PERFECT DAYS is a quiet, captivating, and meditative film that explores the day-to-day life of its main character, Hirayama. It’s a slow-moving, slice-of-life drama that sucks its viewers in, thanks to Wim Wenders’ direction and an incredible performance from its lead, Kōji Yakusho.
This movie has very little dialogue – and almost none spoken by its main character. Hirayama isn’t a typical protagonist; he’s a toilet cleaner for The Tokyo Toilet, a project consisting of 17 architecturally stunning public facilities. His routine is the backbone of the film. In many other stories, a quiet methodical janitor would only exist to change; you’d want to see him win a lottery or write a book or make a life-altering journey – but it almost seems like the point of PERFECT DAYS is to challenge that expectation.
All of this wouldn’t work without Yakusho’s portrayal of Hirayama. He conveys multitudes of emotions with subtle expressions; some scenes almost feel like monologues – but without dialogue. The supporting characters are excellent, foiling and highlighting Hirayama, subtly building on our understanding of his character. Even in the smallest interactions, they’re realistic and complex, adding to the incredible world-building of this movie.
PERFECT DAYS is ultimately an exploration of finding beauty in the ordinary, allowing viewers a glimpse into that perspective. It’s available to rent or buy wherever you get your movies.
