"Basu Otoko"

The movie Napoleon Dynamite was finally released on DVD here in Japan (although here it's called Basu Otoko--"Bus Male"). Because I have heard good things from other JETs about this movie, and because the writer/director is from my homestate of Idaho, I rented it the first opportunity I had, which happened to be yesterday evening.

It became apparent to me that the film was actually shot in Idaho shortly after it began and I saw the unmistakable rural climate of its small towns. It was strange to see obscure but familiar things on my tv such as the main character donning a "Ricks College" t-shirt (Ricks was formerly a 2-year unaccredited Mormon college known for admitting large numbers of female Mormons searching for husbands), the Bruneau sand dunes (the 2nd tallest sand dunes in the world), and a Desert Industries Thrift Store (a Mormon-owned secondhand establishment).

The funniest part of the movie for me (aside from Napoleon's dancing) was when Pedro was lectured by the principal: "Look, Pedro. I don't know how they do things down in Juarez, but here in Idaho we have a little something called pride. Understand? Smashing in the face of a pinata that resembles Summer Wheatly is a disgrace to you, me and the entire Gem State."

Napoleon Dynamite was a rare opportunity for me to witness the type of atmosphere I grew up in while still being in Japan. Surprisingly, I enjoyed the experience. I am also grateful for the reminder of why I intend to avoid residing in Idaho when I get back to the States.

But there was one thing I didn't understand about the movie: Why was it such a big hit with non-Idahoans? Could you guys really identify with it?