In an era dominated by constant connectivity, relentless ambition, and the pursuit of grand achievements, Wim Wenders' film "Perfect Days" offers a refreshing and thought-provoking perspective on the beauty of simplicity and mindfulness in everyday life.
A Glimpse into Simplicity
The movie follows Hirayama, a Tokyo toilet cleaner, through his daily routines. At first glance, his life might seem mundane, but the film reveals the profound joy and contentment he finds in simple activities like tending to plants, listening to cassette tapes, or observing the interplay of light and shadow.
I am very conscious that throughout the movie, I was expecting something dramatic or chaotic to happen; upon reflection, I realised just how much I have been conditioned by Hollywood to expect something sensational to happen for entertainment. If you relinquish the expectation of anything happening either positive or negative and you are mindful of what is enjoyable about life, perhaps this can be an avenue to a happier life.
Throughout the movie, the focus on the ‘less-is-more’ ideology and seeing Hirayama’s small, but perfectly, inhabitable (I often wondered why Western people needed such large homes) apartment really reminded me of my 2DK apartment in the Shibuya District of Tokyo and how much I miss how simple it was.
The Art of Being Present
In today's society, where multitasking is glorified and the fear of missing out is pervasive, "Perfect Days" reminds us of the value of being fully present in the moment. Hirayama's focused approach to his work and his ability to find wonder in ordinary experiences serve as a powerful antidote to our often distracted and anxious lives.
Redefining Success and Happiness
The film challenges our conventional notions of success and happiness. In a world that often equates fulfilment with career advancement, wealth accumulation, or social media popularity, Hirayama's contentment in his modest lifestyle prompts us to reconsider what truly brings joy and meaning to our lives.
One of my favourite scenes from the movie is when Hirayama’s colleague tries to convince him to sell his cassettes to benefit from the recent ‘boom’ in analog technology. He flat out refuses to sell them and you can sense how much they mean to him. It made me wonder what I consider to be a treasure in my life. What is a little luxury for you, in life?
The Power of Routine and Ritual
In an age of constant change and unpredictability, "Perfect Days" highlights the stabilising and grounding effect of daily routines and rituals. Hirayama's structured yet mindful approach to his days offers a template for finding peace and purpose in our own lives, regardless of our circumstances.
Occasional trips to the sentō (public bath), a local shrine or even when travelling around Asakusa (highlighted by the presence of Tokyo SkyTree) reminded me of my early memories in Japan when I visited in 2011 shortly before the great Tōhoku Earthquake and Fukushima disaster; an extremely polarising time where some of my happiest days quickly descended into incredibly frightening times.
I never like the word ‘routine’. It seemed boring, predictable and unexciting; recently, I am focusing on building positive habits instead. Rather than my life being dictated by some external force, if I decided that if I just became the type of person that would embrace a task every other day knowing that it will contribute to my future happiness, then it suddenly became a lot easier to understand that I am the person responsible for my eventual happiness in life.
Embracing Imperfection
Despite its title, "Perfect Days" doesn't portray a flawless existence. Instead, it shows how embracing imperfections and finding beauty in the ordinary can lead to a more fulfilling life. This message is particularly relevant in a society often driven by the pursuit of perfection and the curated images of social media.
I was thinking about perfection only the other day; as a self-confessed perfectionist and workaholic, it was strange to think that if perfectionism were to be applied to my rehabilitation, I really wouldn’t have gotten very far at all. My steps were very shaky and clumsy to begin with but, only a year later, I can already see massive improvements. I feel like I have truly learned from experience.
I even remember the days when I was unable to lift a cup to my mouth with my right hand. It would have been very easy to just rely on my left and completely neglect my right arm but where would I be today? The most important thing (and most difficult things at times) is starting; there is time to iron out the kinks later.
I find myself considering this with regards to my artwork too. For too long (a decade or more) I was too afraid of a blank piece if paper fearing that my work wouldn’t be ‘good’ enough. As I mature, I find myself asking the questions ‘Who am I trying to impress?’, ‘Why do I try so hard to over-achieve. ‘Why can’t I satisfied with satisfying myself?’. It’s important to realise that every piece of art won’t be a masterpiece, but fighting fear and believing in yourself enough to encourage creativity is the kind of ideology that I would like to inspire.
Conclusion
"Perfect Days" serves as a gentle yet powerful reminder of the richness that can be found in a life lived with intention, mindfulness, and appreciation for the small things. In our rapidly evolving, often chaotic world, the film's message of finding contentment and meaning in the present moment is not just relevant—it's essential. It challenges us to slow down, look closely at our surroundings, and rediscover the joy in our daily experiences, no matter how ordinary they may seem.
Have you seen the movie? What did you think? I would love to know your impression of it or any particular moments that were special to you. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. If you are interested in watching the movie, you can find a link to the trailer here.
Thank you for stopping by today.
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