Opened: December 21, 2023

Directed by: Wim Wenders

Starring: Kōji Yakusho, Tokio Emoto, Arisa Nakano, Aoi Yamada, Yumi Asō, Sayuri Ishikawa, Tomokazu Miura & Min Tanaka

It’s difficult to create a film without much of a plot and have it be joyfully entertaining, but Wim Wenders does that masterfully with the Japanese story Perfect Days.

Hirayama (Kōji Yakusho) spends his days cleaning the public toilets in Tokyo, listening to his cassette collection during his commute and reading each night before bed. He’s briefly visited by his niece Niko (Arisa Nakano) who has run away from home.

There’s not much variation to Hirayama’s days and the audience falls into the flow of his life. Especially when his sister (Yumi Asō) arrives, there are glimpses into Hirayama’s life that will make you wonder about his backstory. But somehow, not getting the answers feels fine.

Yakusho is delightful to watch. Even though he doesn’t speak often, his face is so emotive that you understand Hirayama’s feelings.

Final say: Perfect. ★★★★★