Prepare to be whisked away on a breathtaking but flawed journey as Mamoru Hosoda reimagines Shakespeare's Hamlet through the vibrant lens of anime. But here's where it gets controversial: Scarlet is a visually stunning yet narratively messy epic that swaps the Bard's tragic prince for a princess, trading soliloquies for sword fights and the Danish court for a fantastical realm between life and death. And this is the part most people miss: While Hosoda's ambition is admirable, the film struggles to balance its grand themes of revenge, forgiveness, and self-discovery, leaving viewers with a feast for the eyes but a hunger for a more cohesive story.
Hosoda, known for his time-bending tales like The Girl Who Leapt Through Time and Mirai, once again explores the intersection of reality and the fantastical. His signature blend of 2D and 3D animation styles shines in Scarlet, with the "real" world of 16th-century Elsinore rendered in lush, meticulous detail, while the "Otherworld" bursts with a kaleidoscope of cultural influences. Yet, despite its visual splendor, the film's pacing often feels disjointed, as if Hosoda's heart lies more in the Otherworld's grandeur than in the emotional core of his protagonist.
Princess Scarlet's journey begins with a familiar Shakespearean setup: her father, King Amleth, is betrayed by her uncle Claudius, who seizes the throne. Trained for revenge, Scarlet meets a tragic end, only to awaken in the Otherworld—a realm where time collapses and cultures collide. Here, she learns Claudius has also died and crossed into this liminal space. Accompanied by Hijiri, a modern-day Japanese nurse, Scarlet embarks on a quest not just to confront her uncle, but to grapple with the weight of her own desire for vengeance.
Boldly, Hosoda asks: What if Hamlet's ghost had urged forgiveness instead of revenge? This question drives Scarlet, but the film's execution falters. While the character names and some plot points nod to Shakespeare, the connection feels superficial. The film rushes through its Hamlet-inspired setup, leaving little room for emotional investment before diving into the Otherworld's sprawling narrative. The result is a story that, like its patchwork realm, feels cobbled together from disparate parts.
Yet, Scarlet is not without its merits. The animation is nothing short of breathtaking, with Scarlet's fluid, almost rotoscoped movements during fight scenes standing out as a highlight. The film's message—that violence begets only more violence, and true revenge lies in living well—is both timely and poignant. But its delivery often feels heavy-handed, relying on Christian allegories and a Christmas Carol-esque sequence that, while striking, feels out of place.
Here’s the controversial take: While Hosoda’s ambition to blend Eastern and Western storytelling traditions is commendable, Scarlet ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. Its exploration of forgiveness and self-redemption is noble, but the narrative’s lack of focus dilutes its impact. Scarlet’s journey, though emotionally resonant in theory, gets lost in the film’s sprawling scope.
As the credits roll, you’re left with a mix of awe and frustration. Scarlet is a film that dares to dream big, but its reach exceeds its grasp. It’s a visual masterpiece that stumbles in its storytelling, leaving you to wonder what could have been. So, what do you think? Does Scarlet succeed in its ambitious reimagining, or does it fall short of its potential? Let’s debate in the comments!
/Film Rating: 6 out of 10
Scarlet opens in Japanese theaters on November 21, 2025, and in America on February 6, 2026.
