01Theme of Revenge × Forgiveness × Life
Scarlet is a princess who swears revenge against her father's enemy (uncle Claudius). However, the story doesn't stop at simple revenge drama—it deeply questions "breaking the chain of revenge" and "the choice to forgive." A message for our modern world of endless conflict ⚔️
02The Fantasy World Called Land of the Dead
The story takes place in the "Land of the Dead." A mad world where people spend their days in plunder and violence, where the powerless and wounded become "void" and cease to exist. A grand worldview depicting spiritual ascension, conscious of "Divine Comedy's" structure of Hell → Purgatory → Heaven 🌫️
03Encounter Across Time and Space with a Modern Person
Traveling with Scarlet is Hijiri, a nurse from modern-day Japan. The contrast between him—who doesn't desire battle and finds purpose in saving people—is the story's core. The meeting between one who saves lives and one prepared to take lives gradually melts Scarlet's heart 💫
04Ultra-Luxurious Cast
Ultra-luxurious cast with Mana Ashida as Scarlet, Masao Okada as Hijiri, and Koji Yakusho as Claudius. Additionally, talented actors and voice actors like Masachika Ichimura, Kotaro Yoshida, Yuki Saito, Yutaka Matsushige, Mamoru Miyano, and Kenjiro Tsuda assembled. Pay attention to the powerful performances recorded using pre-score method 🎭
05Innovative Visual Expression
Challenging new visual expression that's neither conventional 2D nor 3D. With 4.5 years of production and 270 CG staff deployed, pursuing technology to express facial details considered difficult in animation. Overwhelmed by the delicate visual beauty that Director Hosoda calls "if not impossible, extremely difficult" 🎨
06Conquered World's Three Major Film Festivals
World premiere screening at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival (Out of Competition section). Also selected for Toronto International Film Festival and New York Film Festival—Director Hosoda has conquered the world's three major film festivals following Berlin and Cannes. A trending work that the world is watching 🏆
07Why Is Scarlet in the "Land of the Dead"?
Scarlet awakens in the Land of the Dead after failing her revenge. In this world where those with stronger regrets (vengefulness) can exist more powerfully, she may be maintaining her existence through the obsession of revenge. The Land of the Dead is a world of those harboring "unforgivable feelings" 🗡️
08Why Hijiri Came from "Modern Japan"
The reason nurse Hijiri wanders into another world relates to his essence as "someone who saves lives." Functioning as contrast to Scarlet's "readiness to take life," perhaps Hijiri's regret over lives he couldn't save in the real world opened the "door" to the Land of the Dead 💫
09Claudius (Uncle) Is Not Simple Evil
Claudius played by Koji Yakusho is depicted as a cruel and heartless king, yet contains nuance that he's not a simple villain. There may have been some justice in his reason for overthrowing the king. The conflict of "is the target of revenge truly evil?" adds depth to the story 👁️
10Meaning of the "Void" Phenomenon
In the Land of the Dead, there's a phenomenon where "existence becomes void." A worldview where those who can't forgive themselves, have great regret, or can't feel the value of living "fade away like mist." Someone will likely face a "crisis of disappearing" in the story's final act, making Scarlet's choice crucial 💨
11Musical Scene and Dream Shibuya
In the trending musical scene, Scarlet dances with Hijiri in future Shibuya in a dream. Many audience members were moved by Scarlet dancing in a sparkling world opposite to the dark Land of the Dead ✨🌈
12Existence of the Giant Dragon
The giant dragon drifting in thunderclouds, impressive even in the trailer. A rare element in Hosoda works—various interpretations possible: guardian of the Land of the Dead, embodiment of Scarlet's "sin," or connected to the truth about her father's death. A highlight along with grand battle scenes 🐉
13Hijiri (CV: Masao Okada)
A kindhearted nurse who came to the "Land of the Dead" from modern Japan. An idealist who doesn't desire battle and extends a helping hand without expecting anything in return. Becomes a "sheath" for revenge-burning Scarlet, gradually melting her cold heart 🌿
14Claudius (CV: Koji Yakusho)
Scarlet's uncle. A cruel and heartless king who sought power, executed his brother King Amlet, and seized the throne. Holds a dominant position even in the Land of the Dead and targets Scarlet's life. Koji Yakusho, appearing in 4 consecutive Hosoda works, delivers a powerful performance 👑
15Amlet (CV: Masachika Ichimura)
Scarlet's father, a kindhearted king. Framed by Claudius and executed. Plays an important role in flashback scenes—his past and truth hold the key to the story 👤
16Gertrude (CV: Yuki Saito)
Scarlet's mother. Gives up on her weak-willed husband Amlet and participates in ambitious Claudius's conspiracy. A character symbolizing complex family relationships 👸
17Other Luxurious Cast
Voltimand: Kotaro Yoshida
Cornelius: Yutaka Matsushige
Polonius: Kazuhiro Yamaji
Laertes: Tokio Emoto
Rosencrantz: Munetaka Aoki
Guildenstern: Shota Sometani
Girl: Noa Shiroyama
Old Woman: Kayoko Shiraishi
Gravediggers: Mamoru Miyano, Kenjiro Tsuda
Elder Chief: Michio Hazama
Inn Owner: Toshio Furukawa
Talented actors and voice actors assembled 🎭
18Director, Screenplay, Original
Mamoru Hosoda
His 7th theatrical feature-length anime following "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time," "Summer Wars," "Wolf Children," "The Boy and the Beast," "Mirai," and "Belle" 🎬
19Production & Planning
Studio Chizu
Joint production by Studio Chizu LLP, Nippon Television Network, and Sony Pictures Entertainment. A major work with 4.5 years of production and 270 CG staff deployed 🎨
20Music
Taisei Iwasaki
Composer who was also highly praised for previous work "Belle." Lute performance and supervision by Mikiya Kaisho, a world-class early music performer 🎵
