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Thermae Romae II

Name: Thermae Romae II
Director: Hideki Takeuchi
Released: 2014
Duration: 112 min

Representation Score

5.1/10

Fair

2014

PG-13

Director

Hideki Takeuchi

Runtime

112 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Thermae Romae II is a cross-cultural comedy that uses a time-slip narrative to connect ancient Roman and modern Japanese values. By presenting Western antiquity through an Eastern lens, the film dismantles traditional historical grandeur. The narrative emphasizes cultural displacement and architectural themes over identity politics. While it does not feature explicit LGBTQ+ representation, it steers clear of conventional romantic clichés, focusing instead on professional and comedic interactions. Overall, the film offers a balanced approach to diversity by questioning monolithic historical perspectives and showcasing a non-Western viewpoint on the Roman world.

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Category Breakdown

Does Thermae Romae II have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film highlights the professional relationship between Lucius and Manami, avoiding typical romantic storylines to focus on cultural exchange and architectural innovation.

How does Thermae Romae II portray gender?

Fair

Manami is portrayed as a professional journalist with strong ability to act. The film also examines the political power struggle between the Emperor and the Senate.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Thermae Romae II?

Good

The story places a Roman protagonist in modern Japan, disrupting Western-centric historical narratives. It uses a stylized 'flat-faced Japanese tribe' to highlight ethnic differences.

How does Thermae Romae II represent religion and culture?

Good

The film contrasts diplomatic efforts with imperialist aggression, framing the bathhouse as a communal space that challenges rigid social structures.

Does Thermae Romae II include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities that drive the plot or serve as central character arcs.

Present on Screen

Offers a Japanese perspective on Western historical narratives.
Highlights women's ability to drive the story through Manami's role as a professional journalist.
Uses the bathhouse as a unique space for cross-cultural exchange.

Limited or Absent

Could benefit from more explicit LGBTQ+ representation.
Does not include any prominent depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
Relies on stylized, comedic elements for ethnic representation.

Official Synopsis

In ancient Rome, bathhouse architect Lucius (Hiroshi Abe) becomes famous with designing the original "thermae" (bathhouse). He receives an order to build a thermae in the colosseum to help gladiators recover from their wounds, but faces difficulties. Thus, Lucius travels again to modern day Japan through the time slip. He meets Manami (Aya Ueto) again, who is now a reporter for a magazine which covers bathroom. With the help of the flat face Japanese tribe, Lucius again designs a new thermae. Meanwhile, Emperor Hadrian (Masachika Ichimura) wants to keep the peace with the thermae, but the Senate wants to extend the land by using force. Emperor Hadrian and the Senate now have a confrontation and Rome becomes divided.

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