Perfect Days
Hirayama is content with his life as a toilet cleaner in Tokyo. Outside of his structured routine, he cherishes music on cassette tapes, books, and taking photos of trees. Through unexpected encounters, he reflects on finding beauty in the world.
- Released:
- Runtime: 125 minutes
- Genre: Drama
- Stars: Koji Yakusho, Tokio Emoto, Tomokazu Miura, Aoi Yamada, Min Tanaka, Yumi Asou, Sayuri Ishikawa, Arisa Nakano, Masahiro Koumoto, Daigo Matsui, Tateto Serizawa, Tamae Ando, Morio Agata, Morooka Moro, Motomi Makiguchi, Mijika Nagai, Long Mizuma, Yuriko Kawasaki, Bunmei Harada, Gan Furukawa
- Director: Wim Wenders
Comments
- grantss - 28 June 2024
Good but takes a fair bit of patience
Hirayama lives alone in Tokyo and cleans toilets for a living. He has a routine, seemingly dull, uneventful and insular life. Yet he is happy and content, living a simple, undemanding, uncluttered, analogue existence. His balanced demeanour seems unshakeable.
A movie that I wanted to like more than I ultimately did. The idea of a film about a man who is happy with very little and thrives on simple pleasures, no matter what life throws at him, has great appeal. Being directed by Wim Wenders who gave us the superb, minimalist Paris, Texas (1984) added to that appeal. However, my one negative thought before watching is that this has been done before, and done very well. Akira Kurasawa's Ikiru (1952) springs most immediately to mind, as does Terry Gilliam's The Fisher King (1991).
The setup for the film didn't help my doubts as the film takes a while to gain any sort of momentum. The first quarter or so of the film is spent entirely showing the mundanity of Hirayama's life, with heaps of repetition to emphasise the point. Even once it gets going it's a bit sketchy as we have some sub-plots that are interesting and engaging but ultimately aren't a major factor in the overall plot.
It ends quite well though, so there is some reward for patience. Even then I was hoping for something more powerful, profound and unpredictable.
Once aspect of the film that is excellent is the soundtrack. Some excellent songs by artists such as Lou Reed, Patti Smith, The Velvet Underground, The Animals, The Rolling Stones, Nina Simone, The Kinks and Van Morrison. - mishalkhaled - 3 June 2024
Didn't watch it for fun watch it to learn
It's been a while since I watched a mini movies that contain philosopher, cult aspect and this movie is one of them mini movies those days try to speed the shots so you could move onto the other event or part of the story, but in this movie, the case is different because every part and every ankle resembles some thing need the attention from the audience. It speaks to you slowly. Actually, it's whisper to you, so you could feel it deep down after you finish the watching the movie, you connected with the main character because you filled so deeply and through different days how he felt deep down in his heart and that drive me to see it as a brilliant kind of the job I drive the idea is that we forgotten about day-to-day life we have so much to do, and we have a certain routine that we talking to granted actually, and after that we could see our self separated from the word the world we are surrounded our self with that so if I could say anything about this movie and describe it with one word, it will be a Salatut, but a good part of solitude that you get connected with yourself once more . - emjgiddy - 20 May 2024
Excellent Movie
"Perfect Days" is a beautifully contemplative film that stands out for its profound simplicity and emotional resonance, earning a solid 9/10. Directed by Wim Wenders, this intimate character study offers a poignant exploration of the beauty found in everyday life and the quiet search for meaning.
The film centers around Hirayama, a solitary toilet cleaner in Tokyo, whose daily routines and encounters reveal a rich inner world. Through his interactions and the serene rhythm of his life, "Perfect Days" delves into themes of solitude, human connection, and the subtle joys that can be found in the mundane.
Wim Wenders' direction is masterful, employing a restrained and thoughtful approach that allows the story to unfold organically. The film's pacing is deliberate, mirroring Hirayama's unhurried and methodical existence. This measured tempo gives viewers the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in his world and appreciate the quiet beauty of his surroundings.
Visually, "Perfect Days" is stunning. The cinematography captures Tokyo in a way that feels both intimate and expansive, focusing on the small details of Hirayama's life while also highlighting the vibrant and dynamic backdrop of the city. The use of natural light and composition enhances the film's meditative quality, creating a visually poetic experience.
The performance by Koji Yakusho as Hirayama is extraordinary. His portrayal is nuanced and deeply moving, conveying a wide range of emotions with minimal dialogue. Yakusho's expressive face and subtle gestures speak volumes, drawing the audience into Hirayama's inner life and making his journey profoundly relatable.
The screenplay is elegantly simple, focusing on character and atmosphere rather than complex plot twists. The interactions Hirayama has with the people around him, including brief but meaningful encounters with strangers, are rich with subtext and emotional depth. The dialogue is sparse yet impactful, allowing the visuals and performances to carry much of the narrative weight.
The film's soundtrack complements its reflective tone perfectly. The music, often gentle and unobtrusive, underscores the film's themes and enhances its contemplative mood without overpowering the scenes.
"Perfect Days" excels in its ability to find beauty in the ordinary and to convey the profound impact of seemingly small moments. It is a film that encourages viewers to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures and quiet connections that make life meaningful.
While the film's introspective nature and slow pace might not appeal to all viewers, those who appreciate character-driven stories and subtle storytelling will find "Perfect Days" to be a deeply rewarding experience.
In conclusion, "Perfect Days" is a cinematic gem that offers a heartfelt and introspective look at the human experience. With its stunning visuals, outstanding performance by Koji Yakusho, and masterful direction by Wim Wenders, the film is a beautiful meditation on life's small joys and the quiet search for meaning. It is a must-see for anyone who values thoughtful and emotionally resonant cinema.
