Scarlet [REVIEW]: From Revenge to Redemption, a Beautifully Human Take on Hamlet

By Ashely Saunders | Wearecritix.com

Hamlet is one of the most adapted stories of all time and the retellings vary from amazing (1994's The Lion King) to let’s just forget that happened. Scarlet is a fantastical and intriguing take on the story that transports us to the Otherworld where life and death are intertwined, and we must decide what it means to truly live. 

More than 400 years after Shakespeare's original work, the story of a young man destroyed by the need to avenge his father's death still resonates within us. Not because of the revenge itself, but how this singular focus destroys the Prince of Denmark's life. What it means to live, what it means to die, these are thoughts that plague Hamlet and the readers (viewers) as well. Oscar-nominated director Mamoru Hosoda has decided to show the world his take on this timeless story. As both an avid reader and anime fan, I was intrigued what this version of Hamlet could look like. Would he go for a modern tale, or something set in the timeline of the original play. Scarlet blazes its own path, as a fantastical and interesting reimagining of the classic. It uses the source material as a steppingstone, maintaining what makes Hamlet so timeless while changing enough about the setting and characters to deliver something fresh.

Scarlet (Mana Ashida) is a young princess growing up in the Late Middle Ages Denmark. She spends her time enjoying life and getting doted on by her father, the King (Masachika Ichimura). But this happiness doesn't last, because his brother Claudius (Kôji Yakusho) along with the help of Queen Gertrude, betray the king and he is brutally murdered. Devastated, Scarlet trains to become a lethal swordswoman, hellbent on avenging her father. Before she can kill her uncle, he has her poisoned and Scarlet awakes in the Otherworld where souls go before they can cross over into eternity. Just when she thought her quest was over, she learns Claudius is also in this mysterious desert and is ruling over it like the false king he was in life. On her way to try to kill him again, she meets Hijiri (Masaki Okada), a present-day EMT who wants to help everyone he meets, even those trying to kill them. This odd pairing sets the stage for the emotional conversations and questions about life, death, and our place in that circle.

The Otherworld is an afterlife where dead souls from the past and the future wind up. It's a strange place that is both unforgiving and welcoming. There are bandits, musicians, children, and even a dragon that rains down storms of lightning on those it deems unworthy. The dragon's origins aren't explained, but in Japanese culture, they symbolize wisdom, strength, and protection. This dragon is purposeful in its "attacks" though, with its actions becoming clearer as the story progresses. The lightning wielding dragon is just one example of the visual beauty of this film. Hosoda has a way of capturing both the quiet moments and dynamic battles in a way that shows that are equally important despite being wholly different.

Visuals aside, Hosoda also has a way of showing us the intimate, emotional turmoil that plagues Scarlet throughout. She is in a state of constant anger and grieving, practically shaking as the desire to scream and sob violently boil within her. This is her last chance for vengeance and that is her whole purpose in life, or so she thought. Hijiri's calm presence offers her another way of thinking, if she would like to explore it. As they continue their journey to the castle her uncle is living in, both Scarlet and Hijiri (and those of us watching) are asked to confront our beliefs on what it means to live. They must examine their beliefs about their lives, accept what has brought them to this point, and decide what to do going forward. Will they acknowledge their missteps and limitations or will they not? And what happens when you truly become honest with yourself?

Scarlet, at its core, is about life and the importance of living the one that we are given. Life isn't just surviving day-to-day, although sometimes that's all we can do. This is a film about finding joy, meaning, and purpose because at the end of it all, we are but a blip in the timeline of this universe. It is both haunting and tender with its messaging. Scarlet captures the range of emotions that make up a life within its beautiful visuals, incredible setting, and stellar voice performances. Hosada balances the cruelty of man with the hope for a better world and that is something we sorely need.

Scarlet is in theaters and IMAX now.

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Ashley Saunders is the editor-in-chief of Ashley & Company. You can find her reviews, interviews, and other entertainment content on her website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.