“Perfect Days”, directed by Wim Wenders, is a film nominated for the Best International Feature at the Oscars, known for its gentle storytelling and its focus on the beauty of life’s little things.
The Story of a Humble Janitor
The main character, Hirayama (played by Yakusho Koji), is a janitor cleaning public toilets in Tokyo. His life revolves around seemingly mundane yet meaningful tasks: cleaning every day, listening to music, reading books, taking care of plants, and occasionally strolling through the city. The film is nearly devoid of heavy dialogue, focusing instead on portraying his journey of finding meaning in life through simple tasks and patience.
A Life Philosophy Through Hirayama’s Eyes
In the film, Hirayama constantly radiates inner peace, even when faced with different situations. For him, every object and person holds a unique meaning. In one symbolic scene, Hirayama watches intently as a homeless man dances in the park, while others around him ignore the man completely.
Yakusho Koji’s performance is highly praised for its subtlety in conveying the character’s emotions and thoughts, especially during solo scenes where the character is alone. The actor successfully brings depth to the character, allowing the audience to feel his loneliness and serenity.
Music and Aesthetics in “Perfect Days”
Alongside its touching story, music plays an essential role in the allure of “Perfect Days”. The film features classic songs from the 1960s and 1970s by artists like Velvet Underground and Otis Redding, with a particular highlight being Lou Reed’s song “Perfect Days”, which sets the emotional tone for the protagonist’s inner world.
Wendy Ide of Observer remarked that “Perfect Days” is one of Wim Wenders’ most successful projects in recent years. The film not only reflects on life but also offers a profound perspective on how to live, particularly in a fast-paced, technology-driven world that is often filled with anxiety.
“Perfect Days” – An Emotional Journey
With its gentle rhythm, the film encourages viewers to reconsider the value of simplicity in life, leaving behind negative thoughts and cherishing the present moment. As actor Yakusho Koji mentioned, every time someone watches the film, it becomes a new emotional experience, making “Perfect Days” a deeply philosophical and humanistic work of art.
