Perfect Days, 2023.
Directed by Wim Wenders.
Starring Koji Yakusho, Tokio Emoto, Sayuri Ishikawa, and Arisa Nakano.
SYNOPSIS:
A janitor in Japan drives between jobs listening to rock music.
Wim Wenders is a titan of European cinema with acclaimed German language films like Kings of the Road, Wings of Desire and Wrong Move, he is perhaps best known for his English language film Paris, Texas. He now makes his debut in Japanese with Perfect Days which won Best Actor at Cannes for lead star Koji Yakusho. Wenders clearly has an affinity with Japanese cinema, having made the documentary film Tokyo-Ga, on the legendary auteur Yasujirō Ozu, the feel and warmth of his films is certainly present here.
Perfect Days charts the day-to-day life of Hirayama, a toilet cleaner in Tokyo. He is reserved and seemingly observing the world around him. Much of the dialogue, especially in the first act comes from those he encounters, be it his chatty colleague Takashi (Tokio Emoto), his niece Niko (Arisa Nakano) or bar lady Mama (Sayuri Ishikawa). It is a slice-of-life film that depicts how beautiful every day can be with subtle nuances.
Hirayama starts each day with a cassette on his way to work, his cassettes prove key to deciphering his personality and charting the narrative. Some of his old-fashioned traits marry with the idea of modern Tokyo and technological advancements, a commentary from Wenders on the contrast between old and new Japan and the passing of generations, this is most obvious from interactions with Niko who asks if the tracks are available on Spotify. The music is an eclectic mix featuring a blend of well-known hits and deep cuts from the likes of Nina Simone, Otis Redding, Patti Smith, The Rolling Stones and The Kinks.
Much as with Harry Dean Stanton’s performance in Paris, Texas, the film belongs to Koji Yakusho, who captures Hirayama’s satisfaction with his mundane life and the gradual shift in emotions as he opens himself to those around him. So much is done through subtle expressions and his observations of the evolution of the city. It is a gentle, warm and funny performance that is worthy of the plaudits it has received.
Perfect Days is one of Wim Wenders’ strongest feature films in some time outside of his documentary work, it is an understated, melancholic take on the everyday that gradually reveals more about Hirayama’s quiet existence. Tokyo itself is a marvel to behold, showing a few sides that aren’t often glimpsed on film and how its growth has affected different portions of its population. Wim Wenders proves he has plenty left to offer and this looks set to be a leading contender for Best International Feature come awards season.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★
Chris Connor
Originally published October 9, 2023. Updated October 8, 2023.
