Perfect Days - Movie Review

The storyline of Perfect Days revolves round Hirayama, a toilet cleaner who is satisfied with his simple life in Tokyo. But there is no boredom in Hirayama’s work daily grind, music, books, trees, cities and many other things that he loves. These chance encounters give more and more of his story, while there are pauses for contemplation.

Themes to do with simplification and the subtle values of life are expressed in the movie. It is rather quietist and calming, educating the spectators on how to notice the seemingly boring details and features of life. It underlines an ethical axiological introspection about joyful and the temporary essence of life.

The audience will see the master class of Kôji Yakusho as Hirayama. In his performance, Pena is revealing quiet dignity and perseverance that brings the viewer into the man’s soul’s journey and into his modest but happy life. The supporting roles augment his story, dimensions to Hirayama’s self-performed odyssey.

Wenders brings together a naturalistic tale in a neatly simplistic manner into which complexity is infused. His direction creates a calm atmosphere which also corresponds to the main thematic messages of the movie, which proves that the director is great at visual poeticImages and Real people. The music perfectly supports the film’s visual narrative and enhances a viewer’s empathy towards Hirayama.

Light and careless cinematography reveals the message of contemplation of Tokyo as one of the calmest cities. Again, the visuals are well designed, with special emphasis on symmetry and lighting that underline Hirayama’s simple lifestyle. Even the restrooms and parks that dissolve into the background are depicted with the same care as other locations to emphasize the theme of discovering the beautiful in the ordinary.

They do not use special effects at all, which corresponds to the shooting concept and a simple plot. The irony is that while these effects exist the emotive strength of the movie is not corrupted by them.

The editing is nicely harmonized with the pace of the picture. Gradual shifts help the viewer navigate through Hirayama’s day and move from one scene to another, making them blend well with the filmmaking. The overall pacing of the film is slow, which is fitting for the work given its meditative focus. This deliberate pacing surely demands the patience from the viewers, but in the end, viewers are rewarded with a tremendous view of the character’s life and how quite she must be.

The dialogues are minimal, so much stress is therefore placed on gestures and other non-verbal means of conveying a message. This is made even more noticeable by the fact that there is very little dialogue which makes every word and every move count.

Though some people may have difficulty sitting through the film because of its low dialogue and slow moving scenes, such aspects contribute to the film’s inadvertent appeal. It can be said that it does not suit everyone’s taste, yet, it welcomes those are ready to attend the feast of a more profound and thoughtful movie.

Perfect Days are the philosophical movie that shares the message of searching for beauty in the simplicity of life. I enjoyed it for its melancholic take on things, reminding me of day to day struggles that ordinary people face and the remarkable beauty in all the ordinary.