I’m not recommending this movie, because after all, you spend two thirds of it watching a lonely man wash toilets. He has his mundane routines. Not much happens. He brushes his teeth, showers, does his laundry, works, reads lots of books, has uninteresting things to eat, and listens to great music. There is exceptionally little dialogue. It takes place in Tokyo and has subtitles.

Why did we go? My husband and I often watch something on a Friday night, the only night that we sometimes do. Contrariwise, we’ll go out to eat or read by the fire. Last Friday night we went out to eat because we got our dining room painted, so our dining room furniture and all of its contents were in our living room. We’ve had a busy week since that project was finished, and all that is still there, awaiting scrubbing and replacement. So watching something (or having a fire) in our living room wasn’t a possibility.

We have a little local theater within walking distance that we get to a couple times a year and apparently needs our support in this age of streamed video.  This international film had some awards– best actor–and after watching this trailer, we went. We were the only ones in the theater on a Friday night. After seeing this, I know why.

Even though I’m not saying, “Go see this movie,” and when I left the theater, I thought I wouldn’t blog about it, I woke up this morning still pondering its message.  I want to say that there is something very affecting about seeing this movie, if you chew on it and let it sink in. This is a film that gets better the more you think about it.

His life is so small, but his attitude is remarkably wonderful. The film makes you grateful for your own life, which most of us spend on something more interesting than washing toilets. It makes you want to notice and glory in all the little things, like the shimmering patterns of leaf shadows on the wall. You too want the satisfaction of having done a good day’s work, and to treasure life’s inconsequential interruptions to your set patterns. He says, “next time is next time” (because he knows his routine won’t vary that much and seems content with that) and “now is now.”

He is living in the present moment, feeling it and even enjoying it, no matter what it is. It is fascinating to me that to do that simple thing is profound, and you don’t need much more, except maybe, love.

Save your time (and money if a theater is involved), but imbibe these important lessons for sure. Cling onto them tightly. If you are having trouble getting to that attitude, then this slow, subtle movie could pack a wallop for you. It may be made for you. If you are asking “what’s the point of life,” there are billions of minuscule reasons that are enough, even without any big ones seeming apparent to you.

I was glad to be reminded I’m on the right track, and to keep on with close mindfulness and greeting each day with a smile. Now I’m really ready for the major excitement of putting my dining room back together.