A New Chapter in Anime History Unfolds
Get ready to be transported beyond time and space. Acclaimed Japanese director Mamoru Hosoda—known for groundbreaking hits like Summer Wars, Wolf Children, and Mirai—returns with Scarlet, a visually arresting and emotionally rich animated epic. Premiering in Philippine cinemas this December 10, Scarlet reimagines the classic revenge story, blending fantasy, philosophy, and cutting-edge animation.
A Princess Fueled by Rage, A World Beyond Death
At the heart of Scarlet is a princess—noble, fierce, and shattered. After witnessing the brutal murder of her father, she sets off on a journey of vengeance. But her mission fails—and she awakens in an ethereal afterlife unlike anything she could have imagined.
There, she meets a boy from our time, and together, they confront the past, their pain, and the true cost of revenge. It’s not just a fight—it’s a transformation.
Pandemic Reflections, Shakespearean Roots
Director Mamoru Hosoda began writing Scarlet during the global COVID-19 lockdowns—a time that, for him, sparked deep reflection.
“Looking at the geo-political state of the world after COVID was a big point of inspiration for me. The idea that people can’t forgive these days still continues to this day and that brings a lot of worry. That influenced the start of this project for me, and I would like to pass on a positive message to the younger generation. In terms of revenge stories, Shakespeare’s Hamlet is a masterpiece. There’s this cycle of revenge that is still relevant today, which is why I weaved Shakespearean elements into the story and characters.”
With heavy inspiration from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Scarlet explores the timeless pull of revenge and the consequences it brings—not just to one life, but across generations and timelines.
Animation That Transcends Borders
Visually, Scarlet is a breathtaking evolution of anime. Hosoda and his team at Studio Chizu embrace a hybrid style—merging the soul of hand-drawn Japanese animation with the expressive power of CG.
“The tools in animation are constantly evolving and improving. Until recently, style of animation was rooted in the country of origin, for example there’s this CG style of animation with Pixar in the US whereas in Europe it’s more artistic and, of course, Japan is known for anime (cell look). Through COVID and streamers, people were exposed to different animations. Disney and Pixar used to dominate the stage of animation. More recently, different styles have mixed and we’ve elevated the industry. Scarlet is much heavier on the CG which enables me as a director to get more into the character expression. There’s lots of CG, of course, but I wanted the hand drawn to still be preserved. If you look at Spider-Verse, they found a way to mix different styles to have a huge visual impact. I wanted for my film to have a shift in visual style. It feels and looks new and it allows us to show these bigger themes.”
In a world where audiences are now used to cross-cultural styles—think Spider-Verse or Arcane—Scarlet boldly experiments with visual storytelling, resulting in a fresh, immersive experience that feels both futuristic and deeply human.
More Than Revenge: A Message for Today’s Generation
Beyond the swordplay and spectacle lies the film’s emotional core. Hosoda wants viewers—especially the younger generation—to walk away with more than entertainment. He hopes Scarlet becomes a conversation starter.
“Looking at the present-day conflicts, this movie is intended to be a thought-provoking experience. I hope it becomes an entry point for conversation. I think many moviegoers will relate to this idea of revenge. For me, it’s a romantic idea to many people all over the world. There’s always a revenge story. Everyone has someone they can’t forgive. Scarlet too suffers from this but there’s a transformation. I want the audience to feel the process of change and what helps her realize there’s something more important than revenge.”
In an era marked by division and conflict, Scarlet invites us to ask: what if the true battle is the one within ourselves?
Watch the Official Trailer Here:
Don’t miss the chance to witness a bold new anime that redefines what animated storytelling can be.
Coming Soon to Philippine Cinemas
Scarlet has already captured the attention of global critics with premieres at Venice and Toronto film festivals. Now, Filipino anime lovers will have their chance to experience this cinematic gem on the big screen.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch Anime Experience
Powerful, poignant, and visually spellbinding—Scarlet is not just a movie, it’s a journey. Through timeless themes and cutting-edge artistry, Mamoru Hosoda once again proves that animation isn’t just for kids—it’s for anyone with a heart, a past, and a dream of something more.
Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”
