my interpretation be that the term wouldistant be use in the sense of the opposite of warm while people who be not warm toward others . the film remind me of the teaching of the dalai lama in the art of happiness where his main point be that the key to happiness be connect with others . not only be the character in the film insular and but they be also humorless and charmless and shy and quiet and unfriendly . these characteristic appear to prevent them and amongst other thing and from form and enjoy relationship and be able to talk about and deal with their problem . and a a result they be terribly unhappy . i see it a a strong vindication of the dalai lama teaching ( i be not a buddist by the way ) . if you be one of the people who think that their behavior be a natural response to living in a large city then i think you may be right but i recommend the dalai lama book . city life need not be like this . i can see why some people find it bore it do drag a bit in place and the character be not particularly likable . and it do contrast to lose in translation where the insular character be much more likable and do connect with one another even though they do not connect with people generally .