A still from ‘Perfect Days’ by Wim Wenders

In Wim Wenders’ Oscar-nominated poem, the bustling streets of Tokyo serve as the canvas on which the German director paints a poignant portrait of life’s quiet nuances through the presence of the brilliant Koji Yakusho. Set against the backdrop of the pulsating Japanese capital, the film follows Hirayama, a Tokyo toilet cleaner who relishes the small moments in his everyday affairs.

At the center of the film is Yakusho’s Hiriyama, a man of few words but infinite depth. Through Yakusho’s exquisite portrayal, Hirayama emerges as a figure of quiet resilience, his weathered face betraying the weight of a lifetime of experience. Yet beneath her flamboyant exterior lies a soul full of warmth and compassion. Sweet daily interactions with family, co-workers, and strangers are a testament to Hirama’s gentleness beneath his ruthless existence.

Perfect Day (Japanese)

Director: Wim Wenders

Cast: Kōji Yakusho, Tokio Emoto, Arisa Nakano, Aoi Yamada

Runtime: 125 minutes

Story: Hirama is content with his life as a toilet cleaner in Tokyo. Through unexpected encounters, he reflects on finding beauty in the world.

Hirayama is a regular agent. Wenders weaves his daily rituals with the gentleness of a cinematic varietal, by the end of which, his daily schedule is burned into our consciousness. As a proud employee of the real-life Tokyo Toilet Project, Hirayama spends her work hours cleaning the magnificent public toilets throughout Tokyo, her attention to detail almost obsessive. Yet far from being a mundane task, this act of cleaning becomes a form of meditation for Hirama, a formal expression of pride and dignity in his work.

Whether he is cleaning the toilet with military precision, feeling the sunlight through the leaves on his face or enjoying his day off with the afternoon dawn, these moments of silence are the film’s signature moments. act as emotional centers, offering glimpses into the soul of a man who finds peace. In the simplicity of everyday life. Yakusho instantly transforms Hiriyama into a character that you not only root for, but more importantly relate to on many levels. Include me in a solitary sandwich session on a park bench, meeting the local bookstore sage for a quick laugh, and all those delightful little rituals in between.

Koji Yakusho in 'Perfect Days'

Koji Yakusho in ‘Perfect Days’

From the beginning, perfect day It’s a visual feast, with cinematography that captures the vibrancy of Tokyo’s urban landscape. Each frame has a gentle texture, inviting us to enjoy the warmth of Tokyo’s rich textures and vibrant colors that define Hiriyama’s world with an almost poetic beauty. Every shot feels like a love letter to the city – from the neon-lit streets, to the serenity of its parks and gardens, to Hirama’s tiny sunken flat.

One of the film’s most impressive motifs is the juxtaposition of light and shadow, which Wenders uses to great effect throughout the narrative. Whether it’s the soft glow of sunlight coming off plants or the harsh fluorescence of a subway station, every play of light celebrates the beauty of the world.

Throughout the film, Wenders also explores themes of memory, loneliness, and the passage of time. At the end of each day we get a glimpse of Hirayama’s passionate memories in the form of a series of dreams that depict his daily encounters that move in and out of his life like shadows. It’s not until we witness Yakusho’s breakdown as he bids farewell to his sister and niece that we get a taste of Hiriyama’s crippling loneliness, which he does so brilliantly for the better half of the film. I was doing.

It felt almost cruel to watch Yakusho’s haunting final shot, perfectly paired with Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good,” as Hirama struggles to maintain a sense of calm as he rides off into the sunset. So tears are streaming down his smiling face. Things weren’t so dejubo after all.

perfect day Took me on a roller coaster of hope and desire. With a delicate touch, it uncovers the magic within the ordinary, the comfortable embrace of the ordinary and the art of leaving your mark. It’s a delightful dance between optimism and nostalgia, and left me on the floor as the credits rolled. Like a whispered secret amidst the chaos of Tokyo, perfect day Reminds us that true perfection lies not in grand gestures or dramatic revelations, but in the quiet grace of everyday existence. It reminds us to stop, reflect and embrace each perfect day as if it were our last.

perfect day Currently streaming on MUBI.

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