Japanese filmmaker Mamoru Hosoda is set to release his latest animated feature, Scarlet, in U.S. theaters in early 2024. This new film presents a unique reimagining of William Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, Hamlet, transforming its themes of revenge into a narrative centered around hope and forgiveness. The film follows the journey of Princess Scarlet, a fallen warrior who finds herself in a purgatorial realm known as the “Otherworld” after failing to avenge her father’s murder at the hands of her uncle, Claudius.
A Journey Through Otherworldly Challenges
Guided by Hijiri, a modern-day paramedic from Japan, Scarlet navigates surreal battlefields and confronts various adversities, including undead legions and the temptations of the “Void.” As she grapples with her desire for vengeance, Scarlet faces deeper questions about forgiveness and the cycle of hatred that pervades her existence. Hosoda skillfully intertwines his trademark elements of time travel and parallel worlds with this timeless story, delivering a poignant commentary on the current geopolitical climate.
In a recent Q&A included in the film’s press kit, Hosoda expressed his concerns about the state of the world in the aftermath of COVID-19. He noted how feelings of unforgiveness have become prevalent. “The geopolitical state of the world after COVID and the idea that people can’t forgive these days brings a lot of worry,” he stated. Scarlet embodies this struggle, as her journey reflects the complexities of modern existence and the difficulty of letting go of anger.
A Shift Toward Forgiveness
One of the most significant departures from Hamlet is the message passed down from Scarlet’s father. Unlike King Hamlet, who urges his son to seek revenge, the final words of Scarlet’s father ask for her to embrace forgiveness. This pivotal change marks a shift in the narrative, steering it toward a more optimistic character arc. Instead of succumbing to madness, as seen in Shakespeare’s original play, Scarlet’s journey encourages resilience and hope.
“It’s a confusing directive because after everything done to her family, she wonders how it can be so easy to forgive,” Hosoda explained. “The question presented to Scarlet is how to deal with the energy, how to forgive.”
This redefining of the protagonist’s motivations resonates especially with today’s youth, who are often characterized by their idealism and frustration in a fragmented world. Hosoda hopes that Scarlet will inspire the younger generation, particularly Gen Z, who have faced significant challenges during the pandemic. He emphasizes that the cyclical nature of revenge depicted in Hamlet remains relevant, but the narrative of Scarlet seeks to provide an alternative path.
As audiences anticipate the film’s release, it is clear that Scarlet offers not only a visually stunning experience but also a vital message. By blending the aesthetics of a fairytale with a powerful moral, Hosoda creates a narrative that is both timely and timeless, providing a glimmer of hope amidst a world often marked by division and strife. Through this reimagining, he invites viewers to reflect on the possibilities of forgiveness and the healing power it holds.
