Scarlet

Watched at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.

This might be Mamoru Hosoda's most disliked film thus far. Reactions so far have been pretty mixed with many describing as repetitive, messy, or somewhat pretentious. I can understand where the reactions are coming from, however, there is no doubt that Hosoda is an ambitious animated filmmaker and I did throughly enjoyed this one.

With this tale taking inspiration of Shakespeare, this revenge anime tale offers an interesting perspective about revenge, kingdom, faith, and what if things were worth it theory. Interlaced with some gorgeous animation designs, colors, and structure, and sound designs, camerawork, and atmosphere throughout. Hosada's direction on the presentation, atmospheres, emotions, and animation has always been pretty well-grounded and thought out. Particularly with how he handles the emotional weight that does work within this movie. You feel the tension, energy and the emotions that are brought out within the characters.

The writing does offer some different and interesting takes on the themes and concepts. While it is true that some of the concepts felt a bit unbalanced, it still had some ambitious moments. Including some really good voice performances from the cast members. I'd say the weakest elements were the characters as the characters, while at times does have some good chemistry, they didn't felt memorable nor as engaging as I would have wanted. Making them a little difficult to fully connect or believe them.

The musical score is good, and the pacing is pretty good without a moment of boredom. There is some wonky usage of CGI animation that does feel distracting. But as a whole, I still think it was an interesting and ambitious fun anime. I don't think it is as bad as others are saying and sure, Hosada has made much better movies like Wolf Children, Summer Wars and The Girl Who Leapt Through Time. But I say this one is better than The Boy and the Beast (which I think it's his worst movie).

What happened to Anime's like Princess Mononoke or Patema Inverted or Paprika. In each of these the characters are so 3D and are individuals with ups downs strengths and weaknesses. In here if you get a 2D cardboard character you are lucky. The show finished and 10 minutes later I can not remember their names but I still remember Nausicaa's rage so heartfelt when the soldiers attack the king her father!

The story here is at best forgettable shallow and inconsequential. But as i said the characters are cut and paste and these days they just move from show to show. I guess this is what happens when shows are approved for production by checklist and board of directors, and they have to fit a mold and an agenda!

Don't bother with this one.

This film will remind you of the Lord of the Rings series, Joan of Arc, and several other fantasies works. Revenge stories might be common, but what impressed me was the captivating worldbuilding. Even when you watch it, you think, 'wow, realistic'. That's true, because every detail of the locations in the film is really clear.

Then, the main character (Scarlet) is portrayed as a warrior woman but also has a sense of fear/trauma over losing her father. Similarly, Hijiri, a paramedic from another world (our Earth) who believed he was dead. Initially, I wondered if there was an isekai element to this or not. But as the story progresses. How Hijiri's presence in the world will be revealed. Their relationship is also well portrayed.

The actors' voice acting is captivating. I like Hijiri the most.

Hopefully, Mamoru Hosoda will never give up on making anime films.

The animation techniques were like a force of nature. This is the most seamless execution of CG and hand drawn arts yet. I say we agree to disagree to those who disagree.

Some of the single shots here are instant classic.

The theme, a bit too modern. But the impact of the message, the hard headed way it keeps its stance, with a female lead and a nurse, and with hell boiling all over the taperstry of the old Shakespearen tale and the crowded anime industry, is quite respectable.