We can’t really disagree that Mubi has one of the strongest libraries in recent times. With a focus on quality over quantity, their motto is perfectly captured in films like “Perfect Days.”
As the winner of the Cannes Best Actor Award 2023, the movie comes with a big responsibility on its shoulders.
So, what should you expect from a film like “Perfect Days”?
“Perfect Days” doesn’t boast any grandeur, but its main strength lies in its portrayal of mundane experiences. The story revolves around a simple man and his simple endeavors.
The entire story of the film starts with Hirayama and ends with his endeavors as well. Our hero, Hirayama, speaks little, cleans toilets, and invests his life in books and music. Throughout his ordinary life, several characters bring waves of change.
His unreliable assistant Takashi, the kind Aya, his estranged sister Keiko, and her runaway daughter Niko all influence his life. A chance encounter with a man at his usual restaurant reveals deeper emotional currents in Hirayama’s life.
The man’s story of reconciling with his ex-wife resonates with Hirayama, leading to a brief moment of camaraderie. As Hirayama returns to his structured life, he reflects on these encounters while listening to Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good,” experiencing a complex mix of emotions, culminating in a memorable ending.
The film excels in its cinematic choices, from great camera angles to a phenomenal sense of music, making it a feast for cinephiles. Its lack of dialogue offers a refreshing change from traditional cinematic formats, providing a pleasing experience for both the ears and eyes. “Perfect Days” is perfect in many ways.
Regarding the cast, the film features Kōji Yakusho as Hirayama, Tokio Emoto as Takashi, Arisa Nakano as Niko, Aoi Yamada as Aya, and Yumi Asō as Keiko—a truly perfect cast.
You can watch it on Mubi, and you will definitely have an experience to remember with “Perfect Days.” Who knows, you might even learn to enjoy the regular days of life.
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