Plot: Computer engineer Otaku (the Japanese term for 'geek') is an average young man, dressed in unstylish clothes and dorky glasses. But as luck would have it, he encounters a pretty young woman on a commuter train and saves her from a lecherous molester, falling in love with her at first sight.
A few days later he receives a thank-you message from the woman along with a set of Hermes teacups. Having never had a girlfriend or received a gift from a girl in his life, Otaku seeks out his pals on his BBS website for advice using his codename Train_Man (Densha Otoko): 'How should I ask her out?' Deeply interested in Train Man's first love, his BBS pals eagerly supply him with advice. Encouraged by their support, Train_Man undergoes a total makeover for his first-ever date with 'Hermess'. Little does he know that he is about to ignite an Internet phenomenon...
Densha Otoko is the allegedly true story of one otaku who posted his story on the famous internet bulletin board 2 ch (http://www.2ch.net/). 2ch is the largest internet forum in the world. With over ten million visitors a day, 2 ch is gaining a significant profile in Japanese society, competing for influence with traditional mass media such as television, radio, and magazines.
«The sweet, goofy story of the "train man" — a shy nerd whose fumbling first romance is monitored by a community of online backseat drivers — became a phenomenon in Japan. Supposedly based on a true story, it became first a book, then a manga, then this movie and, finally, a television series. »
«Therefore, be warned. Fans of the book or show may well be disappointed and casual audiences could well be repulsed. One thing I will say, that is quite an accomplishment for a dull romantic comedy.»
«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.»
«The first thing you notice about the Japanese romantic comedy “Train Man: Densha Otoko” is its complete lack of snark. Though clearly aimed at teenagers, this unashamedly heartstruck movie is neither obsessed with sex nor driven to humiliate its characters.»
«Train_Man: Densha Otoko is that rare romantic comedy that doesn't feel manipulative or cloying, but rather an honest and moving reminder of what it feels like to fall in love for the first time.»
«Train Man is a very fun ride, and if you're really interested, the original chat room transcripts can be found online for your reading pleasure. "Banzai, Densha Otoko!"»
«If nothing else, this breezily entertaining fable ups the ante on depicting modern communication. I haven't seen a film that has more characters online or on a cell phone or both.»
«Ultimately, Train Man is a celebration of the power of in-person human contact in an increasingly technological world. Some of the best bits have to do with the way text messages, cell phones, and e-mails keep people constantly in touch with one another yet just out of reach at the same time.»
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Train Man : Densha Otoko
