Perfect Days
Perfect Days (2023) is a delicate masterpiece that draws you into the quiet, yet profound, life of Hirayama, a man who cleans public toilets in Tokyo. His life is one of simplicity, filled with small, tranquil routines that bring him peace. But through subtle encounters, we see Hirayama reflect on his own existence, peeling back layers of emotion without ever needing much to say.
Watching this felt like receiving a poetic hug—one that comforts your heart and eases your mind. It’s a film that speaks through silence, through the soft rhythm of everyday life, and reminds us that beauty can be found in even the most ordinary moments.
Hirayama's life is pared down to the essentials, as he finds joy in the music from his old cassette tapes, secondhand books from the local bargain shelves, and his simple point-and-shoot film camera, with which he captures everyday sights that bring him serene happiness. His appreciation for the interplay of nature, especially the sky and trees, runs deep. The trees were especially meaningful to him, as represented in the evident bond in caring for the Japanese maple seedlings, which he would bring back to his apartment to look after.
Directed by Wim Wenders, a visionary filmmaker also known for the iconic Paris, Texas (1984), Perfect Days is a testament to his ability to craft stories where emotions flow in the quiet spaces between words. Wenders, who co-wrote the screenplay with Takuma Takasaki in just three weeks, captures the soul of Hirayama’s journey beautifully—making it all the more remarkable with so little dialogue from the main character.
Kôji Yakusho’s performance as Hirayama is nothing short of heart-warming. His portrayal earned him the Best Actor award at Cannes, and rightfully so. His ability to convey deep emotional truth through the simplest gestures and expressions is what makes this film resonate so deeply. In a world of noise, Hirayama’s gentle presence speaks volumes, and through him, we are reminded of the quiet moments in our own lives that often go unnoticed.
This is more than just a film—it’s an experience that lingers long after the credits roll. It touches on the beauty of solitude, self-reflection, and the unspoken connections that make us human. In its simplicity, it offers something profound: a sense of peace and a reminder to find joy in life’s smallest moments.