Where to Watch Perfect Days (2023) – Wim Wenders' Heartfelt Drama

Perfect Days is a 2023 drama film directed by Wim Wenders, a celebrated filmmaker known for his contemplative, art-house style. This film, co-written by Wenders and Takuma Takasaki, tells the story of Hirayama, a quiet, unassuming public toilet cleaner in Tokyo. Played by Kōji Yakusho, who won the Best Actor Award at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival for this role, Hirayama is a man of routine. He finds joy in life’s simplest moments, like listening to music, reading books, and photographing trees. Through his story, Perfect Days offers a profound meditation on the beauty of everyday life and the richness that can be found in the mundane.

The Story of Hirayama

Set in the bustling city of Tokyo, Perfect Days centers on Hirayama, who lives a structured and solitary life as a public toilet cleaner. He works in the Shibuya district but resides in a modest neighborhood far from the city’s upscale areas. His job is simple but important, and Hirayama takes great pride in his meticulous work. He begins his days early, cleaning the pristine, modern toilets designed by world-class architects as part of the Tokyo Toilet Project.

Despite the repetitive nature of his job, Hirayama finds peace in his daily routines. Music is his constant companion, with cassettes of Lou Reed, Patti Smith, and Nina Simone playing in his van as he drives to and from work. Books are another source of comfort, with his favorite authors including William Faulkner and Patricia Highsmith. Every day, he spends his lunch break beneath the trees at a local shrine, photographing the “Komorebi,” the reflection of sunlight through the leaves. His passion for trees and their tranquil beauty is one of the few things that break the monotony of his daily life.

The People in His Life

Hirayama’s world is largely solitary, but it’s not without human connection. His young assistant, Takashi, is the opposite of Hirayama: brash, unreliable, and careless. Despite their differences, Hirayama shows patience and kindness, even when Takashi’s behavior causes problems at work. One day, Takashi borrows Hirayama’s van to impress a girl, Aya, and inadvertently takes one of Hirayama’s beloved cassette tapes. Aya, a curious and free-spirited young woman, later returns the cassette, leading to a brief, tender moment between her and Hirayama.

Another key figure in Hirayama’s life is his niece, Niko, who unexpectedly visits him after running away from her wealthy mother’s home. Hirayama allows Niko to accompany him on his daily rounds, and they spend time photographing trees and riding bikes together. Through these moments, we see a softer, more vulnerable side of Hirayama, as his connection with Niko stirs emotions he has long kept buried.

Perhaps the most poignant relationship in the film is between Hirayama and his estranged sister, Keiko. When Keiko visits Hirayama to tell him about their father’s worsening dementia, she asks him to visit their father in the nursing home. Hirayama, however, refuses, unable to face the pain of seeing his father in such a state. This scene, in which Hirayama cries uncontrollably after Keiko leaves, is one of the most emotionally charged moments in the film, highlighting the deep sorrow that lies beneath his calm exterior.

The Beauty of the Everyday

At its core, Perfect Days is a film about finding beauty in the everyday. Wenders masterfully captures the quiet moments of Hirayama’s life, turning his daily routines into acts of contemplation. From the careful cleaning of public toilets to the simple joy of listening to a favorite song, the film celebrates the small, often overlooked details that make life meaningful.

The cinematography, inspired by the films of Yasujirō Ozu, reflects this attention to detail. Shot in a 4:3 aspect ratio, the film frames each scene with a quiet elegance, allowing viewers to focus on the nuances of Hirayama’s actions. Whether it’s the sunlight filtering through trees, the sound of running water in a public restroom, or the rustle of leaves underfoot, every element of the film is imbued with a sense of tranquility and beauty.

The film’s soundtrack also plays a significant role in shaping Hirayama’s world. His cassettes, filled with songs from the 1960s and 1970s, provide a window into his inner life. Music is more than just a background for Hirayama; it’s a way for him to connect with his past, to find solace in the present, and to express emotions that he rarely shows outwardly. Each song reflects a different facet of Hirayama’s character, from his love of nostalgia to his desire for peace and simplicity.

A Meditation on Life and Loneliness

While Perfect Days is a quiet, meditative film, it also touches on deeper themes of loneliness and isolation. Hirayama’s life is filled with routines, but it’s also marked by a deep sense of detachment from the world around him. He rarely engages with others on a personal level, preferring to keep his interactions brief and superficial. His relationships, whether with Takashi, Aya, or Niko, are fleeting, and his refusal to visit his father shows a reluctance to confront his own emotional pain.

Yet, despite his solitude, Hirayama is not unhappy. In fact, the film suggests that his life, though simple, is rich with meaning. His love for nature, music, and books gives him a sense of purpose, and his routines provide him with a stable foundation in a world that often feels chaotic. Through Hirayama’s story, Perfect Days offers a powerful reminder that happiness can be found in the most ordinary of lives.

Critical Acclaim and Impact

Perfect Days premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, where Kōji Yakusho’s understated and deeply moving performance earned him the Best Actor award. The film was praised for its quiet elegance, minimalist storytelling, and its ability to find beauty in the mundane. Critics lauded Wenders for creating a film that feels timeless, with many noting its similarities to the works of Ozu, one of Japan’s greatest filmmakers.

The film has since been nominated for numerous awards, including the Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards. Its success has also sparked interest in Japan’s public facilities, particularly those of the Tokyo Toilet Project, which served as a backdrop for the film.

Perfect Days is a film that invites viewers to slow down and appreciate the beauty of everyday life. Through Hirayama’s simple yet meaningful existence, Wim Wenders reminds us that perfection isn’t found in grand gestures or extraordinary achievements, but in the quiet, consistent moments that build a life full of purpose. It’s a film that speaks to the soul, encouraging us to find joy in the small things and to embrace the routines that make up our days.

1. Who directed Perfect Days?
Perfect Days was directed by renowned filmmaker Wim Wenders, known for his works like Paris, Texas and Wings of Desire.

2. What is Perfect Days about?
The film follows Hirayama, a public toilet cleaner in Tokyo, who lives a simple, structured life filled with small pleasures like listening to music, reading books, and photographing trees. It explores themes of routine, solitude, and finding beauty in the mundane.

3. Where was Perfect Days filmed?
The film was shot in various locations in Tokyo, including public toilet facilities designed by famous architects for the Tokyo Toilet Project in the Shibuya district.

4. What awards did Perfect Days win at Cannes?
The film won the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury, and Kōji Yakusho took home the Best Actor Award for his portrayal of Hirayama.

5. How does Perfect Days pay homage to Japanese director Yasujirō Ozu?
Wim Wenders uses long, still shots, a 4:3 aspect ratio, and a minimalist narrative style that are reminiscent of Ozu’s films, focusing on everyday life and subtle human emotions.

6. What music plays a significant role in the film?
The soundtrack includes classic tracks by artists like Lou Reed, Nina Simone, Patti Smith, and The Rolling Stones, all of which play a crucial role in shaping Hirayama’s character.

7. Why did Wim Wenders choose to focus on a toilet cleaner for this film?
Wenders was inspired by Tokyo’s unique public toilet project and wanted to explore the life of someone who finds fulfillment in a humble and often overlooked job, turning the ordinary into something poetic.

8. What makes Kōji Yakusho’s performance in Perfect Days stand out?
Yakusho delivers a quietly powerful performance, using minimal dialogue to convey deep emotions. His portrayal of Hirayama has been universally praised for its subtlety and emotional depth.

9. What is the significance of the title Perfect Days?
The title reflects Hirayama’s contentment with his simple life. It suggests that perfection is subjective, found in the routine and quiet moments of daily life.

10. Where can I watch Perfect Days?
Perfect Days was released in Japan and Germany in late 2023 and will be released in the U.S. in February 2024. It will also be available on home video from The Criterion Collection.