Synopsis
Hiroshi Abe -- as an ancient Roman???
An epic bath fantasy transcends time and space.
“THERMAE ROMAE”
Hiroshi Abe and Aya Ueto star in the phenomenal live action film adaption!!!
An ancient Roman architect (specializing in baths) struggling to invent new ideas for baths accidentally slips through time and resurfaces in a public bath house in modern day Japan!? Travelling back and forth between ancient Rome and modern day Japan, this hilarious, highly original “time slip bath-driven manga - ‘THERMAE ROMAE’” (currently serialized in Comic Beam Monthly) will be miraculously transformed into a live action film starring Hiroshi Abe and Aya Ueto!!
The film is an adaptation of the wildly popular manga that won both the “2010 Manga Grand Prix” and the “14th Osamu Tezuka Cultural Prize Short Story Award.” (Volume 3 on sale April 25 / Enterbrain, Inc.) The title “THERMAE ROMAE” means “Roman Bath.” The three volumes published to date have sold over 2.5 million copies and are hailed by the media as the “hottest” manga today. THERMAE ROMAE” is the brainchild of up-and-coming manga artist Mari Yamazaki, whose husband is Italian. Hiroshi Abe is perfectly cast in the lead role of ancient Roman Lucius while Aya Ueto plays the adorable heroine Mami, an aspiring Japanese manga artist. The screenplay is by Shogo Muto, who also scripted the film “Crows ZERO” and dramas “Densha Otoko” and “Hanazakari No Kimitachi E.” The film is directed by Hideki Takeuchi of film and drama “Nodame Cantabile” and dramas “Densha Otoko” and “Kamisama, Mou Sukoshidake.” The project brings together a star-studded cast and staff, and features scenes shot on the colossal open set of ancient Rome at Cinecitta Studios, the premiere film studio in Italy.
Proud ancient Roman architect, Lucius, is flabbergasted by every aspect of Japan’s bath culture, and his beliefs are shaken to the core. His every move, rife with humor and wit, is sure to make you laugh, but the story also explores in depth the origins of the Japanese and ancient Roman “bath” cultures. Witness the birth of an epic, fantastical comedy masterpiece that is both uproariously funny and deeply touching!
SUMMARY
Ancient Roman architect Lucius (Hiroshi Abe) is too serious. His inability to keep up with the fast-moving times costs him his job. When a friend takes the dejected Lucius to the public bath house to cheer him up, Lucius accidentally slips through time and resurfaces in a modern day public bath in Japan. There, he meets aspiring young manga artist Mami (Aya Ueto) along with others of the “flat-faced clan.” ( = Japanese). Shocked by the many inventive aspects of Japan’s bathing culture, Lucius returns to ancient Rome and garners tremendous attention when he implements these novel ideas back in Rome. As he time-slips back and forth between ancient Rome and modern-day Japan, Lucius’ reputation as the ingenious, new bath architect begins to grow…
Comment from Hiroshi Abe
I loved the original manga’s idea of comparing Japan’s bath culture with ancient Rome’s “thermae” culture. The concept of crossing over time and space and people interacting “in the buff” is somehow both heartwarming and comical, but I intend to play the role of ancient Roman Lucius with great seriousness.
Comment from Aya Ueto
The premise of travelling back and forth in time between ancient Rome and modern day Japan, and Hiroshi Abe playing an ancient Roman, Lucius, is too hilarious. As a representative of the “flat-faced clan” I will do my best in my portrayal of Mami.
Comment from manga artist Mari Yamazaki
Actually, I’m shocked because the film adaptation may surpass my original work. Hiroshi Abe plays the ancient Roman architect Lucius to perfection. Even the Italian staff on location was overheard saying, “He’s like a real Roman!” Amazing!!
Production starts March 14, with completion scheduled in early May.
Due to show in Toho Theaters nationwide in 2012
The above news content will be featured in the April 18th (Monday) edition of Sankei Sports and Sports Hochi.
Please direct any inquiries to Miwako Ueda of Toho Co. Ltd. Publicity Department (090-2430-1884)