Perfect Days
Family FavoritePG

Perfect Days

In a world of fleeting moments, find the beauty that lasts.

2023 • 124 min • Drama

Synopsis

Hirayama is content with his life as a toilet cleaner in Tokyo. Outside of his structured routine, he cherishes music on cassette tapes, books, and taking photos of trees. Through unexpected encounters, he reflects on finding beauty in the world.

Our family guide

Best from age 10
81
Movie Knight Score
1994 reviews
  • 83 Reviewers · 6 · 69%
  • 78 Audience · 1988 · 31%

Hirayama finds contentment in his simple life as a toilet cleaner in Tokyo. He follows a structured routine, enjoys music, books, and photographing trees, finding beauty in everyday moments. Unexpected encounters lead him to reflect on human connection and the quiet joys of existence.

Violence & peril
0/10
Language
1/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking
1/10
Romance & sensuality
0/10
Scary moments
0/10

Heads up

  • Very slow pacing may challenge some viewers
  • Characters drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes occasionally

What it models well

  • Finding beauty in simple things
  • Dignity of labor
  • Contentment with routine
  • Quiet observation of life

Talk about it after

  • What does Hirayama value most?
  • How do small kindnesses impact his day?
  • The joy of a simple life
  • The meaning of contentment

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Perfect Days. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.

Where to watch

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Top billed cast

Director: Wim Wenders • Crew: Wim Wenders, Takuma Takasaki

Trailers & clips

Official Clip - Next Time Is Next Time. Now Is Now. [Subtitled]

Interview with Wim Wenders

PERFECT DAYS Writer/Director/Producer Wim Wenders in Conversation

Wim Wenders on How "Ozu's Spirit Looms Large" Over PERFECT DAYS

Official International Trailer [Subtitled]

Official US Trailer [Subtitled]

Official Clip

Koji Yakusho and Takuma Takasaki on Perfect Days at NYFF61

Reviewer notes

Recommended

the perfect film and the best one i personally have seen from the calm quiet moments to the little dialogue the pure feeling of watching this film alone makes it worth checking out. To me this is my all time favorite film, and that does not come easy, the cinematography is perfect the music choice on point and a story that grips you without needing to say much through dialogue. its beautiful

Recommended

At first I didn't think I was going to like this movie. This movie starts slowly but gets better and more eventful as it progresses. It's not a movie that you'd want to watch with friends; you need to watch it alone. The movie offers a glimpse into the life of a toilet cleaner living in Tokyo. And it gives a good depiction of how life can be enjoyed even if you're not at the pinnacle of achievements.…

Recommended

**Life through his eyes** This is the story of a man who is caught between the past and the present. A man who has found contentment and happiness from being true to himself and his embracement of a time when things moved at a slower pace. A time when ones purpose was established in taking pride in what you do, no matter how insignificant it is perceived within society. **A movie about life.…

Not recommended

Films that feel like they're "reaching" in their attempts to make a statement can result in a frustrating watch, as is very much the case with the latest from acclaimed writer-director Wim Wenders. This character study about the life of a middle-aged public toilet cleaner in Tokyo (Koji Yakusho) follows him through his virtually unchanging daily routine of working, reading and taking nearly identical photos of trees.…

RecommendedTrusted family reviewers

Now I don't now about where you live, but in my town you are lucky to find a public toilet at all, let alone one with designer fittings and miracle blinds! Luckily, Tokyo has a dedicated and meticulous cleaner in "Hirayama" (Koji Yakusho) whose routine gets him from bed, via the coffee machine, to his rounds, the bath house, then his book and again to bed.…

RecommendedTrusted family reviewers

Coproduction between Japan and Germany, directed by the german director Wim Wenders (Texas Paris, Wings of Desire among others) and written by him and Takuma Takashi. It won the Cannes Film Festival 2023 for Best Actor and Ecumenical Jury and it is nominated for Academy Best Foreign Movie (my favorite for this category).…

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