Perfect Days - Movie Review

Summary

The film 'Perfect Days,' directed by Wim Wenders and nominated for Best International Feature at the Oscars, offers a slice-of-life narrative centered around a Tokyo janitor who finds beauty in everyday moments. The protagonist, Hiyama, portrayed by Koji Yakusho, communicates minimally but conveys depth through his expressions and actions. As his routine is disrupted, viewers are drawn into his contemplation of life's transience and the preciousness of simple joys. This meditative exploration of the mundane is a testament to Wenders' storytelling and Yakusho's acting, leaving audiences with a renewed appreciation for life's fleeting moments.

Takeaways

• 🎥 'Perfect Days' is a film directed by Wim Wenders that has been nominated for Best International Feature at the Oscars.
• 🚗 The film's plot revolves around a janitor in Tokyo who cleans public toilets and listens to music on cassette tapes during his commute.
• 🎵 The janitor's character, Hiyama, is portrayed by Koji Yakusho, a legendary actor known for his role in the film 'Cure'.
• 😶 Hiyama speaks very little throughout the film, with most of his character being expressed through his actions and facial expressions.
• 🌳 The movie showcases the beauty of everyday life and the small moments that are often overlooked, such as the play of sunlight through leaves.
• 📸 Hiyama captures these moments with a camera, keeping the photos that best represent what he was trying to capture in a special box.
• 🤔 The film explores Hiyama's character more deeply when his routine is disrupted, hinting at a past that has led him to appreciate life's fleeting moments.
• 🌅 Hiyama's appreciation for simple things like nature, music, and books is portrayed as a way to understand the preciousness of life.
• 🎬 The film is described as a 'slice of life' movie that slowly reveals more about the character through personal interactions and daily routine.
• 🎉 The reviewer found 'Perfect Days' to be euphoric, leaving them with a newfound appreciation for life and its everyday moments.
• 📅 The reviewer also mentions upcoming video content, including a feature presentation for 'Spirited Away' and a potential spoiler review for 'Dune 2'.

Q & A

What is the film 'Perfect Days' about?

The film 'Perfect Days' is about a janitor who cleans public toilets in Tokyo, listens to music on cassette tapes while driving to his cleaning stops, and is portrayed through his daily routine and interactions.

What is the significance of the janitor's job in the film?

The janitor's job serves as the backdrop for the film, allowing the audience to observe his simple life and the beauty he finds in everyday moments, such as waiting outside a bathroom and appreciating nature.

How does the film 'Perfect Days' reflect on the concept of everyday life?

The film reflects on everyday life by focusing on the janitor's routine, showing how he finds joy and meaning in simple, often overlooked, moments and the importance of appreciating the fleeting nature of life.

What role does music play in the film?

Music plays a significant role as the janitor listens to it on cassette tapes while driving to his cleaning stops, providing a personal and intimate connection to his character.

Who is the lead character in 'Perfect Days' and who plays him?

The lead character is Hiyama, a janitor, and he is played by Koji Yakusho, a legendary actor known for his role in the movie 'Cure'.

How does Koji Yakusho's performance contribute to the film?

Koji Yakusho's performance is pivotal as he conveys a lot of emotion and character depth with minimal dialogue, primarily through facial expressions and body language.

What is the significance of Hiyama's photography hobby in the film?

Hiyama's photography hobby is significant as it represents his attempt to capture and cherish the beauty of everyday life, reflecting on the impermanence of life and the importance of appreciating the moment.

How does the film handle unexpected disruptions in Hiyama's routine?

The film uses unexpected disruptions, such as unexpected visitors or a coworker calling off, to reveal more about Hiyama's character and his possible attempts to restart or change his life.

What is the director's approach to showcasing the beauty of everyday life in the film?

The director, Wim Wenders, showcases the beauty of everyday life by focusing on small, often overlooked moments, and using silence and big screen visuals to emphasize the quiet, intimate moments of appreciation.

What impact does the film aim to have on its audience?

The film aims to make the audience reflect on the value of everyday moments and the importance of not taking life for granted, leaving them with a sense of happiness and appreciation for life.

What other films or themes does 'Perfect Days' remind the viewer of?

The film is reminiscent of Jim Jarmusch's 'Paterson' and has a spiritual connection to it, both being slice-of-life movies that reveal character depth through daily routines and interactions.