After failing to avenge her father's murder, Princess Scarlet, wakes up in the "Land of the Dead." In this world filled with madness, if she does not achieve her revenge against her nemesis and reach the "No End Place," she will become "Void" and cease to exist. Can Scarlet find a way to live at the end of her endless journey?
Critics' Reviews
50
Inspired but overwrought, “Scarlet,” an anime adaptation of Shakespeare's Hamlet, begins with stunning style before falling off a major cliff. The film explores a gender-switched version of the classic tale with a time-twisting wrinkle that alters the source material, and despite its regal imagery and intriguing setup, it struggles with narrative momentum and emotional depth, ultimately offering a hollow epicness in lieu of a fully realized story.
Full Cast of Scarlet
Koji Yakusho
Claudius (voice)
In the movie 'Scarlet,' Koji Yakusho delivers a nuanced performance that adds depth to the film's emotional landscape. Known for his versatility and ability to portray complex characters, Yakusho’s role in 'Scarlet' showcases a more restrained and introspective side of his acting, contrasting with some of his earlier, more intense roles such as in '
Shall We Dance?' or '
Babel.' This performance stands out because it allows him to explore subtle emotional expressions and a quiet strength, demonstrating his evolution as an actor. It fits well into his overall career by highlighting his continuous commitment to diverse roles that challenge the conventional boundaries of leading characters in Japanese cinema.
Mamoru Miyano
Gravedigger 1 (voice)
Mamoru Miyano's voice performance as Gravedigger 1 in the movie 'Scarlet' showcases his ability to bring depth and nuance even to supporting roles. Unlike his leading roles where his characters often have dynamic and emotionally complex arcs, such as Light Yagami in '
Death Note' or Rintarou Okabe in '
Steins;Gate,' his portrayal of Gravedigger 1 is more understated yet crucial in setting the film's tense atmosphere. A trivia fact: Mamoru Miyano is not only a talented voice actor but also a successful singer, and his single "EXCITING!" topped the Oricon charts, highlighting his versatility in the entertainment industry.
Kazuhiro Yamaji
Polonius (voice)
Fans of Kazuhiro Yamaji will appreciate his role in 'Scarlet' for the nuanced depth he brings to the character, showcasing his ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety—a trait that made his iconic performance as the voice of Takeshi Natsuno in 'Tokyo Godfathers' so memorable. Unlike his previous roles that often center on intense drama, in 'Scarlet,' Yamaji explores a more subdued and heartfelt portrayal, adding layers to a character that might initially seem reserved. An interesting detail about his casting in 'Scarlet' is that Yamaji was chosen specifically for his unique vocal tone, which the director felt could perfectly capture the internal struggle and resilience of the character, enhancing the film's emotional impact.
Shirou Saitou
(voice)
In the movie 'Scarlet,' Shirou Saitou delivers a compelling voice performance that captures the nuanced emotions of his character with remarkable depth and authenticity, setting it apart from his previous roles known for their lighter, more comedic tones. His ability to convey complex psychological states through subtle vocal inflections demonstrates his versatility and growth as a voice actor. A fun trivia fact is that Shirou Saitou drew inspiration from classic noir films to shape his character's voice in 'Scarlet,' bringing a distinctive stylistic edge to the role.
Kenjiro Tsuda
Gravedigger 2 (voice)
Fans of
Kenjiro Tsuda will appreciate his role in the movie 'Scarlet' for his signature deep, commanding voice and his ability to inject complex emotions into his characters. Compared to his most iconic performance as Hannes in '
Attack on Titan,' where he portrayed a gritty and determined soldier, his character in 'Scarlet' offers a more nuanced and psychologically layered persona, showcasing Tsuda's versatility. An interesting detail about his casting in 'Scarlet' is that Tsuda specifically requested to explore darker, more introspective roles, and the filmmakers wrote additional scenes to accommodate his vision, making his performance particularly personal and distinct.
Toshio Furukawa
Innkeeper (voice)
Fans of Toshio Furukawa will appreciate his role in 'Scarlet' as it showcases his versatile voice acting skills, delivering a nuanced performance that captures the emotional depth of his character. Compared to his most iconic role as Piccolo in '
Dragon Ball,' where he portrayed a strong, stoic warrior, his character in 'Scarlet' offers a more introspective and layered personality, highlighting his range beyond action-packed roles. An interesting detail is that Furukawa was cast in 'Scarlet' due to his ability to convey subtle emotional shifts, and he even contributed to the character's development by suggesting specific vocal inflections that added complexity to the role.