Otaku No Video is a 2-part original video animation that was released in 1991. It was directed by Takeshi Mori and produced by Gainax, the same studio that produced Neon Genesis Evangelion. The story revolves around a young man named Ken Kubo, who is a recent college graduate struggling to find his place in the world. After losing his job and being dumped by his girlfriend, Ken becomes depressed and aimless.
One day, Ken runs into an old friend from high school named Tanaka. Tanaka introduces Ken to the world of otaku, a subculture of young people who are obsessed with anime, manga, and video games. Ken is initially skeptical, but as he gets to know Tanaka and his otaku friends, he begins to see the appeal of their lifestyle.
Ken decides to start his own otaku club and recruits members from his old college anime club. Together, they begin attending anime conventions, dressing up in cosplay outfits, and creating their own anime-inspired artwork. As the club becomes more popular, Ken and Tanaka decide to start their own anime company called Gainax, which they hope will become a major player in the anime industry.
The story of Otaku No Video is told through a combination of live-action interviews with real-life otaku and anime-style animation. The animation sequences are divided into different segments, each with a different style and tone. Some segments are comedic and lighthearted, while others are more serious and introspective.
Throughout the course of the story, the characters struggle with a variety of issues related to their otaku lifestyle. Some of them worry about being ostracized by society because of their hobbies, while others struggle with the pressure of trying to turn their passion into a successful career. There is also a recurring theme of self-discovery, as the characters learn to embrace their interests and find meaning and purpose in their lives.
Overall, Otaku No Video is a fun and engaging tribute to the world of anime and the people who love it. It offers a unique window into Japanese pop culture and explores themes that are relatable to anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. The animation is top-notch and the story is both entertaining and thought-provoking. If you're a fan of anime or just curious about otaku culture, this is definitely a movie worth checking out.
Otaku No Video is a 2022 animated movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes.
