'Perfect Days' Review: The Perfect Film [TIFF 2023]
Wim Wenders creates a poignant snapshot of beauty in the mundane and average.
The Toronto International Film Festival always promises its attendees high-quality films, but Perfect Days, directed by Wim Wenders, may be the best they have screened in many years (and for some, the best ever). This film is an absolute masterpiece from start to finish – an absolute must-watch. For viewers that love slice of life, near-plotless films that paint a character through their everyday behaviours, this will surely be a favourite.
Wim Wenders, a legendary German filmmaker most popularly known for the beautiful Paris, Texas, pairs up with acclaimed Japanese actor Kōji Yakusho to tell the story of a Tokyo-based toilet cleaner living a simple life. With Wenders directing, co-producing, and co-writing, this is fitting for his auteur-like grasp of cinema. This film is already deservedly getting its flowers this award’s season, with Perfect Days winning the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury and Best Actor at Cannes Film Festival. Just recently, Japan has officially selected this film as its submission to this year’s Academy Awards.
Main character Hirayama (played by Yakusho) wakes up every morning, brushes his teeth, carefully waters his plants, drives to various locations of The Tokyo Toilet, cleans up the spaces, stops for dinner at the same little shop, and ends his day with a few pages of his latest book. His actions are uncomplicated and repetitive, and viewers may find themselves relating to a cyclical life like this – one they may dread. However, through the eyes of Hirayama, everything he does is done with pure contentment. He finds himself smiling at the ordinary moments, appreciating the world around him, and enjoying everything he does. He takes pleasure in each little thing, noticing the beauty in the world around him and treating each thing gently and kindly. He watches the trees’ leaves flutter in the wind and pats his plants as if they feel his care. Socially, he is seriously reserved, and throughout the film, some unexpected events throw a wrench in his typical day, but without fail, he makes the most of it.
We learn more about our character as the film progresses, allowing the viewer to create an emotional bond with Hirayama, appreciating his peace as much as he does. The supporting cast, despite playing minor roles, round out this film and provide unique and important layers through their own personalities and the situations they involve Hirayama in. Special mentions must go to Tokio Emoto and Arisa Nakano. Takashi (Emoto) adds humour as Hirayama’s young and irresponsible co-worker, and Niko (Nakano), Hirayama’s niece, reminds this solitary man of a family he may not always allow himself to think about. Both of them fit perfectly into this film, and their dynamics with the main character add a lot to the narrative.
In Shibuya, Tokyo, there are 17 different public toilets installed through The Tokyo Toilet project. According to their website, these toilets act as “symbol of Japan’s world-renowned hospitality culture.” 16 creators and artists came together to help this program, creating distinct and unique bathrooms free to anyone to use. In the film, we see many different individuals use these spaces – exhausted employees, children, tourists – and all access an environment that is meticulously cleaned by our main character. During the TIFF-hosted Q&A following one screening, Yakusho explained that to prepare for this role, he spent days working with the genuine employees of this company, learning how to clean along with them. The dedication to his role is obvious, as he completely disappears into Hirayama, emulating this character through and through.
The cinematography is absolutely gorgeous, creating a magical world through the Tokyo streets and in various unadorned interiors. The editing is brilliant, put on display through Hirayama’s dream sequences and memories. This film is technically flawless, and it would be remiss to not mention the soundtrack. Hirayama always listens to one of his many cassettes when driving, and the pairing of the sweet voice of Lou Reed and the calming visuals of quiet streets and morning skies is unbeatable.
Perfect Days is a completely beautiful take on life and who we are as people, and how in the bustle and monotony, we forget how special things are. For those viewers that are struggling to remember the beauty of life, this film might be just what you need. Wim Wenders has created countless gorgeous films, but this might be the very best. Who would have expected a movie about toilets would have you silently crying behind your popcorn? This heart-warming film is a must-watch this year for everyone and anyone.