Perfect Days
“Next time is next time. Now is now.”
Perfect Days is one of the most heartwarming and optimistic films you’ll ever see. It’s mainly a lesson on how to really appreciate life, and that no matter your situation, if you have things in your life that please you, you will forever be happy.
I think what makes this film so impactful, and so memorable to me is its simplicity. It is simply looking into the life of Hiriyama, and his daily routine as he cleans the toilets of Tokyo. But despite that, this film feels so complex when discussing its plot and messaging. Hiriyama is able to find the exciting things in life so well, because he views the world as only able to change if he puts his mind to it. It is only he that gets himself up in the morning, who shaves, who brushes his teeth, and who cleans the toilets. It is also he who helps lost children, who gives Takashi the money to impress a girl, who engages in the tic tac toe game, who admires the homeless men, who dreams of the shadows, and who takes care of his niece. Additionally, I love the ambiguity of this film. There’s a real sense of mystery surrounding Hiriyama, and why he is so separated from his family. Are they rich? Did he have a wife? Why is he so disconnected? And who was he playing the game with? These things don’t need to be known by the viewer, as they would potentially disrupt a perfect day.
As soon as you see Wim Wenders’ name flash up on screen, you know you’re going to be in for a real visual treat. The way he not only shows Tokyo, but illuminates it, is outstanding. The constant contrast between the cold and warm colours often feel really affecting to what is going on. Somehow, Tokyo, a city known for its beauty, is presented in a way you’ve never seen before. The soundtrack to this is phenomenal. There’s so many hits that may not feel like common listens, but as soon as you hear them, you can’t help but sing along.
Perfect Days is ever so simply an examination of a mysterious man’s life. There’s no big, all is lost moment (there’s a slight streak of imperfect days, but they end pretty quick), there’s just Hiriyama, his plants, his camera, and his ability to happily smile through everything thrown at him. Priceless film.