Perfect Days (2023) Dir: Wim Wenders
- Ridley Coote
- Jul 19
- 2 min read
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I have had an eye on this well-talked-of little independent film, from director Wim Wenders, for a little while now. It got a fair amount of acclaim when it debuted at Cannes in 2023, but has since found a stable popularity with the wider film community as well. Coming into it, I deliberately didn't look up much about the film, I wanted a fresh experience of it, albeit with fairly optimistic expectations.
I absolutely adored the soundtrack. It was full of wonderful throwback songs, which gave the film an extra little hint of nostalgia that was perfect for the film's themes. The very best example of this was in the use of Lou Reed's iconic track 'Perfect Day', which could hardly have been more appropriate for the film. Visually, the film seemed to revel in its own peaceful disposition. It took advantage of simple locations, with clever framing to create some beautiful shots. It was modern day slow cinema at its finest.
The story was ever so simple, and yet all the more nuanced for it. It was most definitely a slice of life style of film, but with a little, unveiling narrative that poked through the cracks like a flower amongst concrete paving. I adored the film's sweet and heartfelt tribute to the simple beauty that life has to offer. It was slow, but so emotionally rewarding. This is not a film for the so-called 'TikTok Generation', but that really wasn't an issue for me in the slightest. I loved my viewing experience.
Koji Yakusho won the best actor award at Cannes Film Festival back in 2023, and it was easy to see why. He characterised the peaceful and heartwarming themes of the film perfectly. His 'less is more' approach could not have been more suited to his quiet, introspective role. There was so much to like about Yakusho's acting - he was quite simply a pleasure to watch.
Overall, this was the kind of film that felt like a gentle, warm hug. It was calming, sentimental and touching. It's not a film that should be watched too often, but an occasional revisit may provide a lot of comfort for those seeking peace through film. I think we all wish we could enjoy being alive like Hirayama, that's what makes this film so enjoyable. There's a quiet joy in seeing the simple joys in life shown on-screen.
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