NEWS

The Davidson Film Club is pleased to invite you to a screening and discussion of the Oscar-nominated Japanese film Perfect Days on Saturday, August 17, at 7:00 pm in the Armour Street Theatre in Davidson.

“A beautiful peek into Hirayama’s life, Perfect Days captivates with subtle beauty, the essence of being, and celebrates life’s little joys. Truly moving.” Oti, For Your Reference Podcast

Directed by Wim Wenders

Japan (2023, 2h04)

In Japanese with English subtitles

Discussion of the film will be led by Lawrence Toppman, award-winning former arts critic for The Charlotte Observer.

*A few memberships remain for the last four films in this series at the reduced price of $28 per person. The PayPal buttons on our home page (www.davidsonfilmclub.com) have been adjusted accordingly if you wish to use your credit card.

The button the left is for one membership ($28); the button on the right is for two memberships ($56). Please be careful to click on the correct button!

If you wish to subscribe by check, please make it out to “Davidson Film Club” and mail to Davidson Film Club, P.O. Box 32, Davidson, NC 28036. Checks or cash will also be accepted at the box office on the evening of the August 17 screening if memberships are still available.

 Walk-ins are welcome, $9 (NC sales tax included) at the door, cash or check (no credit cards). Walk-ins must apply for a seat in advance at this email. Walk-in seats are limited by availability.

 Refreshments (red and white wine, bottled water, and snacks) will be made available by the Film Club.

Film Summary

Hirayama seems utterly content with his simple life as a cleaner of toilets in Tokyo. Outside of his very structured everyday routine he enjoys his passion for music and books. And he loves trees and takes photos of them. A series of unexpected encounters gradually reveal more of his past. A deeply moving and poetic reflection on finding beauty in the everyday world around us.

Nominated for the Oscar for Best International Feature Film. 8 wins & 35 nominations total, including a Director’s Prize and a Best Actor Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, as well as a nomination for the Palme d’Or. Multiple additional Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor awards.

Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer (critics’ reviews) 96%. Audience Score 89%.

R.T. Critics Consensus: “An absorbing slice-of-life drama led by a remarkable Kôji Yakusho performance, Perfect Days adds a quietly soaring gem to director/co-writer Wim Wenders’ estimable filmography.”

“Watching Hirayama interact with the world in all its beauty is delightful. Delightful.” John Serba, Decider

“While Perfect Days isn’t driven by its plot, that doesn’t mean there’s a down stretch or a wasted move. It’s a movie about the importance of little moments—and a movie that’s full of such little moments, every one of which is a reward.” Sean P. Means, The Movie Cricket

“The subtlety and lyrical beauty of Perfect Days is going to stay with me for a long, long time. As will one of the one of the most remarkable ending shots in recent memory. See this film.” Petr Navovy, Pajiba

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and this film shows us that we could all use a look through the lens that both Hirayama and Wim Wenders use to appreciate the overlooked jewels in this life better.” Jason Delgado, Film Threat

“Perfect film about two weeks in the life of a cleaner of public toilets in Tokyo with a luminous performance by Koji Yakusho as an exemplar of everyday spirituality.” Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality & Practice

Our website features the whole current series and film descriptions. Have you Bookmarked it?

We are a non-profit, tax-exempt organization run by volunteers that only exists to bring you fine international fiction films and engage in stimulating discussion about them.

Hope that many of you will be at the August 17 screening of this touching, heart-warming film!

Alan
Alan Singerman
President, Davidson Film Club
[email protected]
(704) 231-6736