Toronto, ON – The 50th annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) announced on Monday that it will host the North American premiere of Scarlet, the highly anticipated new anime feature from acclaimed director Mamoru Hosoda and Studio Chizu. The film, known in Japan as Hateshi naki Scarlet (literally “Scarlet Without Limits”), will be presented as a Special Presentation during the festival, which runs from September 4-14.
A New Vision from the Creator of “Belle” and “Mirai”
Mamoru Hosoda, an Academy Award nominee known for his critically celebrated works such as Belle, Mirai, Wolf Children, and Summer Wars, returns with a fantastical and emotionally charged narrative. Scarlet promises to continue Hosoda’s tradition of blending intricate storytelling with breathtaking animation, pushing the boundaries of what anime can achieve. The addition of Scarlet to the TIFF lineup further solidifies the festival’s reputation as a key platform for international cinema, particularly showcasing diverse and compelling animated features.
Delving into the Plot of “Scarlet”
The narrative of Scarlet centers on a strong princess named Scarlet, who embarks on a perilous journey across space-time to avenge her father, the king, who was brutally murdered. Her initial attempt at vengeance fails, leading her to awaken in a mysterious and perilous realm known as “The Land of the Dead,” a place described as brimming with madness. Within this unfulfilled land, those who fail to exact revenge on their nemeses risk becoming “nothing” and disappearing entirely. The film will follow Scarlet’s boundless quest for vengeance, exploring themes of grief, determination, and identity in the face of insurmountable odds.
The film’s intricate plot draws inspiration from classic literature, as many characters within Scarlet share names with figures from William Shakespeare’s tragedy Hamlet. This suggests a deeper exploration of themes such as revenge, madness, and the complexities of human nature, viewed through Hosoda’s unique lens.
Star-Studded Voice Cast Revealed
Studio Chizu has assembled a talented Japanese voice cast to bring the characters of Scarlet to life. Mana Ashida takes on the titular role of Princess Scarlet, while Masaki Okada voices Hijiri, a nurse from modern Japan. The ensemble cast also includes veteran actors such as Kōji Yakusho as Claudius, Kōtarō Yoshida as Voltemand, and Yutaka Matsushige as Cornelius, among others.
The full list of announced cast members includes:
- Mana Ashida as Princess Scarlet
- Masaki Okada as Hijiri
- Yutaka Matsushige as Cornelius
- Kōtarō Yoshida as Voltemand
- Kōji Yakusho as Claudius
- Masachika Ichimura as Amulet (Scarlet’s father)
- Yuki Saitō as Gertrude (Scarlet’s mother)
- Shōta Sometani as Guildenstern
- Munetaka Aoki as Rosencrantz
- Kazuhiro Yamaji as Polonius
- Tokio Emoto as Laertes
- Kayoko Shiraishi as a mysterious old woman
- Noa Shiroyama as a girl Scarlet encounters in “The Land of the Dead”
Anticipated Release Dates
Following its North American premiere at TIFF, Scarlet is slated for its theatrical debut in Japan on November 21. U.S. audiences can look forward to the film’s release in theaters starting December 12. The announcement of its inclusion in TIFF’s Special Presentation category highlights the film’s significance and the anticipation surrounding its global release.
TIFF will announce its full schedule on August 12, providing details on screening times and ticketing information for Scarlet and other featured films.
