Perfect Days (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

As a fan of Wenders' work, I knew I wouldn't be disappointed with Perfect Days. I very much appreciate Prime Video making this beautiful film available in a high-quality format. Koji Yakusho delivers a quietly compelling performance. Wenders and his Japanese co-writer have crafted a simple tale with intriguing details that suggest an untold story beyond the story on the surface. Perfect Days is a film that reminds us to look at the sky, to revere nature, and to celebrate music, even as 21st-century technology and urbanity surround us with new forms of sterile artificiality. To my mind, Perfect Days ranks right up there with Wings of Desire as one of Wenders' most accomplished works.

Not many films have ever moved me to tears, but PERFECT DAYS somehow did. That is not because of any sadness or sentimentality in the film, but because of its almost miraculous way of trespassing into truth: PERFECT DAYS somehow manages to touch the hem of truth in our experience of life. Here we have shifting reflections of humanity's pendulum of thought and emotion, an approximation of truth in light of the existential dilemma of purpose and meaning. However, this dimension of the film is not underscored, but ever gently suggested until the ending's catharsis. It is a philosophical film without any real mention of philosophy, but with an impact that hits the soul.If you're a Wim Wenders fan, PERFECT DAYS is basic viewing. If you know Koji Yakusho—among Japan's most illustrious actors, who gives an astonishing performance here, the kind that's one for the ages—you know this is essential viewing. If you know neither, it's worth introducing yourself to them.I suppose at its simplest, PERFECT DAYS is a demonstration of how an older man, Hirayama, has discovered a life that can be well lived. It may not be my choice of a life or yours, but its possibility implies that we can all find the life that brings us peace and self-fulfillment, even if it's unconventional or not the easiest of lives. There are charming and sometimes humorous elements in the depiction of Hirayama's life, and as we learn about him—a "lesson" that, to me, was continually interesting—we're treated to Tokyo and various secondary characters who are distinctive and seem very real, indeed. And the more the film opens up to include those other characters, the more we learn about Hirayama, every tiny detail almost like a little gem.Those who need lots of physical/plot action in movies may not be able to stick with Wenders' film long enough to see its strengths and feel its overwhelming power. But if you're a gracious enough filmgoer, and patient, you will be well paid for your time and effort by the perfect end of PERFECT DAYS.

Absolutely love this movie. Very touching and interesting. Great story. I don’t want to give anything away. Slow moving but very well acted. Almost like a documentary. This Criterion Collection has many extras that are worth seeing. Wim Winders, in the extras, has a really good, detailed explanation about the movie, which is really helpful.

A movie about a guy who cleans toilets for a living? Really? Yes. And a very good -- maybe a great film -- too. The backstory is that Tokyo has hundreds of the best, cleanest public toilets in the world -- a point of pride there. Our protagonist is one of the small army of people who clean them. He has little money, no girlfriend and few friends. Sounds like it could be an awful film. Or just sad. But instead, we see an intelligent, perceptive and completely decent person who has simply chosen to be happy and content -- not because of things, but rather, to be happy in spite of everything.He is a someone who has decided to take pride in his humble work, to do it the best he can and to find a kind of smooth, measured contentment along the way. He truly stops to smell the roses. He photographs the simple and natural beauty of trees framed against the sky. He show us the power of simply deciding to be content and sometimes even happy and to make time to see the bits of beauty that pass through our lives every day.It's powerful stuff and at some point it hit me -- this guy may be right.

Not much happens in this film, so be prepared to wind down when you watch it. It does however feature a stunning visual travelogue through the city, a lovely soundtrack and a dignified acting portrayal. I viewed this as a portrait of a dignified life through dedication to one's labor, whatever the vocation.

Such an amazing film. If you’re fond of Tokyo like I am this is the movie for you. Superb cinematography with a quaint story. The packaging came in great shape, the included insert discussing the film was a great addition for a fan like me.

enjoyed the movie. What makes us happy, what we pursue, and how we achieve are also very personal.

What a wonderful movie. I’ve watched it 3 times now. Never knew you could review movies from Amazon, guess next time I’ll try to write more like Siskel and Ebert. German director of other fabulous movies (Paris,Texas and Wings of Desire among others).