A quiet, emotionally unfulfilled Japanese woman takes some unusual English lessons and embraces her American alter ego, embarking on a journey of desire, passion and betrayal through Southern California.

Lonely office worker Setsuko (Shinobu Terajima) lives a monotonous, boring life. When she is persuaded to join an unusual English class led by the vibrant John (Josh Hartnett), he introduces her to role-play, where she becomes her American, blonde-wigged alter ego Lucy, carefree and happy. When John suddenly disappears with her niece, however, Setsuko (or is it Lucy?) sets off to find them - and herself - in America...

A bittersweet comedy with great acting and lovely visuals, this is a clever, eye-opening look at how both Japan and America see each other.

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