WIG OUT - My Review of OH LUCY! (4 Stars)Sometimes the most deceptively simple of films can sneak up on you and elicit an unforeseen emotional response. OH LUCY!, the feature debut of San Francisco-based filmmaker, Atsuko Hirayanagi, reminded me so much of the work of Jim Jarmusch, but with a more layered, less deadpan approach to its characters. Based on a childhood friend she observed in her native Japan, OH LUCY! follows Setsuko (the remarkable Shinobu Terajima), a dead-inside woman who works as an office drone and lives in a tiny, messy apartment. We first see her on a subway platform, her face covered in an air pollution face mask, where she witnesses a horrific incident. That it seems par for the course to her tells us in such an economical way how soul-deadened she's become. Setsuko's only real connection to humanity lies with her adorable niece Mika (Shioli Kutsuna), a waitress and delightful schemer/dreamer. When Mika asks her aunt to take her place in an ESL class, Setsuko, out of sheer boredom, takes the leap. Located in what can best be described as a cross between a brothel and a den of prostitution mixed with a taste of whorehouse, the teacher, John (a fully engaged and engaging Josh Hartnett), welcomes her with a big hug. Not used to human contact, Setsuko seems put off, but grows intrigued when John's unusual teaching methods come into play. These include insisting Setsuko assume a more American name and don a wig. In short order, we welcome "Lucy" to the story, Setsuko's alter-ego. Lucy hilariously has all of the assertiveness and humor that Setsuko lacks. John pairs her up with another student, "Tom" (Kôji Yakusho), and they soon trade delightful English phrases and high-fives. Circumstances will eventually bring "Lucy" to San Diego, and without giving anything away, this section of the film forces us to rethink the immigrant experience. Hirayanagi brings such humor and pathos to the table in what can best be described as a generous and twisted. Comic moments butt up against surprisingly tragic ones so seamlessly and feel completely organic and true. Life seems to unfold in such a believable way. "Lucy", while enormously empathetic, has a tendency to screw up royally or be incredibly mean, yet we understand every one of her many mood shifts. It's a wonderful marriage of filmmaker and star."Lucy", with her silly wig and overly-rounded mouth when she attempts American colloquialisms, upends the usual existential drama by constantly surprising us with her observations and reactions to things. We've all seen this story a thousand times, but we haven't seen it through this cultural filter before. She's a character in crisis from beginning to end, often the victim of her own making, but we root for her nonetheless. Matching Terajima every step of the way is a terrific cast. Aside from the aforementioned Hartnett, who really steps up, especially in a tough, come-to-Jesus moment near the end, I loved Kaho Minami's sly performance as Setsuko's more put-together but equally damaged sister. I believed every push and pull of their complicated relationship. Only Megan Mullally stands out as ill-used in a fairly useless cameo on board a plane, but it's a very minor quibble in a film this sweet, funny, dark and ultimately moving. Who hasn't been or known the Setsuko's of the world, who, with the help of a little hairpiece and a gentle push, can have their shot at a happier life?

I liked this character so much. She's in a rut. She's a bit of a mess. She's taken for granted. She's hit her limit on playing by the rules she's expected to. And in a gratifying, understated, Japanese way, she stops playing by them. I'd love to have her for a friend.

Fantastic movie - thoughtful, heart-warming, and incredibly unique.

A complex lead performance is what's strongest about this quirky film, which is very watchable on the whole. However, it's a little disappointing that it isn't really progressive in its depiction of female characters, especially coming from a female writer/director.

"Lucy" opens with a crowd of people on a train station in Tokyo. Most of the people are wearing surgical masks and, as the train approaches, a man, after whispering 'Goodbye' in Setsuko's ear, jumps in front of the train. Not a scream is heard and everyone, including Setsuko, go on with their lives, which for her means a dull job, living in a small apartment, obviously a hoarder and very much alone except for her niece.It is her niece, Mika, who convinces her aunt to take over the English class she has been going and had paid in advance for which money she would lose unless Setsuko will give her the money and go to the class. Mika, for an unexplained reason, doesn't seem to be able to turn to her mother while the sisters Setsuko and Ayako have had a falling out for years over something that is just brushed over and shouldn't be.Enrolling in the English class we meet American teacher John who teaches 'American' English like no teacher has ever taught it before and which he explains means 'lazy and relaxed'. He puts a blond wig on Setsuko's head after hugging her and gives her the new name of Lucy. In the class, she meets another student, Komori, who John renames Tom.Very shortly, without giving any spoilers, the film goes from Tokyo to Southern California and goes into a completely different angle, at many points going off track.Shinobu Terajima does an excellent job as Setsuko/Lucy showing her changes as the latter and, where she could easily be disliked, makes her likable along with being forgiven for many things she does.Josh Hartnett as John is woefully underwritten but does what he can with the role as does Shioli Kutsuna who has a good turn as the niece once the film gets to California. Kaho Minami, as Setsuko/Lucy's sister, is brittle, angry yet funny and, at times. Annoying as she should be. Though Koji Yakusho has a fairly small role at two points in the movie he delivers and seems the most comfortable of all the players plus what makes him the way he is certainly is explained better than any other character.Director Atsuko Hirayanagi, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Boris Frumin, fumbles here and there, mostly when the film goes to California. There is a clumsy, unnecessary sex scene, too many flaws regarding character's backgrounds and, possibly minor, the aunt and niece learn a lot of 'American English' much too quickly."Oh, Lucy" appears to be sold as a comedy but is definitely more of a drama. It is a quirky kind of film, certainly different and because of that worth seeing

Genuinely funny (very dark humor), excellent acting, and very well-paced. I highly recommend!

First saw it at Cannes, and was so happy to see it make it to Berkeley! Simply a great film that stays with you for a while.

This film was amazing and unexpectedly unpredictable. The type of Indie flick that will make your weekend more fun.

I would say don't go to this movie if you are sad or depressed already. I was hoping for a story about a middle aged woman who goes on a road trip and an epiphany or at least some fun.I had no problem with the acting. The story is about a woman who seems to have drank from the bitter cup of life. She holds resentments toward her sister who wronged her many years ago and seems to take out her unhappiness on her co-workers. With some urging from her niece she takes an unconventional English class in an establishment that could have other uses. She then become enamored with the English teacher who disappears just as she starts taking classes. The main character for the rest of the movie does basically what she wants, without any boundaries and inflicts pain on everyone around her. I'd say it is a mid life crisis gone bad. Again the acting was good but the story was depressing. There is some brief nudity and a semi graphic mostly clothed sex scene.

Expected a comedy, but saw one of the best and unexpected dramas I've ever seen. Loved the tone and the ups and downs of real life. Crazy. Wow.

I was really surprised at how good this movie was. It really made me think about a lot of different things in the movie. Family relationships, cultural divides and living a fulfilled, authentic life. Really Worthwhile...also a great glimpse into Japanese culture--the real one behind the contrived noh masks. This movie keeps you thinking about it for a long time...

Funny, irreverent, quirky. Loved this film

what a pleasant surprise!

Loved it. QUIRKY, human, unusual, moving, real life real people. Mostly Japanese but there is an American. Sweet and touching. Highly recommended by me.

I loved this movie. The acting was fantastic, understated, and the pacing was terrific. Go see it. It's not your typical formulaic movie. Trust me.