Perfect Days - Review

I'm Glad I Spent It With You.

4 / 5

Directed by Wim Wenders.

Hirayama seems utterly content with his simple life as a cleaner of toilets in Tokyo. Outside of his very structured everyday routine he enjoys his passion for music and for books. A series of unexpected encounters gradually reveal more of his past.

After a chaotic day of running around balancing work, life and the stresses of everyday life, Perfect Days is the ideal film to force you to stop, breathe and appreciate what you have. A cathartic celebration of the beauty that hides within the mundanity of life and routine.

I'm slightly embarrassed to admit that this was my first film by legendary filmmaker Wim Wenders, but what a wonderful introduction to his work - a peaceful insight into a life of disciplined routine that makes the world's most populated city look like the most serene places on the planet.

Koji Yakusho gives a noble performance as Hirayama, saying very little but giving out so much. Set to a pitch-perfect mixtape of songs that culminates in an exceptionally striking final scene, It’s hard not to love and find connection in Perfect Days - a much-needed meditative experience that welcomes you into its tranquil embrace.

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