I agree 100%. One aspect I liked a lot is how he interacts with people and people with him. In a way he lives a very isolated life - and yet not isolated at all. He eats outside, uses public showers, visits bars and people may interact with him subtle but very aware of his presence. I think that comes with his own awareness of his surroundings and appreciation of everyday beauty. People around him notice that and seek his company. Especially young people. As if his analog lifestyle (reading paper books, listening to tapes, taking analog photos, playing ‘shadow games’ with strangers) attracts young people and their (presumably digital) lives. As if his nice, or his colleague or his colleague’s ‘girlfriend’ are searching for a moment of peace and orientation around him and his rather monotonous routine. He does not plan on it, it just happens.

The greatest movie i watched, no dramas, no outerspace anxiety, no weird occults, no horrors and a sense of malice. Just a good man doing what he does

The theater I saw this in was pin-drop quiet. I absolutely adored this movie and teared up more than once. Might just be one of my new favorites, and I think it's right up there with Paris, Texas!

This movie made me want to go to bed early. And to enjoy waking up early again. Also, it made me not want to be on my phone as much. Since you aren't enjoying the small things of life. And it's a psychological breath of fresh air. :)

Komorebi is the word that they wrote after the Credits of the movie, which is Japanese for "light, that shines through the leaves of a tree" because it is beautiful and only there in that moment, which I find so beautiful and fitting for the movie

This man has THE greatest shirt and hoodie collection

Watching this in the cinema was such a wonderful experience. Koji Yakusho is so good. This together with the beautiful direction and cinematography really makes this movie work and captivating for its whole runtime, even though it is more or less just the everyday life of one man. Fantastic. At least for me. I think several of the people in my life would find it very boring. I loved it.

Koji Yakusho in this movie delivered 2023's Best Performance, IMO. One of most subtly beautiful movies of the year.

As an ex-school bus driver and one that doesn't mind quiet, slow paced films, Paterson was right up my alley and Perfect Days certainly did not disappoint either. But also, I get great joy from these movies because I can see another world in the "seemingly" mundane. A lot of my time as a school bus driver was spent walking in parks and watching birds, especially during winter when there was much less work on. I would say the portrayal of the public was fairly on point too, in a lot of these kinds of jobs you are often ignored and this was something I experienced. Sometimes school teachers would get on my bus without even looking at me or acknowledging me at all, it was almost bizarre. Thankfully children aren't so prone to these biased preconceived notions about a person based on their job, as was displayed in Perfect Days by the little boy who turns around and waves as the mum just strolls off completely oblivious to the person who was looking out for her son. Oh man, I was only watching/revisiting Paprika last week. Absolutely mind warping stuff 🤯

Saw this Wim Wenders film in a theater a couple of weeks ago, and still feeling how it impacted me in a positive way. It was quite refreshing and appreciated to see you review a movie of this genre:)

Its crazy how Wim Wenders was able to achieve this kind of Zen-Mentality already in his 80S movies like Wings of Freedom, by showing the daily life and routines of people in West/East Berlin through the perspective of Angels.

Saw the movie this past Sunday with my daughter. It was a beautiful film. We loved Hirayama. The ending scene, his actions, especially taking his family relationships into consideration led me to believe he’s escaping from his past and enjoying the small things in life.

Best movie of last year that I saw. Just magical, joyous, heartbreaking

Just finished watching this film today. I think Perfect Days capture the feeling of contentment and lostness perfectly. I have felt both emotions at once, but it's a state I've never seen captured in a film before. Wim Wenders really knows how to make heartbreak beautiful and poetic.

What a gem this movie is. That last scene, with Yakusho emoting directly to the camera (and us) as he drives, is a masterclass in acting (as is the rest of his performance). I saw this two weeks ago and it continues to stay with me. Subtle and perfect.

I loved Jim Jarmusch's Paterson. This is high on my list of must-see films!

Wow... we need movies like that. People are losing track of reality.

Chishu Ryu's character in Ozu's last film, An Autumn Afternoon, is also called Hirayama. Wenders is too much in love with Ozu.

After finally getting to watch this film tonight before the Oscars I have to say Koji Yakusho got snubbed for a Best Actor nomination! His performance is incredible and is easily one of the best of this year imo

I can not overstate how much this movie impacted me.

Absolutely loved this one; such a calming, meditative experience. Does for Tokyo mornings what Lost in Translation did for Tokyo nights.

It's nice to see Wenders back. He has a knack for capturing the desolate beauty in ordinary, mundane life. His PARIS, TEXAS is haunting and mesmerizing, definitely one that has stuck with me. Great review Chris!

I had no idea this was even out (or existed). Thank you for the review and putting it on my radar!

I so enjoyed this movie. For a start I wondered where it was going and then I saw the wonder of the simple everyday enjoyment this man got out of life. It certainly has a message that could benefit our attitude to life on this planet.

OH YES thank you for reviewing this! I saw it on Sunday and there were only a few people in the theater. I loved this movie and it really hit me hard.

I'm sold! Didn't realise Wim Wenders is still making movies! Also looking forward to your Paprika review!

This isn't the type of movie I'd normally be interested in, but Koji Yakusho is such a great actor, I might just check it out for him. As you pointed out last year, he is excellent in "Cure" which was a challenging role for certain. Recently he was excellent in the mini-series "The Days", where he plays the man in charge of the emergency response team at the Fukushima nuclear power plant after the tsunami hit in 2011. As the series progressed his physical performance conveyed the weight of the decisions he had to make and the physical exhaustion the events were taking on him. It was a top notch performance, and one that works as the core to that whole series. So, seeing him in this film is enough to grab my attention and check it out. Thanks for sharing it with us!

Loved this movie. My takeaway in terms of general theme was this movie was about a man desperately trying to fill his life with meaning, because he lacked purpose and connection with others. His life was fundamentally empty, and he would try to find meaning in small things that didn't really have any. And the unexpected events of the movie would crack the facade of his simple life he was trying to convince himself he enjoyed. The final two minutes of the movie was perfect. 9/10

Perfect Days should've been the top contender for Best International Feature at the Oscars. It's an amazing film. Koji Yakusho should've been nominated for Best Actor

I’m so glad you saw this! I saw it last Thursday. I really enjoyed this. He has a routine. He takes pleasure in simple things. His routine later gets interrupted and we see how it affects him, in humorous (or sad) ways.

This was the best movie to see on a Friday night and heading to a bar to have a whiskey on a chilled evening. Solid 10/10 must see 💪🏼

This sounds like the live action version of a pretty relaxing slice of life anime. I know it's not based on a manga or light novel but it has that kind of feeling. Definitely a good change of pace from anything else at the Oscars even in its own category.

I’m a subscriber to your channel and always look forward to your reviews of blockbuster movies, such as DUNE and DUNE 2. So pleasantly surprised to see this review of one of my two favorite films from 2023 (the other is PAST LIVES; have you seen it?). I watched this film at our local independent/foreign film movie house last Saturday, and then brought my 17 year old son to watch it a second time last night. I think I loved it even more this second time.

I also made the Patterson comparison while seeing this today! This movie hit me in a very intense and personal way. I've been lucky enough to spend quite a bit of time exploring and photographing Tokyo, and a lot of it was in the specific area much of the movie was filmed in. It does such a wonderful job capturing and celebrating the unique quality of light in Tokyo. It's hard to explain, but there really is something about the city that makes it pop like no other place I've ever been. More specifically, I love how it captures the sort of awe inspiring presence of the Tokyo Skytree. It's located more toward the edge of Tokyo and away from the city's other towers and skyscrapers, so it's pretty much impossible to not look at it constantly. Also, the cigarette scene is one of the funniest things I've seen in theaters in a while.

I have learned as you get older the things that used to be important to you no longer are. Things like what you're talking about this man appreciates become more important to you hopefully as you get older. I have found this to be true in my life. Can't wait to see this movie.

I think the lyrics to perfect days is a great reflection on the character's backstory

Thank you for reviewing this! This kind of cinema needs more visibility on YT

I like the idea that he's a recovering alcoholic

Thank you very much for the review. Unfortunately I missed this movie in cinema here in Germany. Was sure I would love it. One more thing. KZfaq recommended me a video about you, quite weird one made by someone called nuclear poultry or something like that. Don't know what his problem is, but I just would like to say thank you for amazing work you are doing. Have been your subscriber for many years.

Perhaps many people missed it but his connection with the tree shown through the photos and the dreams he had about it actually depicts that he sees himself in that tree, that tree almost similarly interacts with the environment around it the way he does, without saying anything just observing the beauty around it and just going about its daily routine, that is being a normal simple tree. Like the way they showed Koji’s daily routine life.

Such a great film. I loved it. That’s how Cinema should be. Just poetic and beautiful.

Sounds about right for the director that made Paris, Texas. Can't wait to see it!

I want to see this. Hoping it gets released near me soon or I’ll check it out on streaming once it’s out.

Can't wait to see this! i remember when I saw the trailer for this film and it already made me teary eyed, and it's just the trailer!!!

0:14 - 0:37 I recommended the movie to friends with that exact same description 🤣 Also it tells a lot about our society's habits regarding movies.. We don't actually need action and bright colors and flashs to grab our attention, movies are not ads for a capital, these kind of movies are a piece of art, a piece of someone's heart.

I dropped out of work early a few weeks ago because I was having a bad day and feeling in a real slump. I had recently watched my first Wim Wenders films (Paris, Texas) and was blown away and by chance happened to see his latest film was in the cinema. The premise sounded like a balm to me. It helped calm my mind for 2 hours. It was very sweet and gentle which is rare these days. Really enjoyed it.

I have fallen out of love for the Academy Awards but I will give this a watch. Slice of life is a rare film topic I enjoy.

I’m so happy to hear you mention Jim Jarmusch! I would love to hear your thoughts on Ghost Dog the way of the samurai.

Wow😮Perfect review and critic recomendation. You did some awesomeness here. Hi! From México. Admire your critic craft

I just got home from this movie. I bawled my eyes out for 50% of the movie. My favorite movie of all time is Paris, Texas - Wim Wenders is a magnificent director - and writer!

Thank you for bringing attention to movies people may never get the chance to hear about!

I went with my girlfriend to the cinema to watch this film and we both agreed this was an interesting take on a simple everyday life. A simple change to a monotone life can make you smile, Hariyama (as other comments where saying) doesn't live as isolated as they want us to believe. Even if he doesn't want to be part of the modern world or doesn't want to make up with his father. He takes all the goods and beauty of life to another level. The dream sequences were my favorite. Nice review Chris!

Classic review by you here Chris been watching you for years and this checks all ur stereo typical boxes of a you style review!

Nice review Chris. Hope I can check this one out soon.

A wonderful film that stays with you.

Wim Wenders, occasional unique, excellent work, in a very unique cinematic language :)

I can't wait to see ever seeing the teaser trailer playing in theaters. Looks amazing

Thank you, Chris! I'll be sure to check this one out! Awesome sweatshirt, by the way!

Best movie of 2023, hands down, and possibly the best acting performance too. That last shot, good god, just breathtaking. If you know you know.

Nothing should be taken for granted and appreciating all the small things are always important ❤

Thank you for reviewing movies like this. And also I can’t wait for your Paprika review.

Paprika is an all time favourite movie of mine. Top 1, or 2, can’t believe you’re doing a big video on this hidden gem! So excited Satoshi Kon is the most horribly under-appreciated genius.

Stuckmann, you’ve done it again. You’ve sold me on seeing a film.

One of my favorite movies of the year. I had it at 6 on my Top 10 films of 2023. Koji Yakusho is phenomenal in it. Sad he didn't get a best actor nom for the Oscars

Also agree on this movie and the subtle message

Perfect days is damn near perfect

Bro this movie is the best I've seen since last year

I thought this movie was so beautiful in its appreciation for the subtleties in life. It’s a corny thing to say but the film and Koji’s performance says a lot by doing a little. I was so surprised by this film and how much it affected me, everyone really should go see it for themselves.

Sounds like something I’d enjoy but I’m fucking HYPE for Paprika. I picked up a copy because I vaguely remembered a clip from the parade scene in one of your old videos and I’ve seen it four times now I think.

Great review of a "slow paced movie"! Would love to hear your thoughts on Cabrini!

Just this review made me feel good, and I needed that. Can't wait to see the film.

I'm seeing it tonight, can't wait!

I loved it. I thought you are never going to review it, but finally :)

Yes please do a Dune 2 spoiler review and mention if you have read the book and how it compares.

Great review Chris! You should do a Feature Presentation review of Wim Wenders' masterpiece 'Paris, Texas'.

And to think this was shot in such a short time and directed by a director who didn't even soeak Japanese and used gestured and nodding to direct his actors! This is definitely one of ly fav films of 2023

Where did you get that hoodie? And is it a Dad reference?

We watched it last night - What a Joy - my face was soaked during the final scene

Chris, do you know where you got that hoodie? I'm becoming a dad in April, and would love to have my own!

Just listening to this review brought tears to my eyes.

I'm so glad you mentioned Paterson, I loved that movie so much and that is exactly the mood I expected attending this new Wenders' film, and gladly my impression was right. I still prefer Paterson, but this is indeed a spiritual successor.

Thanks, Chris. Glad you loved the film. Cant wait to see it.

the ending was beautiful

This movie has a great ending that I won't soon forget. Great film!

I watched this in the cinema! I know I would be like any other character he encounters within the story but I would love to share a meal or drink with him and exchange stories. But I hope I get to meet someone like him in real life.

I wanna check this out now sounds so good put me at peace always wanted to just travel see beautiful things.

2:04 I think this explains that other shadow part near the end of the movie. Also, I guess those photos he takes tries to capture the small beauties of life

This fantastic movie is about a monk, he just doesn't live in a monastery. It's a movie about mindfulness and how to treat everyday obstacles. I don't think it's much related to Paterson at all, the only similarity is the movies don't have much of a traditional plot.

Love the sweatshirt Chris!

My favourite Wim Wenders film!!!

Love Paprika!! Looking forward to your review.

this was truly great and beatiful and amazing film. One of my favorites from 2023.

I quite liked this film, but I also think it left a lot to be desired. I described it as a kin to a collection of short stories told about a singular character. I thought they could have developed some of those short stories a lot more. Especially the one with his Niece, I was so intrigued with that dynamic and it just came and went so quick.

Paterson is one of my favorite movies. Can’t wait to see this!

Brother keep up the good work. I bought the movie today. I will watch with my partner asap. Your reviews are honest and emotional man. Keep it up. I hope you get a vacation soon. Chill and relax with your family. ❤🙏🏾🔥

The way you reviewed this film. ❤️

I really enjoyed this film. And not least because it had great music. The main character’s driving music was almost like from my spotify playlist. This film was a beautiful and emotional peek into the life of the main character.

Paterson is one of my favorite movies of all time. I’ll definitely check this out.

Great movie! It kinda grows on you, after you’ve left the cinema. Wim Wenders has done it again👍

He was crying of joy at the end.. my tear came out too