Roman architect Lucius discovers a mysterious tunnel in the bathhouse which transports him to a modern day Japanese onsen. Amazed at the technological achievements of this new world he decides to incorporate them into his designs when he returns home. When he is commissioned by the emperor Hadrian to build imperial bathhouses he becomes caught up in Rome's political intrigue. Meanwhile, struggling manga artist Mami attempts to make sense of the unexpected appearances of this unusual foreigner.
With it's bizarre fish-out-of-water plot and plenty of jokes on this theme the film is both fresh and familiar. The first act, with Lucius discovering some of modern Japan's innovations in bathing is particularly amusing. The two leads are strong and have good comic chemistry together. The story becomes a little exposition heavy at times, but doesn't feel over long. The sets of Rome are commendable, however certain scenes, the battle scenes especially, lack the sufficient budget to make them believable. The film is knowingly absurd, and this could have been played up more, but the Roman scenes are often played jarringly straight.
The film is funny and charming The romance between the leads is not allowed to compromise the humour, as the jokes stay strong throughout, yet at the same time it is touching to see their relationship develop. Recommended viewing, if only for the scenes between Lucius and the old Japanese men in the onsen.
With it's bizarre fish-out-of-water plot and plenty of jokes on this theme the film is both fresh and familiar. The first act, with Lucius discovering some of modern Japan's innovations in bathing is particularly amusing. The two leads are strong and have good comic chemistry together. The story becomes a little exposition heavy at times, but doesn't feel over long. The sets of Rome are commendable, however certain scenes, the battle scenes especially, lack the sufficient budget to make them believable. The film is knowingly absurd, and this could have been played up more, but the Roman scenes are often played jarringly straight.
The film is funny and charming The romance between the leads is not allowed to compromise the humour, as the jokes stay strong throughout, yet at the same time it is touching to see their relationship develop. Recommended viewing, if only for the scenes between Lucius and the old Japanese men in the onsen.