About a year ago, my life was turned upside down. I’ll spare the boring details, but I was unexpectedly thrust into a state of transition and uncertainty. Surely knowing I’m far the first or last person to experience this specific brand of heartbreak, it still sucked (and continues to suck to some extent).
Like most movie nerds, watching film is more than a hobby for me. Making sense of the world seems much easier through the lens of cinema for me and my kindred movie loving spirits. I’m certain many of you reading this are part of this movie obsessed fraternity.
So, as my personal life sank deeper into confusion, I naturally turned to movies for comfort and clarity. Many comfort movies coming in the form of familiar favorites; movies that have been in my life for as long as I can remember. The ones that I can visualize with my eyes closed or quote seamlessly if watching on mute.
However, one more recent flick stuck out in my brain as one needing a revisit. Since my initial screening of it in April 2024, the beauty of Wim Wenders’ Perfect Days has been something I’ve been unable to shake.
The film, which follows the day-to-day life of public toilet cleaner named Hirayama (Koji Yakusho) who enjoys watering his plants, listening to cassettes, and riding his bike around Tokyo, is a lovely viewing experience.
Upon my initial watch, I was struck by how present and mindful the film felt. So much of it is watching Hirayama finding the beauty in the here and now. A reminder to not only live life with intentional purpose, but to also watch movies with that same intention. It’s all part of the same philosophy.
A Trip to Tokyo
My deep appreciation for the film grew about six months ago during a trip I took to Tokyo. I went on a pilgrimage of sorts, visiting many of the public restrooms that Hirayama cleans throughout the film. But also, a pilgrimage in the sense that I went searching for the kind of peace that Hirayama displays in the film.
I aimed to be ever present in all that Tokyo had to offer – the food, the sites, the people. My days were mostly spent walking around the city, finding myself getting lost geographically but found spiritually.
Whether in the bustling big streets of Shibuya or through the calm stillness of the Shinjuku Gardens, I experienced a deep connection to whatever energy my surroundings had to offer. My lessons learned from Hirayama and Perfect Days were being put into action.
I took in the sounds around me – children playing, birds chirping, a cool breeze rustling some leaves. I embraced my tangible surroundings – that same breeze on my face, the wood of a bench I sat on, the concrete under my feet, ramen noodles being slurped into my mouth.
Needless to say, the trip is one I remain eternally grateful for. Being able to put into practice what I learned from Perfect Days, in Hirayama’s hometown, nonetheless, was a monumentally special experience for me.
Time for a Rewatch
However, those lessons obviously deserve everyday consideration; not solely while traveling through Japan. And while they live with me every day, a rewatch for the sake of a reminder felt in order recently.
As I sat and rewatched it, I was reminded of what movies can do to us. Of what they can do for us. All of the emotion of my first watch, my trip to Japan, and my personal journey over the past year came to the forefront.
I was moved to near tears on more than one occasion. Blown away by the joy Hirayama finds in the simplest of pleasures. Reminded that I too can find similar joy in the simple pleasures of my own life.
Hirayama finds beauty and purpose in the otherwise mundane. There is a level of contentment here that movies are often afraid to display. There is no shame in his profession, age, interests, or personal life. We can all choose to live lives of dignity no matter who we are or what we do.
The movie is about appreciating everything you are and everything you do. As long as it is approached with intention, everything can be a source of joy.
It’s important to note that despite the intention that Hirayama applies to all aspects of his life, there is never a sense that he takes himself too seriously. Similarly, his display of dignity is never confused for pride or ego. His humble nature provides the necessary balance to make it all work.
Even when things get a little tough for Hirayama, his spirit is incorruptible. He powers through. Just like we all should; and all can.
Conclusion
Every day remains a blessing. It’s up to us to take advantage. Go for that bike ride. Take a photo of that tree. Hug that family member. And cherish it all.
Film is often so much more than mindless entertainment or pointless escapism. It’s a window into our shared humanity. Binding and deepening the connection between us all. It teaches us as much about ourselves as it can about others.
There are so many films that have touched all of us deeply. I’m so grateful to have found another one that I can proudly say has helped me during what has otherwise been a challenging period in my life. I hope you all continue to seek out the films that will do the same for you.
