Yesterday, I spent the evening watching a movie with a couple family members. Lars and the Real Girl (imdb), reminded me [in premise] much of the debated escapist reality which general viewers, otaku, hikikomori, and NEET create in stimulation to mixing anime, manga, and life.
We have a presumed adult male who has a delusion about Bianca, a “Real Doll”. This entirely rang “Japan”, since we have all seen these love toys abundant on Mr. Choo’s and other sites. Unfortunately or not, the plot line soon sharply turns from any assumed building which had been taken place. Lars, though seemingly a hikikomori (but lacking the Japanese interest), is not, and his delusion about Bianca, is far from the notions one might get of another purchasing such a doll (pleasurezorz).
The film yields awkward, funny, and compelling moments, but it really makes these issues of escapist reality among anime fans seem quite feeble. It is an interesting watch that many could relate to, but not necessarily identify with, and I do recommend a viewing if one has the time and chance, as it is not entirely unrelated to the world of anime and manga.
Ryan A
In a related note, Ryan Gosling, the main actor, has appeared in also in The Notebook and Half Nelson. I recommend both, especial for HN’s slice-of-life appeal, and The Notebook’s heartwarming story.
That’s interesting and I’ve never heard of it. I’ll make a note to watch it. Even if not entirely related to the hikikomori thing, the concept seems interesting.
It is not the typical film, that is certain. It is essentially slice-of-life, which most who indulge in Japanese pop-media understand more so than average Joe USA TV Commando.
Thanks for the comment ^^
Hmm interesting, I hadn’t thought of looking at this movie with hikikomori themes in mind! I haven’t seen the movie yet, heard it was good, but I did recently finish watching Welcome to the NHK which I thought was pretty good.
Ryan Gosling was excellent in this movie. It surely didn’t reflect me, but seeing all those ronery pictures of Japanese otaku, I am in approbation of your analysis.
I should have mentioned that as well, Michael ^^ He did a great job.
Susie Q, thanks for the comment
I thought it would relate to hikikomori issue (NHK is a good example), but it is quite different. Enjoy!
[...] this is a good thing. Wednesday is experience day. Last week, I shared an experience in my post, Real Girls. Though it was not an anime or manga experience, I did see a relation in the midst, and that is [...]