TIFF ’23 Review: ‘Perfect Days’ is an exercise of tranquility
‘Perfect Days’ is a callback to classic Japanese cinema as it follows an ordinary, quiet man through his daily routine.
Being satisfied with one’s life is one of the most difficult states of mind to achieve. People are plagued by regrets and what could have been, while being seduced by the bigger and better of others. It always feels like if something changed, then or now, there’s a chance our lives would improve and it’s holding onto that possibility that makes it difficult to live in the here and now. But imagine being able to let go of all that baggage and just embrace the present as it is. In Perfect Days, a man has found his own version of serenity that others have trouble comprehending.
In 2022, Japan introduced a new hospitality initiative in the Shibuya district called “The Tokyo Toilet Project,” inviting creators from around the world to redesign 17 public toilets, which are diligently maintained. Hirayama (Kôji Yakusho) is a cleaner of these toilets. He lives a quiet life alone, marked by steadfast routine that includes a morning coffee on his way to work in his methodically stocked van, lunch with his “tree friend” and dinners at his favourite eateries where he’s always greeted similarly. He likes to read and nurtures plants in his mini greenhouse. But even when his routine is disrupted, Hirayama goes with the flow.
Co-writer and director Wim Wenders is a fan of early Japanese auteurs and this picture is a charming, contemporary homage to their work. Hirayama speaks very little, often responding to questions with nothing more than a nod. But the soundtrack is provided by the classic cassette tapes he keeps in his vehicle, ranging from Van Morrison to Lou Reed to Patty Smith. To this end, the use of “House of the Rising Sun” throughout the picture is striking.
The main set is Hirayama’s home, which holds the bare essentials and is neatly organized. His bedroom consists of a futon, a reading lamp and countless books, the most recent coming from weekly trips to a local bookshop with a $1 section. The van is also systemized, carrying everything he needs to efficiently carryout his cleaning duties. He is meticulous about his work, ensuring each toilet is spotless when he’s done – exhibiting a pride and work ethic that hasn’t rubbed off on his younger workmate, Takashi (Tokio Emoto).
The film essentially takes audiences on a tour of the city via these toilets, integrally presenting their unique designs that include see-through walls at one location. In the meantime, viewers may find themselves envying Hirayama’s tranquility as he takes each disruption of his routine in stride, only once appearing truly frazzled when he must demand assistance from his employer. Yakusho’s achievement in this role is stunning from beginning to end, making the fact that the whole film was shot in 15 days even more remarkable. Notably, he came arrive on set prepared with a knowledge of professional toilet cleaning, which sounds bizarre but really adds a sense of realism to his character.
Perfect Days had its Canadian premiere in the Centrepiece programme at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Read other reviews from the festival.
Director: Wim Wenders
Starring: Kôji Yakusho, Tokio Emoto and Arisa Nakano