From iconic German director Wim Wenders comes “slice-of-life” piece, Perfect Days. Following the day-to-day of Hirayama (Kôji Yakusho), a public servant who cleans toilets in Tokyo and loves Lou Reed, this film is a lesson in learning to carve a place of peace in everyday life. Emotionally poignant and environmentally vibrant, this film gives plenty of space for the audience to feel out their own reactions to the life being lived on screen.
For the most part, Hirayama’s life seems dull. He follows the same routine weekly and only deviates with intervention from others, such as his lazy and tunnel-visioned co-worker Takashi (Tokio Emoto), and his curious niece (Arisa Nakano). Despite this, he seems content. His routine gives him an assured sense of self and the mundanity does not bother him. He pridefully carries out his job as though it is a refined science. Hirayama spends much of his time alone, yet this allows for the film to make each of his social interactions all the more impactful. No matter how small, the ways in which he treats or speaks to the people he meets are indicative of his character’s good nature, even when he is not granted respect in return. I found this discipline he shows to be almost deifying. It elevates Hirayama to a higher state of maturity and morality that no one else showcases. He is endlessly kind and patient, never gets angry, and even when his character breaks into despair it is not to the detriment of anyone around him. He only seems to be able to fall into momentary sadness before he is lifted back up by the people and sights he encounters. He makes the monotony of life into something artful rather than soul-sucking.
Exposing and visceral, Perfect Days reflects this emotional unveiling in its visual presentation of human life. The audience is consistently reminded of the presence of natural elements through Hirayama’s love for the trees. Wenders represents them as the captivating symbol of a serene pause in a busy day. Hirayama’s endless appreciation for them is an endearing trait that pulls viewers closer to his character. His humility is charming and raw, making this character study more intimate.
Hirayama loves life without prerequisite or demand. He has small communities that he moves happily between. In each of these places the people there show that they know and care for him in their familiarity when he arrives at each. Despite his underlying sorrow, he finds beauty in simple humanity and takes joy as an observer of the happiness of others. It is these qualities and base traits highlighted that make Perfect Days such a concisely beautiful portrayal of the complexity and multifaceted nature of humanity in its most natural form.
Perfect Days is in cinemas now
