PERFECT DAYS (2024) a Cinematic Ode to the Ordinary | in-depth film review

Summary

The video script discusses the modern film landscape, where films are often designed to be aggressive and fast-paced. It highlights 'Perfect Days,' a film by director Vim vendors, as a unique and potentially overlooked gem that explores the concept of finding contentment in an ordinary life. The film follows the protagonist, Hama, a toilet cleaner in Tokyo, who finds joy and integrity in his mundane routine. The script praises the film's use of visual language, music, and literary references to convey its message of appreciating the world around us and nurturing a rich inner life. It suggests that 'Perfect Days' offers a profound meditation on the everyday, which may be underappreciated by audiences accustomed to more conventional cinematic experiences.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The script discusses the current state of modern films, suggesting they are often designed to be aggressive and attention-grabbing, which can make slower, more contemplative films like 'Perfect Days' less appealing to the average viewer.
• 🌟 'Perfect Days' directed by Aoyama, is highlighted as a special film that may go unnoticed by most due to its slower pace and lack of dramatic action, yet it offers a profound exploration of life and contentment.
• 🧐 The film challenges the viewer to consider how one can find joy and integrity in a chaotic world through the life of its protagonist, Hama, who is a diligent toilet cleaner in Tokyo.
• 🛠 The protagonist, Hama, is portrayed as someone who finds contentment in his ordinary life, doing his job with dedication and taking pride in his work, which is a central theme of the film.
• 🌳 The film emphasizes the importance of observing and appreciating the world around you, no matter how mundane it may seem, as a way to find contentment.
• 🎨 It advocates for a rich interior life, filled with art, music, and literature, as a means to achieve a deeper sense of happiness and fulfillment.
• 📚 The use of visual language, soundtrack, and literary references in 'Perfect Days' is noted for its ability to support the film's thesis on contentment and joy, elevating it to a philosophical level.
• 📷 Photography plays a significant role in the film, symbolizing the act of careful observation and appreciation of the beauty in everyday moments.
• 🌈 The film uses color symbolism, such as the purple light in Hama's apartment, to convey deeper meanings about the richness of his inner life despite his ordinary surroundings.
• 🎵 Music and books are integral to the film, chosen deliberately to match the mood and add depth to the narrative, encouraging the audience to pay attention to these details.
• 💭 The film may not appeal to everyone, as it requires patience and thoughtful observation from the viewer to fully appreciate its message and artistic qualities.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the film 'Perfect Days' directed by Vim vendors?

The central theme of 'Perfect Days' is exploring how one can live a life with integrity and contentment in a chaotic world, focusing on the ordinary life of a toilet cleaner named Hama.

Why might 'Perfect Days' be overlooked by most film goers?

'Perfect Days' might be overlooked because it requires a certain amount of patience, thought, and quiet observation from the audience, which modern audiences may not be inclined to give.

What does the film suggest as the key to finding contentment in an ordinary life?

The film suggests that the key to finding contentment in an ordinary life lies in the observation and appreciation of the world around you and having a rich interior life.

How does the film 'Perfect Days' use visual language to support its thesis on contentment and joy?

The film uses its visual language, including careful observation, the act of photography, and the appreciation of beauty in ordinary moments, to support its thesis on contentment and joy.

What role does the character Hama play in the film 'Perfect Days'?

Hama, played by Ki Yokoso, is a middle-aged man who cleans toilets in Tokyo. His character represents the exploration of finding contentment in an ordinary and unglamorous job.

What is the significance of the Japanese word 'Komorebi' in the film?

The word 'Komorebi' signifies sunlight leaking through trees and is used in the film to symbolize the transient beauty and the act of cherishing ordinary moments.

How does the film 'Perfect Days' depict the character Hama's daily routine?

The film depicts Hama's daily routine with a surprising amount of duty and intention, showing him performing his menial job with diligence, pride, and attention to detail.

What is the role of music and books in 'Perfect Days'?

Music and books play an integral part in 'Perfect Days', contributing to the mood and adding depth to the film's texture, with each choice having a deliberate match to the scenes.

What message does the film 'Perfect Days' convey through its visual and narrative structure?

The film conveys a message of thoughtful observation and the importance of an interior life rich with art, suggesting that joy and honor can be found in the everyday when given time and thought.

How does the film 'Perfect Days' handle the portrayal of Hama's interactions with people?

Hama's interactions with people are not extensive, but each interaction carries weight and sincerity, emphasizing the value of genuine human connections even in an ordinary life.

What is the potential criticism that the film 'Perfect Days' might face from regular film goers?

Regular film goers might criticize 'Perfect Days' as being too slow and boring, or as being too obvious in its message, especially those who are not accustomed to quiet, contemplative films.