Mamoru Hosoda Moves from Venice to Toronto with Scarlet, Resonates with Diverse Audience Reactions

Mamoru Hosoda’s latest film The Scarlet was officially screened on September 10 (local time) in the Special Presentations section at the ongoing 50th Toronto International Film Festival in Canada. This marks Hosoda’s second participation in the festival, following The Boy and the Beast in 2015.

At the Royal Alexandra Theatre (1,148 seats), the screening attracted an enthusiastic crowd who cheered and applauded as the host introduced Hosoda’s past works. Before the film, Hosoda greeted the audience, describing the story as “a film about a woman who discovers the meaning of life in a place where life and death intertwine,” receiving warm applause.

Captivating Voices and Visuals

Featuring stellar performances by Mana Ashida (Scarlet), Masaki Okada (Sei), and Koji Yakusho (Claudius), the voice acting and detailed visual artistry moved the audience. During the climax, audible sobs filled the theater, and the applause after the end credits lasted for several minutes.

A Modern Interpretation of Hamlet”

In the post-screening Q&A, Hosoda revealed that the project stemmed from exploring how cycles of revenge might end, using Hamlet as its foundation. He explained, “I wondered what kind of interpretation would be possible if Hamlet were told in today’s world—what if Hamlet had made a different choice?”

Hosoda noted that almost all the voice actors had experience performing in Shakespeare plays or Hamlet, with the exception of lead actress Mana Ashida. “The acting is strongly tied to Hamlet as well,” he emphasized.

Messages of Peace and Reflection

Addressing the film’s deeper message, Hosoda reflected, “In a world where wars and revenge still occur, how can we break this cycle? Everyone desires peace, yet conflicts continue. This is a theme Hamlet also embodies. From 400 years ago to now, how has humanity changed? I want us to think about it together.”

Coming directly from the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, Hosoda shared how he felt interpretations varied across regions: “It’s fascinating to see how perspectives expand. Some focus on ‘revenge and forgiveness,’ while others highlight the innovation of animation. Hearing these diverse views is refreshing and enlightening.”

A Film That Reflects Today’s World

One audience member remarked that the film represents today’s society and carries great importance for our time. Hosoda reflected, “I intended to depict a universal question of how to escape the cycle of revenge, but knowing it resonates with what people around the world are deeply worried about makes me truly moved.”

Source : ORICON NEWS