Mamoru Hosoda’s Scarlet Dazzles with Animation, Stumbles with Narrative
A visually stunning reimagining of Hamlet, Mamoru Hosoda’s Scarlet, now playing in theaters nationwide, delivers breathtaking animation but struggles to maintain a cohesive storyline. The film offers a unique anime twist on the classic tragedy, prioritizing spectacle over narrative clarity.
A Familiar Style, A New Tale
The latest from director Mamoru Hosoda, known for films like Belle, Scarlet immediately establishes itself with a distinct visual style. The animation is described as filled with “vivid animation, with stark contrasts between scenes and unrelenting, dazzling images.” This new project centers on a sword-wielding princess embarking on a perilous quest to avenge her father’s death. She encounters an idealistic young man who challenges her perspective, offering a path away from “bitterness and rage.”
Visual Masterpiece: Worlds Within Worlds
The film’s strongest element is undeniably its imagery. The blending of different animation styles is “impressive,” creating a portrayal of multiple worlds that is truly “enthralling.” One reviewer likened a particular realm to “another purgatory dessert world, think Sirat, without the EDM or explosive surprises.” The backgrounds are remarkably lifelike, seamlessly blending different worlds and captivating the viewer’s attention.
A particularly memorable sequence unfolds in the Infinite Land, featuring “a tremendous battle sequence…breaking down a stunning wall” atop a mountain summit. “It is a moment…that is unreal,” according to one observer.
Plot Troubles in the Second Act
Despite the visual brilliance, Scarlet falters in its narrative execution. As the characters venture into the wilderness, “the plot loses focus and meanders.” The story becomes “confusing and hard to follow” in the second act, burdened by numerous characters and diverging storylines.
However, even when the plot is difficult to grasp, the animation remains “transfixing,” carrying the viewer toward “a beautiful climax and sweet conclusion” to this unconventional retelling of Hamlet. One viewer noted that the film is “something to watch on the big screen, washing over you,” emphasizing the immersive quality of the visuals.
Oscar-Worthy Visuals?
The film’s artistic merit is so significant that one critic expressed a wish for Scarlet to receive a Best Animated Feature Oscar nomination “for the visuals alone.” The striking animation, particularly during the intense battle sequence near the Infinite Land, held the viewer’s attention even when the narrative became muddled.
Ultimately, Scarlet is a film that prioritizes aesthetic experience, offering a visually arresting journey even if the story occasionally loses its way.
