The typical story has a protagonist starting from a stable position, a crisis disturbing that stability, a climax, then the protagonist reaching a new stable position. Or dying, which I guess it's the most stable. We also see our lives as a collection of stories like that and we measure them by this sequence of small crises and unexpected events. However there is life in between these moments, perfect days of stability and, if not happiness, at least contentment. This is what this film is about: what if nothing happened and one could live their lives in peace? The Japanese lead and environment suggests thought of Zen and other Eastern philosophies, but the film maker is German, so there is no hidden meaning in the film.
However, this is also a fantasy, because while the protagonist enjoys his books, music, breaks in perfect weather in the park while he works as a toilet cleaner and his little plants, we know that the crisis is looming and the film hints at that, but then turns around and keeps the guy safe. The message is clear: enjoy the perfect days, each and every one of them, not because of the extraordinary quality of events, but their very ordinary nature.
Thankfully, the film is just two hours long and, even if it seems a boring premise, time just flows as we follow two weeks in the life of this lonely toilet cleaner. I guess I could recommend the movie if you want to feel peaceful and that life doesn't need to be a struggle for keeping what you've got while trying to get more.
However, this is also a fantasy, because while the protagonist enjoys his books, music, breaks in perfect weather in the park while he works as a toilet cleaner and his little plants, we know that the crisis is looming and the film hints at that, but then turns around and keeps the guy safe. The message is clear: enjoy the perfect days, each and every one of them, not because of the extraordinary quality of events, but their very ordinary nature.
Thankfully, the film is just two hours long and, even if it seems a boring premise, time just flows as we follow two weeks in the life of this lonely toilet cleaner. I guess I could recommend the movie if you want to feel peaceful and that life doesn't need to be a struggle for keeping what you've got while trying to get more.