Yamada Takayuki News - 山田孝之

Tuesday, August 02, 2005

Drama version Vs Movie Version of Densha Otoko
Translated from Gendai Net


In the trend of low ratings for TV dramas, Densha Otoko is bucking the trend to hit past the 20% mark.

There are a few reasons to explain this as it is adapted from the novel and very close to what the movie version has to offer. As such, the drama version will attract viewers who find it troublesome to read the book or go to the cinema. In addition, the story being based on a true-life happening has thus attracted many people to find out more on this love story.

In terms of the movie, its adaptation is closer to the novel than the drama version and uses the actual words and characters typed by the characters. In addition, by getting
Nakatani Miki to play Hermes is a good choice since she's always had that elegant lady feel and the character herself is said to resemble Nakatani in real life. Looking at the drama version, although Itoh Misaki is regarded as a pretty actress, the drama fails to bring out her wealthy background and create an air of elegance. This results in her difference with the Densha Otoko not being emphasized. In fact, Shiraishi Miho who plays a supporting role in the drama might be more suitable to play Hermes who is a rich man's daughter.

On the other hand, the drama version's lead
Itoh Atsushi looks more like an otaku as compared to Yamada Takayuki who's too good-looking for the role. Simply by putting a long-haired wig, classes and dressing like an otaku does not bring out the feel of a true-blue otaku whereby Itoh excels due to his plain-looking appearance.

In conclusion, the movie and the drama each have their plus points but the common grouse for both is that Densha Otoko only managed to win his girl after going through a transformation and deserting his otaku links. It would be more interesting to see how he can court Hermes if he remains the way he is.