Watch Thermae Romae

Thermae Romae is a Japanese live-action comedy film adapted from the manga of the same name by Mari Yamazaki. The film was released in 2012 and stars Hiroshi Abe as Lucius Modestus, a Roman bathhouse architect who time travels to modern-day Japan every time he hits his head. Directed by Hideki Takeuchi and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures Japan, the film is a delightful mix of humor, culture clash, and historical references.

The film follows Lucius as he struggles to come up with new ideas for Roman bathhouses, which are losing popularity due to the emergence of Western-style bathtubs. One day, while relaxing in a bath, he gets sucked through a time wormhole and ends up in a modern-day bathhouse in Japan. The culture shock is instant and hilarious as Lucius tries to come to terms with everything from instant ramen to electronic toilets.

As Lucius takes in the sights and sounds of Japan, he comes up with new ideas for Roman bathhouses by incorporating elements of Japanese culture. For example, he incorporates sushi into his designs by creating a bathhouse where guests can soak in individual fish tanks. Similarly, he incorporates manga into his designs by creating a bathhouse where guests can relax in giant comic book pages.

The film is not only funny but also educational, as it sheds a light on the cultural and architectural differences between ancient Rome and modern-day Japan. From the design of the bathhouses to the way guests are entertained, Lucius is constantly amazed by the differences he encounters.

The cast is fantastic, with Hiroshi Abe giving an energetic performance as Lucius and Kazuki Kitamura providing a hilarious portrayal of Keioniusu, an onsen owner who becomes Lucius's friend and cultural guide. The supporting cast includes Riki Takeuchi as a Japanese bathhouse owner and Aya Ueto as Mami, a bathhouse employee who develops a crush on Lucius.

The movie's visuals are stunning, with beautifully recreated ancient Roman bathhouses and modern-day Japanese bathhouses. The costumes are incredible, and the attention to detail is impressive.

Thermae Romae is not just a movie about bathhouses - it's a movie about cultural exchange, creativity, and innovation. It showcases the similarities and differences between two very different cultures, and how those differences can lead to something beautiful and unique.

Overall, Thermae Romae is a hilarious and heartwarming movie that is sure to leave you with a smile on your face. It's a perfect blend of history, culture, and humor, and is definitely worth watching.

Thermae Romae is a series that ran for 1 seasons (9 episodes) between and on Midnight Pulp