GEOG 1000: Fundamentals of World Regional Geography

Foreign Movie Page

Densha Otoko (Train Man) 2005

Japan, 101 minutes

From http://www.trainman-movie.com/story.htm

Train Man: Densha Otoko is the film inspired by the phenomenal bestseller by Hitori Nakano that has taken Japan by storm. Based on true events that took place on a popular Bulletin Board website in Japan called “2ch,” this fairy-tale-like story has become a media sensation, and been adapted in book, comic, television drama, and movie formats. Released in 2005, the movie became an instant hit, grossing over 35 million dollars in Japan.

Readings: Otaku | Manga | Akihabara

Questions (from GEOG 3050: Geography in Film):

1)    How is the landscape of Tokyo depicted?
2)    How is technology and communications shown?
3)    How is otaku brought into the film?
4)    Discuss the concept of nerd between our two cultures.
5)    What is the meaning of the instant messenger support group?
6)    What point is being made at the end about the woman having noticed the man before?

Multiple choice questions about the movie will be included on the exam.

Contact | ©2007 Michael P. Peterson