Japanese filmmaker Mamoru Hosoda is set to captivate global audiences once again with his latest animated feature, Scarlet, which reimagines William Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, *Hamlet*. Scheduled for release in U.S. theaters in early 2024, the film explores themes of vengeance, forgiveness, and the search for peace in a fractured world.
The story follows Princess Scarlet, a once-mighty warrior who finds herself trapped in a purgatorial “Otherworld” after failing to avenge her father’s murder by her uncle, Claudius. Accompanied by Hijiri, a modern-day paramedic from Japan, Scarlet embarks on a surreal journey through dreamlike battlefields. Throughout her quest, she confronts undead armies, deep-seated hatred, and the alluring “Void,” all while grappling with her desire for revenge and the possibility of forgiveness.
Scarlet stands out in its unique amalgamation of Hosoda’s signature time-travel narrative and Shakespeare’s revenge tale. In a press kit Q&A, Hosoda highlights his concerns regarding the current geopolitical climate, particularly in the aftermath of COVID-19. He notes, “the idea that people can’t forgive these days” contributes significantly to the worries many face. Scarlet embodies this struggle, representing a refusal to forgive that resonates deeply in today’s world.
The stark contrast between Scarlet’s journey and Hamlet’s descent into madness lies in the messages imparted by their fathers. In *Hamlet*, the ghost of King Hamlet urges his son to seek revenge. Conversely, Scarlet’s father implores her to forgive, marking a pivotal shift in narrative direction. Hosoda emphasizes the challenge inherent in forgiveness, stating, “It’s a confusing directive because after everything done to her family, she wonders how it can be so easy to forgive.”
The film aims to resonate particularly with Gen Z, who have experienced significant upheaval during the pandemic. Many young people are grappling with cynicism, and Hosoda hopes that Scarlet’s story offers a message of positivity. The director asserts that the cyclical nature of revenge depicted in *Hamlet* remains relevant, but Scarlet’s arc is designed to inspire a more optimistic outlook.
As Hosoda articulates, “There are many parallels to our current geopolitical landscape, and I wanted that reflected in the screenplay.” He acknowledges that while solutions to global conflicts may still be elusive, the collective desire for understanding and reconciliation is more important than ever.
In a media landscape often dominated by narratives of despair, Scarlet presents a refreshing alternative. Through its fairytale-like visuals and poignant themes, the film not only revives a classic story but also offers a timely message about the necessity of empathy and hope. The film promises to engage audiences with its blend of action, emotion, and philosophical inquiry, making it a distinctive addition to the realm of animated cinema.
With the release of Scarlet, Mamoru Hosoda continues to prove that animated films can tackle profound themes while maintaining a sense of wonder and beauty, ultimately inviting viewers to reflect on their own capacity for forgiveness in a world that often feels divided.
