Mamoru Hosoda’s latest animated film Scarlet premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 4. The world premiere, held at the 1,032-seat Sala Grande, sold out in just 20 minutes. Featuring a bold narrative on revenge and forgiveness, the screening received a 10-minute standing ovation. A press conference held prior to the screening revealed Hosoda’s thematic intentions and creative challenges, with cast members Mana Ashida and Masaki Okada sharing insights into their roles.

Scarlet Draws Global Attention at Venice Premiere

Mamoru Hosoda’s Scarlet had its world premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, in the Out of Competition section. The screening took place at the Palazzo del Cinema’s Sala Grande, with all tickets selling out within 20 minutes.

Director Mamoru Hosoda walked the red carpet alongside voice actors Mana Ashida and Masaki Okada. Ashida wore a vivid blue one-shoulder dress, while Okada appeared in a black tuxedo with glittering details. Flashbulbs lit up the photo call, where the trio smiled and waved to the international press.

As the film began, the audience was immediately captivated. The visual style, which Hosoda described as a challenge, brought traditional Japanese animation into a strikingly dimensional space. Intricately detailed backgrounds, buildings, and clouds contributed to the film’s immersive visual experience.

Standing Ovation and Emotional Reactions Follow Screening

The film follows Princess Scarlet (voiced by Mana Ashida) on her journey through the land of the dead to face her sworn enemy, Claudius (voiced by Koji Yakusho). She is accompanied by Hijiri (voiced by Masaki Okada), a modern-day Japanese nurse. The emotional depth and powerful voice performances drew viewers deeply into the world.

As the credits rolled, applause and cheers broke out, building into a standing ovation that lasted over ten minutes. Hosoda expressed his joy: “I felt that the film truly reached everyone. Their applause conveyed that to me, and it made me very happy.”

Ashida said, “It was so much fun to watch the film together with everyone in the same moment. Seeing everyone’s smiles and applause afterward made me really happy.” Okada added, “The atmosphere was filled with happiness. I could directly feel the audience’s connection to the film. It was an unforgettable experience.”

Director Hosoda Discusses Themes of Revenge and Forgiveness

At the pre-screening press conference, Hosoda explained the motivation behind the film: “I wanted to create a revenge story, as I believe people around the world are drawn to that theme. But I also wanted to add forgiveness to make something different.” He emphasized that Scarlet addresses the question, “What do we live for?”

He shared that one of the biggest challenges was crafting the relationship between Scarlet and Hijiri. “One is a princess, the other a nurse. I focused on their contrast to make both characters appealing,” he said. Regarding Scarlet’s character, he noted: “She’s not the kind of princess who is protected by a prince. She forges her own path.”

Touching on the global message of the film, Hosoda stated, “There are many children in pain around the world right now. As a parent and an adult in society, I want them not to lose hope. I hope this film helps create a more hopeful world.”

Cast Share Insights into Their Roles and Inspirations

Ashida explained how she prepared for her role as a medieval princess: “I wondered how to portray her sense of duty and mindset. I studied works about Joan of Arc and Elizabeth I to shape my performance.”

Okada noted his prior experience with Shakespearean roles and portraying nurses: “The role of Hijiri felt like it was already part of me. I focused on his feelings toward Scarlet and the importance of time shared between them.”

Reflecting on the press conference, Hosoda said, “The journalists asked passionate, thoughtful questions. I was moved to hear Ashida and Okada speak so well as Scarlet and Hijiri.” Ashida added, “I was a little nervous, but I learned a lot listening to the director’s words.” Okada concluded, “The love and curiosity from the press was clear. It was a truly meaningful time.”

Source : ORICON NEWS