Web-based comics inspired this droll farce about a lackadaisical youth named Tanaka who can’t even summon the strength or self-actualizing drive to open his umbrella during rain. It’s not a medical condition, apparently; Tanaka has just made a lifestyle choice to be low energy and apathetic. Fortunately, he has a tall, brawny best friend named Ohta, who actually carries him from place to place, especially at school. As much as Tanaka tries to resist activity or involvement in anything, he nevertheless winds up fascinating some of his classmates. Hard-charging little co-ed Miyano aspires to be his "disciple" so that she can add slacking off to her achievements (Tanaka tries to disqualify Miyano, on the grounds that her goal shows too much ambition). The show gets considerable comedic mileage out of this simple situation, which may remind Western viewers of the American hit Napoleon Dynamite, which also featured a poker-faced protagonist and character-based humor. Presenting all 12 episodes from 2016 in separately available dual-language DVD and Blu-ray editions, extras include bonus shorts. Highly recommended. (C. Cassady)
Tanaka-kun is Always Listless: Complete Collection
(2016) 300 min. DVD: 3 discs, $59.98; Blu-ray: 2 discs, $69.98. Sentai Filmworks (avail. from most distributors). Volume 33, Issue 4
Tanaka-kun is Always Listless: Complete Collection
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