Thermae Romae Novae

"Thermae Romae Novae" is a delightful and immersive animated series streaming on Netflix, commencing from 2022. This captivating show is a renewal of the incredibly popular original manga series "Thermae Romae" by Mari Yamazaki. The innovative concept is a brilliant blend of comedy, history, and fantasy, creating an unexpected and refreshing experience for the viewers.

Set in AD 128, "Thermae Romae Novae" embarks on an exciting and humorous adventure, embracing a time-traveling plot from ancient Rome to contemporary Japan and back. The protagonist of the series is Lucius Modestus, an aspiring and disciplined Roman bath architect. He strives to restore his deteriorating career but often finds himself clashing with the changing tides of Roman bath culture. His concern is heightened by the rising popularity of simplistic and smaller baths over the opulent and luxurious baths that he designs.

The storyline takes a remarkable turn when Lucius, while contemplating his career's impending downfall, discovers a hidden passage in one of his Roman baths. He finds himself transported through time and space to modern-day Japan. Bewildered, yet intrigued, Lucius takes his first glimpse into the technologically advanced Japanese public bathhouses, their innovation, and their dedication towards cleanliness, health, and relaxation.

Lucius, mesmerized by the contemporary infrastructures, realizes the opportunity to learn and bring back these innovations to his time. He begins to study their designs, technologies, customs, and bathing aesthetics secretly. The show documents a series of trips back and forth between the two timelines, featuring Lucius's attempts to integrate these modern Japanese inventions into his traditional Roman bath designs, elevating them to a new level of grandiose.

As the series progresses, audiences are treated to the fascinating, amusing, and well-detailed portrayal of different bathing cultures, techniques, and philosophies of two entirely distinct civilizations. The unlikely collision of ancient Rome and present-day Japan offers a bright, comedic, and educational enjoyment. The series goes beyond simple comedy by providing insight into the importance of bathing both in terms of aesthetics and their vital role in society's health and wellbeing.

"Thermae Romae Novae" is also a visually engaging series. The animation's charm lies in its ability to depict ancient Rome and modern Japan's landscapes with vivid accuracy, bringing historical elements to the fore with contemporary touches. The contrast and interaction between antiquity and modernity through the lens of architect Lucius give a smart, light-hearted, and engaging rendition of cultural exchange.

The voice acting in the series brings to life a range of lovable and vibrant characters. Notably, Kenjiro Tsuda voices Lucius Modestus, effectively capturing the solemn yet adaptive character trapped between times. The camaraderie and conversations Lucius shares with the people he encounters, especially in Japan, are enthralling, often leading to comedic and light-hearted scenes.

Meanwhile, the series benefits from an impressive musical score that complements the screen's happenings aptly, effectively merging the gaps between two diverse eras. The light and fluid storytelling, combined with visually appealing animation and sound design, makes every episode a joy to watch.

"Thermae Romae Novae" is an exciting rewriting of ancient history with an amusing twist. The show inspired by the award-winning manga is a fantastic watch for any viewer interested in a splash of history, a sprinkle of cultural exchange, and a generous measure of humor. Its unique, insightful observation into the world of public bathing, combined with a whimsical take on time-travel, makes it an attractive addition to Netflix's animation portfolio. The series is commendable for its cultural representation, inclusivity, and intriguing exploration of themes blended with moments of hilarity and charm that are sure to captivate audiences worldwide.