Review: Scarlet

There are many modern feminist adaptations of classic Shakespeare plays. One such movie is Rosaline, a comedic retelling of Romeo and Juliet from the perspective of Juliet's jilted cousin from 2022. In 2018, Ophelia, a more serious take on Hamlet, unveiled the perspective of Hamlet's ill-fated lover. Now, the concept of rewriting Shakespeare is taking over the Eastern world with the anime movie, Scarlet. This film is a creative and original feminist take on Hamlet, in which the titular character is gender-bent into a vengeful princess who traipses through the underworld in search of her wicked uncle.

After witnessing her father's execution, Princess Scarlet is poisoned before she has the opportunity to enact her revenge. She wakes up in the underworld, where she undergoes a transformation into a warrior princess and searches tirelessly for the undead spirits of her father and uncle. She encounters Hijiri, a paramedic from the modern world, who helps her see beyond her desire for revenge and teaches her the meaning of kindness. Scarlet must struggle with the harshness of reality even in the afterlife, as her uncle continues his tyrannical manipulation of its many undead citizens. She must learn the meaning of forgiveness and accept that sometimes in life, there is no perfect solution.

In addition to boasting a creative and fresh take on an old classic, this film also features beautiful animation that seamlessly blends hand-drawn anime with modern CGI, creating the appearance of moving watercolor paintings, similar to what Disney wanted to achieve with Wish. The pink-haired heroine has a look that is reminiscent of classic anime while taking advantage of technological advancements, from the floral details on her dress to the advanced shading techniques on her hair and accessories. Scarlet blends multiple settings and time periods, from the lavish Elizabethan era to the gritty underworld to the advanced modern era, to create a dream-like experience, especially when watching it in IMAX.

This movie does a lovely job of blending modern feminist culture with the feminine aesthetic that has been all but lost in the Western world. Scarlet is placed in an impossible situation, where she is forced to become a warrior and fight, even if it goes against her nature. Her bittersweet romance with Hijiri was a nice touch that helped carry her story to its climax. She even gives herself the famous sword haircut, which has become a staple of princess characters turning into warriors. This movie is a breath of fresh air in a time when women are expected to always be strong and never show signs of vulnerability.

Scarlet is a visually stunning and thought-provoking feminist retelling of Hamlet, blending traditional anime with modern themes and aesthetics. The film's unique blend of settings and time periods creates a dreamlike atmosphere, while Princess Scarlet's journey offers a nuanced exploration of strength, vulnerability, and forgiveness. If you are looking for something fresh and original to watch in theaters with elements of older classics, this movie is for you.