A Movie with a Philosophical Appeal : “Every Day a Good Day”

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Taken literally, the film’s name “Every Day a Good Day” delivers a simple message. A far more thorough implication, however, can be derived from the story as it slowly unfolds.

The story is about how Noriko, the chief female character, stumbles into sadō (the way of tea) and gradually grows fascinated with it until it becomes an integral part of her life. 

The film focuses on the various sessions of the tea ceremony class. The elderly Takeda-sensei (the instructor) demands strict adherence to details: the number of steps to be taken when moving across each square of the mattress, the way to fold and unfold a fukusa (small cloth), how to allow the tea to drip from the tea ladle and where and how to place the ladle, etc. There are, in fact, many details for careful attention, details that we may take for granted and may even consider negligible. 

Such demand for accuracy, however, does not make the training monotonous or tedious. Conversely, it is a pleasant experience of using all five senses to appreciate the beauty of the art. As Takeda-sensei puts it, when the skill is well acquired, the hands will do their part smoothly and gracefully.  This is reminiscent of Noriko s mother’s previous comment on the uniqueness in the way the instructor bows. It is thus understood that sadō can affect the way the tea preparer carries herself in her daily life. 

Another focus no less inspiring is that during the training, the student is inevitably attracted by a wall hanging bearing a short phrase written in what seems to be Chinese calligraphy. The wall hanging is changed occasionally and the phrase chosen is coherent with the seasonal changes. There is, for example, one phrase that refers to the autumn breeze and another to the winter snow. This is accompanied with the beautiful garden scenes viewed through the windows of the parlour. And that is perhaps how Noriko comes to be aware of the sound difference between boiled water and cold water dripping down the ladle. 

As the film shows, not only seasons change with the passing time. Change is inevitable in life. This is the truth that Noriko learns as she gradually grows in age. In fact, things happen to her and to the people around her out of her expectation as time rolls by. According to Takeda-sensei, most of the things that happen in life are beyond our control. Noriko thus learns to appreciate the beauty of even trifling matters in the daily life; she exclaims in admiration each time she unwraps the lovely sweeties served before the tea. 

The film thus has a philosophic appeal, inspiring us to treasure every beautiful moment while it lasts. This is perhaps the message implied in the title “Every Day a Good Day”. Though I may not have the interest in or even the opportunity of learning sadō, I have got inspired by the philosophy to treasure the wonder of the present moment, and, definitely, I will derive greater joy from the simple act of tea drinking from now on.