Mamoru Hosada is one of Japan’s most heralded animated filmmakers. Now he’s back with his first film in four years: “Scarlet,” a bold, time-traveling take on William Shakespeare‘s “Hamlet.”
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The medieval-set film follows a sword-fighting princess on a dangerous quest to avenge her father’s death. But a choice encounter with a young man from the present day shows her a life beyond the cycle of hatred she’s caught in: which path will she choose?
Here’s an official synopsis for “Scarlet,” courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics:
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 a surreal world 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 voice cast for “Scarlet” includes Mana Ashida, Masaki Okada, and Kôji Yakusho.
Producers on the film include Yuichiro Saito, Toshimi Tanio, and Nozomu Takahashi.
“Scarlet” hits select IMAX theaters on February 6, 2026, and opens nationwide on February 13. Watch a trailer for the anime film below.
