысл убранства в комнатах форумчан, думается, что каждая вещь там что-то да значит.
И пару слов, собственно, по сюжету. Сначала, конечно, я в ее чувство мало верила, а потом прониклась. Да с таким багажом личных и семейных отношений поневоле потянешься к человеку, который готов посвятить себя тебе. Это согревает. Ведь даже если вернуться к комнатной теме - только у Гг не комната, а идеальное место проживания, как будто сошедшее с обложек журнала по интерьеру. Стерильно. Вот когда она покупает компьютер, это личная вещь, как бы окно за пределы своего мирка. А для Денши выход на улицу - выход за пределы своего. Идеальное сочетание.

Да и отдельно спасибо за Дзинкама-сан, которая прошлась по дораме ярким лучом под тему Дарта Вейдера Вот это бой-баба.

парнишка такой забавный отаку, нашли ж. Кстати, он на 15 сантиметров ниже ее и на 7 лет младше .А девочка просто лучезарная

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Story: The drama is manly about an anime otaku falling in love but if you notice along the way... It is about much more. It is about the other characters as well. They like Densha have their own hobbies and situations and are all looking for a way to connect with other people cause they also feel ALONE. They story is sometimes really funny and hilarious but between all that you ca really feel the loneliness of the characters. They all at some point see themselves in Densha Otoko and by helping Densha they also start to make changes in their lives. This is in part what I think made this a best seller and popular. Densha Otoko is great not only because it has a good romance story but because we see Densha Otoko and the other characters grow up and feel better on their own skin. They felt loved and accepted no matter what their hobbies or situations are.

Acting: They all did perfectly. Even the all over the place side characters. You never really get to know all the random people replying to your posts online so them trying to show us a sneak peak of that was awesome.

Music: After listening to Twilight so much I had to look it up and it was well selected. The lyrics and music style fits with the whole theme.

Rewatch Value: I would recommend to watch it at least once in your life. For me once is enough.

Overall:
After looking at the comments I think that to enjoy this story you have to look pass the "over acting" and look deeper into the characters and overall story setting since this is inspired on "actual events". Take note that back in the early 2000 there was no facebook, instagram, twitter or social media in general. Back then we had forums. This drama represents that era masterfully. Forums used to ruled the internet back then. We used them to look information about our hobbies or just to simply rant off... express our troubles to strangers looking for comfort and support.

I loved this drama cause I've been there. I used to spend time... actually hours in forums and like Densha Otoko I got to meet a lot of nice people online that later on became great friends offline. We where all young looking for a place to fit in. And believe me some might say it was over acted and perhaps they are right but the feel of been lost and like you don't belong it is real. It is nice to find people you can relate to and that can understand you without "judging" you. I'm grateful to the people that helped me out through my darkest days and helped me fight my depression.

Also since I love anime this drama hit right home. If you are into anime and more tech related stuff... you will enjoy a few things like the several homages to the anime culture, references to Gainax and animation studio Gonzo who made the anime sequence. Also the use of Alt characters symbols (Shift_JISart) to make the full images on the forum board. All this made it AWESOME!

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