This gentle comedy tells the story of Setsuko, an unfulfilled, chain-smoking office worker who has all but given up on life. Like so many in an age of decreasing human interaction, her days are spent alone, her time split between a bland office and her suffocating apartment.

When her niece Mika pushes her to take an immersive English class, Setsuko discovers an unexpected enthusiasm for the challenge. She discovers a new identity in the alter ego given to her by American teacher John (Josh Hartnett) who does his best to liberate his traditional, stiff students with hugs, high fives, wigs and western names. With her blond wig and her new name “Lucy,” Setsuko shakes off her funk, falling for her handsome teacher along the way. But when both John and Mika suddenly disappear, Setsuko gets the chance to test her new character in the wild, wild west of California.