Sawako Decides (2009)

Sawako has low self-esteem. She's the opposite of her co-workers, all of whom seem to have a strong opinion on everything and everyone. When Sawako finds herself in a situation involving freshwater clams and a sweater-knitting partner, her weak decision-making skills are put to the test.
Sometimes the film tries too hard to be likeable, as if it's forcing the issue, and the lead actress didn't always convince me that she was Sawako in anything but name, but both failings are largely ironed out by the second half, which culminates in a well-rounded and above all memorable closing scene.
Most viewers will be able to find something relatable in the script—if not in the primary narrative, then in the details—but the uniquely Japanese humour has the potential to greatly confuse the uninitiated.

3 elevated lower-middles out of 5