Mamoru Hosoda Unveils Scarlet at Venice Film Festival
The world got its first look at Scarlet, the newest animated feature from Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Mamoru Hosoda, at the 82nd Venice Film Festival on September 4.
The response? Absolutely electric.
The film’s world premiere ended with a 10-minute standing ovation, as the audience applauded the emotional impact and striking visuals of Hosoda’s latest work.
Joining the director on the prestigious Venice red carpet were Mana Ashida and Masaki Okada, who lend their voices to the film’s lead characters, Scarlet and Hijiri. The trio attended the photocall, press events, and premiere together, marking a proud moment for Japanese animation on the global stage.
Watch the Trailer here:
A Princess, an Afterlife, and a Modern Man
At the heart of Scarlet is a gripping, emotional story that blends fantasy, romance, and time-bending elements.
The film follows Scarlet, a princess from the past consumed by hatred and grief. Her attempt at violent revenge ends in failure, sending her not back to her kingdom—but to the afterlife.
There, in a realm suspended between worlds, she meets Hijiri, a man from modern times whose compassion stands in stark contrast to the hatred that fuels her. As their paths cross, Hijiri’s kindness challenges her belief that revenge is the only way forward.
When Scarlet is forced to confront her nemesis once again, she faces a defining choice: Will she cling to anger and destruction, or open herself to a life beyond revenge?
Hosoda’s Message: Choosing Love in a Fractured World
Scarlet is more than a fantasy tale; it’s a reflection of the world we live in now.
Hosoda drew inspiration from the state of the world after the pandemic, especially amid ongoing conflicts and division. Through Scarlet’s journey, he hopes to share a message of hope and connection.
“As we witness heartbreaking conflicts around the world, I believe that finding love and choosing to live together in unity is what will lead us towards something better. That’s why I want to share this new film with the world — now more than ever.”
With that, Scarlet becomes a deeply relevant story about empathy, healing, and the courage it takes to turn away from hatred.
From Venice to SM Cinemas: Where to Watch Scarlet
After making a powerful statement on the international stage, Scarlet is now set to enchant Philippine audiences.
Scarlet opens exclusively at SM Cinemas on December 10.
Fans of Mamoru Hosoda and anime lovers in general can look forward to:
- A time-twisting narrative that bridges past, present, and the afterlife
- A complex heroine torn between vengeance and redemption
- A touching bond between two characters separated by centuries
- A heartfelt reminder that even in a broken world, love is still a choice we can make
Mark your calendars, gather your friends, and get ready to experience Scarlet on the big screen—exactly how Hosoda’s emotional, visually rich storytelling is meant to be seen.
Travel across time, confront the past, and discover what lies beyond revenge when Scarlet arrives only at SM Cinemas this December 10, locally distributed by Columbia Picture PH.
Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”
