Unveiling the Magic: Mamoru Hosoda’s “Scarlet” Anime Film
Fans of captivating storytelling and stunning animation are in for a treat as the official YouTube channel for Studio Chizu has released an English-subtitled trailer for their upcoming film, Scarlet. This trailer, which premiered on August 1, offers a glimpse into the world of “Hateshi naki Scarlet,” a film directed by the renowned Mamoru Hosoda.
The trailer, now available with English subtitles, sets the stage for what promises to be an extraordinary cinematic experience. The film, titled “Scarlet Without Limits” in its original Japanese, is set to hit theaters in Japan on November 21. Audiences will have the option to watch it in both regular theaters and IMAX screens, ensuring an immersive viewing experience.
While the film was initially scheduled to open in the United States on December 12, it has been delayed to an early 2026 release date in North America. However, the film will still have an awards-qualifying run in North America this year, keeping the anticipation high.
The world premiere of Scarlet took place at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, where it was screened five times on September 4-5. The North American premiere was showcased at the 50th annual Toronto International Film Festival as a Special Presentation, with four screenings from September 10-12. Additionally, the New York Film Festival featured the film with two screenings on October 7-8. The Animation is Film Festival in Los Angeles also included Scarlet in its lineup from October 17-19.
Sony Pictures provides an intriguing overview of the film:
“From visionary Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Mamoru Hosoda (MIRAI) comes a powerful, time-bending animated adventure about Scarlet, a medieval-era, sword-fighting princess on a dangerous quest to avenge the death of her father. After failing at her mission and finding herself gravely injured in the Otherworld that exists somewhere between life and death, she encounters an idealistic young man from our present day who not only helps her to heal but shows her the possibility of a future free of bitterness and rage. When confronted again by her father’s killer, Scarlet faces her most daunting battle: can she break the cycle of hatred and find meaning in life beyond revenge?”
The film stars Mana Ashida as the princess Scarlet and Masaki Okada as Hijiri, a nurse from modern Japan. The cast also includes notable voices such as Kensho Ono, Shinichi Kinuchi, Aoi Yรปki, and more. Many of these characters share names with those in William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Hamlet.
Mamoru Hosoda is directing the film and writing the screenplay, aiming for a unique visual style that is neither traditional 2D animation nor Hollywood-style CG. The film is expected to have a different feel compared to his past works, incorporating elements of action and romance. Hosoda has mentioned that the film is based on a “global classic.”
The film’s producer, Yลซichirล Saitล, has stated that Scarlet will have worldwide distribution. TOHO is handling the release in Japan, while Sony Pictures will release the film outside of Japan. Sony Pictures has also invested in the production of the film.
Mana Ashida, who voices Scarlet, performs the theme song “Hateshi naki” (Without Limits) with lyrics by Hosoda. Maya and Ayumu Matsuda of Rikon Densetsu perform the song “Shukusai no Uta” (Festival Song).
Since The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Hosoda’s films have typically opened in Japan during the summer. However, Scarlet will break this pattern by premiering in the winter.
News Source: Animenewsnetwork.com
