Gay Activists in Seattle Declare ‘Homosexual Intifada’ in Support of Palestinians
By MAGGIE HRONCICH
|One might expect the film’s themes to be explored by a Japanese director, yet ‘Perfect Days’ is directed by Wim Wenders, the German auteur of such classics as ‘Wings of Desire’ and ‘Paris, Texas.’
If Zen Buddhist philosophy aims at perfection and peace through daily, contemplative practice, then the fictional toilet cleaner featured in the new Japanese film “Perfect Days” could be said to embody its wisdom. Every day, we see him ply his trade at Tokyo’s newest public bathrooms, each one more of a work of art than a mere lavatory. As he diligently scrubs and tidies, focused on his duties, his concentration reaches a state of meditation. Yet he is also open to distractions, such as the shadow of leaves cast on a wall, reinforcing Zen’s emphasis on nature and taking in one’s surroundings.
By MAGGIE HRONCICH
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By ANTHONY GRANT
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By MAGGIE HRONCICH
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By ABIGAIL SEABERG
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By ALEKSANDRA GADZALA TIRZIU
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By JON GAMBRELL
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By MAGGIE HRONCICH
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By DONALD KIRK
|If Zen Buddhist philosophy aims at perfection and peace through daily, contemplative practice, then the fictional toilet cleaner featured in the new Japanese film “Perfect Days” could be said to embody its wisdom. Every day, we see him ply his trade at Tokyo’s newest public bathrooms, each one more of a work of art than a mere lavatory. As he diligently scrubs and tidies, focused on his duties, his concentration reaches a state of meditation. Yet he is also open to distractions, such as the shadow of leaves cast on a wall, reinforcing Zen’s emphasis on nature and taking in one’s surroundings.
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