Scarlet Review: A Messy Reinterpretation of Hamlet
Scarlet, the latest film by Mamoru Hosoda, is a visually stunning but messy reinterpretation of Shakespeare's Hamlet. The movie blends elements of fantasy and anime, with a focus on the concept of revenge and forgiveness. Set in a 16th-century European kingdom, the story follows Princess Scarlet, who seeks to avenge her father's murder at the hands of her ambitious uncle, Claudius.
The film's narrative is a complex web, with Scarlet awakening in a realm called Otherworld, a space between life and death. Here, she encounters a diverse cast of characters and embarks on a journey filled with conflict and self-discovery. The movie's pacing and structure can feel disjointed, with Hosoda's heart seemingly more in the Otherworld story, where Scarlet's quest truly begins.
Scarlet's journey is a blend of Christian themes and Japanese anime, with a focus on forgiveness and life after death. The movie explores the idea of revenge and how it can lead to tragedy, as seen in the original Hamlet. However, the adaptation feels flimsy, with the character names and plot elements borrowed from Shakespeare's work.
The animation, produced by Hosoda's Studio Chizu, is a highlight, with breathtaking scenes set in Scarlet's real world. The 2-D animation brings a vivid recreation of monarchial Europe, with intricate details in architecture, furnishings, and fashion. Yet, the movie's critical takeaway is that there is no beauty in violence, and living well is the best revenge.
Despite its flaws, Scarlet is a thought-provoking film that invites discussion on the themes of revenge, forgiveness, and the consequences of violence. The movie's release in Japanese theaters on November 21, 2025, and its subsequent American release on February 6, 2026, offer audiences a chance to experience this unique reinterpretation of Hamlet.
