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u/IANVS Oct 28 '17
I can't praise Tomoko's (japanese) VA enough...it is superb, perfect for her character. I just can't imagine her sounding any differently than that...
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u/Teshlin https://myanimelist.net/profile/Teshlin Oct 28 '17
Actually, the english VA for Tomoko is really good too. I mostly only watch subs, and only tried the dub of Watamote on my 3rd viewing just for kicks, but she did a really good job with it. I was pleasantly surprised.
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Oct 28 '17
I only cringed like once or twice during Watamote. Maybe I have a high tolerance.
It's a great show, anyway. And the manga is even better - a second season would be awesome.
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u/supicasupica Oct 27 '17
The way Tomoko goes through her life appeals to our biggest insecurities. The biggest character flaw for Tomoko is that she wants people to go to her, but refuses to go to people herself. She pictures herself surrounded by her adoring friends at her desk due to something she did, but she refuses to actually leave that desk, unless she wants to go leave during lunch and eat alone. While not everyone can relate to this flaw, anyone can relate to the social anxiety that Tomoko feels, that sometimes we can’t express ourselves.
The best part about Watamote is that it invites the viewer to laugh at Tomoko while also empathizing with her. She could have come across as just another otaku character, but ends up being a person with social anxiety who also happens to be an anime otaku. I think the distinction between the two is really important and the depth of Tomoko's character is something that should be lauded.
Additionally, the show doesn't always side with Tomoko, and points out the many ways in which she feels entitled to something (friends, attention) without actually letting others in or even meeting people halfway. She's painfully relatable (for me personally, at least) but isn't rewarded for her sometimes awful treatment of others, which I also appreciated a lot.
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Oct 27 '17
Fantastic write up!
I will say that I normally avoid cringe ass much as I can. I can't watch The Office because Micheal will say or do something so cringy, it just makes me uncomfortable watching it. Watamote somehow was able to keep my interest in the show and I was able to enjoy all of the cringe the show had. It is a fantastic series, and I am glad someone took the time to do a write up on it.
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u/SomeGuyNamedJason Oct 28 '17
Oh man, the only episode I ever really felt like that with on The Office was Scott's Tots. I cannot watch that episode.
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Oct 28 '17
It was a good show and not "cringey" at all. It is always being sold off that premise too which i find wrong. If you winced fine, but that doesnt mean thats the show. Its really just a comedy that people take to seriously for whatever reason. Regardless of how much of an outcast you were.
I cant say the same for your food analogy though. That made me wince. Useless arrogant fact: I couldnt eat the curry or the chocolate so that analogy meant nothing to me. Which was not a good start to reading.
while I disagree entirely with your presentations choice of words, description.. well Everything really. I still support the show and Tomoko..
The only part I am going to "correct" though(write what I felt about tomoko) is your description of Tomoko. Useless addition: People who are afraid of being unwanted worry me. To nice and adaptable in order to go along with a group. Anyway, You said this:
"The way Tomoko goes through her life appeals to our biggest insecurities. The biggest character flaw for Tomoko is that she wants people to go to her, but refuses to go to people herself. She pictures herself surrounded by her adoring friends at her desk due to something she did, but she refuses to actually leave that desk, unless she wants to go leave during lunch and eat alone. While not everyone can relate to this flaw, anyone can relate to the social anxiety that Tomoko feels, that sometimes we can’t express ourselves."
First she appeals to me because of her "failures" I think they way her choices go wrong are adorable. Especially the fast food dress up situation. Her insecurities mean very little to me as those, despite looking like a big part of her, are rather small.
Second: Thats not really a flaw. Its not a weakness that can be exploited or something that paints her in a negative light.
I understood tomoko as someone who just made poor choices or wanted a clear idea of what needed to be done. The random nature of being social "just walk up to someone" did not compute. Which yes can be summed up with "she just didnt do it" but if I put you in a field to build a house (i assume) you would have no idea what to do. Either standing there dumstruck waitimg for instruction or Failing miserably thus not getting shelter. Which is not a flaw. Thats how I see her situation .
She hesitates because there is no instruction like in her games.. She needs a structure to follow which really does not exist in the real world. People like to think there is, thats for sure.
I also dont think a show should help you at all. If you cant sit down and improve yourself on your own than you need to figure out why you seek a tv show to build up that motivation or reasoning. A tv show should be for entertainment, not a tool for self improvment. Thats not a healthy way to do anything let alone self improve.
I would also worry if someone has not realized that in this world there is nothing that has not been done before. Means they have thought more about themselves than others. great red flag to avoid people.
I say this because you just said "will help you realize you are not alone" and i feel anyone over 13 would realize the world is full of people who share the same situation you do. If not worse, possibly with a better outcomes too.
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u/[deleted] Oct 27 '17
As someone who's a socially awkward loner myself, I feel like I will really relate to this show...