According to reporting from Filmstarts, the 2023 release marked a major return for the German director, arriving after a five-year absence from narrative feature filmmaking alongside his 3D art documentary Anselm – Das Rauschen der Zeit.
Plot and Character Dynamics in Perfect Days
The film follows Hirayama, played by Kōji Yakusho, an introverted public toilet cleaner in Tokyo whose life runs on a strict, methodical routine. According to reviews, Hirayama finds deep contentment in modest living: he listens to cassette tapes on his commute, reads paperbacks before bed, and photographs trees with an analog camera. His peaceful existence is occasionally interrupted when figures from his past arrive unannounced, forcing him to adjust his carefully structured days.
Critical Reception and Production Details
Filmmakers shot Perfect Days in just 17 days, according to production notes. Co-written by Wim Wenders and Takuma Takasaki, the script examines the beauty of everyday routines and the rejection of modern materialism. Filmstarts critic Michael Meyns described the feature as Wenders’ strongest narrative work in three decades, highlighting the documentary-like style and Yakusho’s restrained performance. While the narrative mostly emphasizes serenity, the script also leaves room for minor frustrations and human regret when Hirayama faces professional friction or personal setbacks.
Streaming Availability and Home Video Options
Audiences can watch Perfect Days through video-on-demand services, including Amazon Prime Video. The film’s global distribution brought renewed attention to Wenders’ contemporary output, sitting alongside his documentary work on Anselm Kiefer. Viewers looking to explore more of the director’s catalog can find a wide selection of his feature films and thrillers spanning over two decades of international cinema.
Worth a look