I am all about a romance film that features the underdog getting the girl. Train Man is such a sweet story about a stereotypical nerd overcoming his social awkwardness in order to ask a girl out. Things aren't all smooth sailing, but it's ridiculously relatable (especially for all of us introverts who wish we had the boldness to say what we are thinking instead of staying in our shells.) The cute progression of the relationship is fun to watch, and leaves you with that lingering fear that our protagonist is doomed for the "friend zone." I thought the actors did a good job with their roles. The transformation of Takayuki Yamada might be a touch unrealistic as something a lifelong nerd could pull off on his own, but he made it convincing in the portrayal of his character.
What makes Train Man more enjoyable is the structure of the story, where we see all these specific people who offer advice to the protagonist in some internet chat group. It feels just like a conversation I would read online. These were all people who genuinely wanted what was best for the young man. They give good advice based on their own experiences, and live vicariously through him in some cases. My only real complaint about this film came in the very end, I mean as the credits began to roll. There is one last scene that befuddled me and made me wish I had stopped watching as soon as it felt like the film had ended. I couldn't tell what the purpose was of this moment, and I feared it was undoing the entire movie. Otherwise, Train Man is a delightful romantic comedy film that I'd watch again any time I need a big smile.
What makes Train Man more enjoyable is the structure of the story, where we see all these specific people who offer advice to the protagonist in some internet chat group. It feels just like a conversation I would read online. These were all people who genuinely wanted what was best for the young man. They give good advice based on their own experiences, and live vicariously through him in some cases. My only real complaint about this film came in the very end, I mean as the credits began to roll. There is one last scene that befuddled me and made me wish I had stopped watching as soon as it felt like the film had ended. I couldn't tell what the purpose was of this moment, and I feared it was undoing the entire movie. Otherwise, Train Man is a delightful romantic comedy film that I'd watch again any time I need a big smile.