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.

Outlines

00:00

🎬 The Art of Finding Contentment in Ordinary Life

The first paragraph discusses the modern film industry's tendency to create fast-paced, attention-grabbing movies that can overshadow slower, more contemplative films like 'Perfect Days'. Directed by Aoyama, 'Perfect Days' is a special film that may go unnoticed by the mainstream audience due to its quiet and patient storytelling. The film follows the life of Hama, a toilet cleaner in Tokyo, who finds contentment and integrity in his mundane life. The audience is challenged to observe and appreciate the world around them and to cultivate a rich inner life. The film's visual language, soundtrack, and literary references are used to explore themes of contentment and joy, elevating it to a philosophical level. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of observation, appreciation, and the value of a simple life.

05:01

🌟 The Importance of a Rich Inner Life and Artistic Expression

The second paragraph delves into the film's message of leading a life filled with a rich inner life and the significance of artistic expression. It describes how 'Perfect Days' uses visual cues, such as the purple fluorescent light in Hama's apartment, to symbolize passion, love, and dignity, suggesting a vibrant inner life despite an ordinary exterior. The film integrates music and literature to enrich its narrative, with carefully selected songs and literary references that add depth to the story. The paragraph also addresses potential criticisms of the film, such as its slow pace and overt messaging, while defending these elements as necessary for some viewers to grasp the film's deeper meaning. The film is likened to Hama's character, which may seem mundane but is, in fact, a diligent and profound representation of finding joy in everyday life when given the time and consideration.

Keywords

💡Assault

In the context of the video script, 'assault' is used metaphorically to describe the aggressive nature of modern films that grab the audience's attention through intense action, dialogue, or visuals. It suggests that films which do not employ such tactics may struggle to engage a modern audience, which is a key point in discussing the film 'Perfect Days' and its more subtle approach to storytelling.

💡Toxic Relationship

The term 'toxic relationship' is used as an analogy to describe the overwhelming nature of some modern films. It implies that just as a toxic relationship can be all-consuming and destructive, similarly, some films can be so intense that they leave little room for the audience to breathe or think. This is contrasted with the gentle and contemplative nature of 'Perfect Days'.

💡Contentment

Contentment is a central theme in the video, referring to the state of being satisfied and at ease with one's life, even if it is ordinary or mundane. The film 'Perfect Days' explores how the protagonist finds contentment in his simple life as a toilet cleaner, which is a key message of the film. It challenges the viewer to consider what true contentment means and how it can be achieved.

💡Ordinary Life

The concept of an 'ordinary life' is a recurring theme in the script. It refers to the protagonist's day-to-day existence, which includes routine tasks and a job that many might consider menial. The film suggests that even within the confines of an ordinary life, one can find joy and fulfillment, which is a profound message that resonates throughout the script.

💡Integrity

Integrity is mentioned in relation to how one can live a life with a sense of wholeness and honesty. In the context of 'Perfect Days,' the protagonist demonstrates integrity through his dedication to his job, despite its unglamorous nature. His commitment to doing his work well, even when unnoticed, reflects a life lived with integrity.

💡Observation

Observation is a key concept in the video, highlighting the importance of paying attention to and appreciating the world around us. The protagonist in 'Perfect Days' is shown to be an observer of his environment, finding beauty in the mundane and ordinary. This act of observation is presented as a means to find joy and contentment in life.

💡Interior Life

The term 'interior life' refers to the rich inner world of thoughts, emotions, and personal experiences that shape an individual's identity. The script suggests that a rich interior life, nurtured by art, music, and literature, is essential for finding contentment. The protagonist's engagement with photography, music, and books exemplifies this concept.

💡Photography

Photography is a significant element in the film 'Perfect Days,' symbolizing the act of careful observation and appreciation of the world. The protagonist, being a photographer, takes time to capture the beauty in everyday scenes, which is a metaphor for the film's message of finding joy in the ordinary.

💡Literary References

Literary references in the script serve to enrich the film's narrative and add depth to its themes. The mention of 'Wild Palms' by William Faulkner and the discussion about the author Aya cord highlight the importance of literature in shaping one's worldview and finding meaning in life.

💡Contemplative

The term 'contemplative' describes the nature of 'Perfect Days' as a film that invites introspection and thoughtful consideration. It is a quiet film that requires the audience to engage with it on a deeper level, much like the protagonist's approach to life. The contemplative nature of the film is what sets it apart from more conventional, action-driven cinema.

💡Profound

The word 'profound' is used to describe the transformative effect that the film 'Perfect Days' can have on its audience. It suggests that by engaging with the film's themes and taking the time to appreciate its subtleties, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of how to find joy and honor in everyday life, thus making the ordinary profound.

Highlights

Modern films are often designed to aggressively captivate audiences, which can overshadow more subtle films.

Films that do not immediately 'attack' the viewer may struggle to retain a modern audience's attention.

Perfect Days, directed by Mika Yamato, is a film that stands out for its gentle approach to storytelling.

Perfect Days may go unnoticed by most filmgoers due to its slow pace and lack of dramatic action.

The film suggests that those who struggle with the pace of Perfect Days might be the ones who need it the most.

Perfect Days explores the idea of living a life with integrity and contentment in a chaotic world.

The film's message is only recognized if the viewer is willing to give it time and consideration.

The protagonist, Hama, played by Ki Yokosuka, is a middle-aged man who cleans toilets in Tokyo.

Hama's life is depicted as ordinary and mundane, yet he finds contentment in his work.

The film questions how one can find contentment in an ordinary life and suggests it lies in observation and appreciation.

Perfect Days uses visual language, soundtrack, and literary references to support its thesis on contentment and joy.

Photography plays a significant role in the film, emphasizing the importance of careful observation.

The film uses the Japanese word 'komorebi' to symbolize the transient beauty of ordinary moments.

Perfect Days calls for a rich interior life, suggesting that art and personal reflection can bring fulfillment.

The film's use of music and books adds depth and texture to its exploration of a meaningful life.

Some viewers may find Perfect Days too slow or obvious, missing its subtle and profound message.

The film's essence is in its diligent and intricate portrayal of finding joy and honor in everyday life.

Transcripts

modern films are made to assault you

like a toxic relationship if a film

doesn't grab you by the throat with its

action or settings dialogue or chemistry

is going to struggle to keep a modern

audience not to say films like these are

not good or enjoyable or have no place

in the Cinematic landscape but it might

mean that people are not so inclined to

films that do not attack you pin you

down gargle and spit Intrigue into your

open mouth straight from the jump where

the film's heart and depth are found

only with a certain amount of patience

thought and quiet observation that's why

a film like perfect days directed by

auor filmmaker Vim vendors is so special

and also why it's likely to go unnoticed

by most film goers to their detriment I

think in fact a person who complains

about the slow pcee of perfect days or

is tempted to go on their phone to check

their notifications their mind buzzing a

thousand thoughts and feing their next

dopamine hit might be exactly the person

the film was made for as a gentle

suggestion of an alternative way of

seeing the world perfect days is almost

perfect particularly in how it explores

how one can live a life with integrity

and contentment in a chaotic world but

its message will only be recognized if

that member in the audience is willing

to give it the time and consideration to

do so give me the same and I'll tell you

why perfect days follows Hama played by

Ki Yokoso a middle-aged man who cleans

toilets in the bustling City ward or

Shibuya Tokyo and if you take the film

at face value that is pretty much it no

Wild event changes his life forever no

beautiful women come into his life and

give it a new sense of meaning it

follows him day by day as he does his

unglamorous menial job with a surprising

amount of Duty and intention he wakes up

puts away his futon every morning

brushes his teeth Snips his mustache he

spritzes his Bon's eyes with diligence

and pride and changes into his overalls

he takes everything lined on the mantal

piece downstairs his wallet his phone

grabs his coffee drives to work listens

to cassette tapes slowly accumulated

over a great stretch of time a tangle of

keys to the public restroom storage

cupboards are one after another hooked

onto his waist belt in well rehearsed

order he cleans toilets with

concentration and study effort on his

lunch break he takes photos of trees no

doubt about it haar's life is ordinary

praic mundane as a toilet cleaner he

goes unnoticed by Shia and if not

unnoticed as inferior strange or somehow

unclean he finds a child lost in a

cubicle for instance takes him by the

hand and Comforts him after they find

his mother she offers him no thanks and

instead UNS subtly wipes her child's

Palms with wet wipes the idea is that he

should feel like his position is

degrading he should not be content with

his life but he is how how can you find

contentment in a completely ordinary

life that question is the core

exploration of the film and the answer

it suggests lays in Two Chief things one

the observation and appreciation of the

world around you no matter how ordinary

and two a rich interior life what makes

the film so special though is the level

of insight it has in using its visual

language soundtrack and literary

references to support its thesis on

contentment and joy crafting the film

with such meditation and attention

elevates it into a realm that crosses

High art with philosophy despite the

ordinariness of both the setting and the

plot as an accomplished photographer

there's no surise that vendors places

such focus on photography and more

essentially the act of careful

observation kayama takes time to

appreciate the beauty of the things

around him to appreciate the pleasure of

the moment looking up into the sky and

seeing the layered depth of branches in

the local park or the play of colors on

the shiny metal EES of the public

restroom the rushing reflection of the

busy pedestrians who do not stop moving

this act of deliberate observation and

consideration is expressed inay's

interaction with people his dialogue is

not extensive so each interaction each

word each moment of connection carries a

weight of sincerity and earnestness the

Japanese word K to mean sunlight leaking

through trees is mentioned in the film

and has significance to the film's

identity where the light that flits

through the leaves of the trees is

entirely ordinary and yet beautiful and

transient there's a sense of both

cherishment and grief inherent in the

appreciation of since the particular

Shadows that form perhaps a symbol of

things like the past people and life

itself exist only for a moment and then

are gone and from there exist solely in

our memories or the memories of those

around us the film uses its form to

underpin its appeal for thoughtful

observation days pass and instead of

there being an explicit established text

on screen saying the next day or

something the days are split with

hirayama's dreams black and white images

of the previous day once this visual

sentence is established it becomes

obvious to the audience they too take

part in drawing purposeful attention to

the images in front of them viewing them

and reviewing them with new found

meaning the second branch of the film's

thesis is the call for a rich interior

life vegetated with various forms of art

the Bonsai payama grows are bathed in a

purple fluorescent light a color that

means passion love royalty dignity among

other things when we are given an

exterior shot of haram's apartment

though the building itself is dingy and

not luxurious at all the bright purple

light shines outside his window from

within as if to say in no uncertain

terms that there is a lot more going on

inside harayama than it seems from the

out similarly music and books are an

integral part of the film The Music

harar listens to is chosen deliberately

matching the mood and the time House of

the Rising Sun by The Animals plays as

he drives to work at dawn sunny

afternoon by The Kinks when the moon

mood is leisurely and warm at the heart

of Wild Palms by William Faulkner a book

hi is seen reading before bed is the

rejection of a typical life with typical

wants even if it goes against convention

the audience is encouraged to take

notice of these literary and musical

references as they succeed to add

further body to the film's texture I'm

not sure I'm not sure how popular this

film will get Beyond people who are

already interested in quiet

contemplative films a fraction of

regular film goers I fear the jery will

say it's too slow and boring the

pretentious will say that the message is

too obvious they probably will use as an

example tekashi hi's colleague and his

slightly on the- nose teased for

harayama to not spend so much effort in

cleaning the toilet encouraging him to

take it easy since it gets dirty again

anyway and if not that then the book

sellers comment about Aya cord the

author of a book harayama was buying

appreciating that she uses the same

words we do but there is something

special of course this being a comment

on the nature of the film as well as

unsettle as these moments are I don't

begrudge their addition to the film

especially for those jery Watchers who

need a clear hint at what the point of

the film might be the film's essence is

like kar's character r large at the face

of it both are mundane and hardly

noticed but like kayama working

conscientiously even when employed at an

unglamorous job encouraged only by an

internal sense of pride of work and a

contentment achieved outside of it

external factors the film is a diligent

piece of Cinema complex and intricate

when given the time and thought needed

to gain an appreciation of what it's

trying to do and what it's trying to be

that is a rumination on how to find joy

and honor in the everyday when you do

this the film transforms what would be

considered ordinary into what can only

be called

profound

[Music]