
PERFECT DAYS
Starring: Kôji Yakusho, Min Tanaka, Tokio Emoto, Aoi Yamada, Sayuri Ishikawa, Arisa Nakano, Yumi Aso, and Tomokazu Miura
Director: Wim Wenders

ADRIANO

Perfect Days is proof that, sometimes, less absolutely equals more. A fascinating character study, the movie follows the protagonist through his day-to-day life, and the film holds nothing back in showing the less-than-ideal yet mundane situation he’s in; however, through Wim Wenders’ nuanced direction and Kôji Yakusho’s subtle performance, even the 20-minute-long sequences of Yakusho cleaning bathrooms reveal a poetic truth. Due to the film’s patient and purposefully repetitive nature, I can’t say it’s a film that’ll appeal to everyone, but the final shot alone made the journey worth it.

KATIE

Perfect Days is a contemplative slice-of-life story that focuses on the “little things” that we often take for granted, but ultimately make life beautiful. Wim Wenders’ quietly joyful film is deceptively simple and unattached whilst being emotional and thoughtful, capturing the meaning that can be found in the mundane with breathtaking cinematography and music, carried by Kôji Yakusho’s wonderful performance. With a relaxed pace, little dialogue, and a very loose plot, this may not be for everyone, but I’d encourage everyone to take the time and enjoy this deeply enriching viewing experience.

AMARÚ

Artistically, Perfect Days is a beautiful film. Entertainment wise, well that’s up to your own proclivities. Not much really “happens”, but that, of course, is the point to director Wim Wenders’ poignant look into finding the perfect moments in everyday life. You feel grateful every time Hirayama (Kôji Yakusho) basks in his surroundings, and the care he takes in every aspect of his life (especially his music taste). It resembles Akira Kurosawa’s masterpiece Ikiru after the main character learns of his fatal diagnosis. I just hope that we all don’t let tragedy be the force which drives us to care about life as Hirayama does.

PRESTON

Perfect Days embodies the virtues of ikigai, simplicity, and stoicism, with all of these concepts being beautifully intertwined to represent the value of staying in the present, persevering through the mundane, and finding one’s purpose through personal suffering. Human connection is one of life’s true blessings (or curses), and when experienced through the eyes of Hirayama (Kôji Yakusho), we see all that encapsulates life’s pains, as well as its joys. Director Wim Wenders’ ability to capture this all without the often ubiquitous need to do too much makes Perfect Days a perfectly suitable candidate for best international film of the year.

CALEB

Perfect Days is a serene meditation on the little moments that make life worth living. The film's skeletal, poetic approach to storytelling may not be for everyone, but I adored it. There is something so charming about watching Hirayama (Kôji Yakusho) go about his week. His appreciation for the world around him managed to make arguably mundane sequences feel authentic and beautiful. Director Wim Wenders harnesses the power of editing, music, and framing to create a narrative that speaks volumes despite the lack of dialogue. Perfect Days is definitely a film that demands your patience, but I think that's its biggest strength.
This film was reviewed by Adriano as part of Bitesize Breakdown's coverage of the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival.