One Shot: In ‘Scarlet,’ another answer to the eternal question, ‘To be or not to be?’

Key Takeaways:

• Mamoru Hosoda directs “Scarlet,” inspired by Hamlet’s famous line.
• The film updates the soliloquy for modern audiences.
• “Scarlet” showcases how animation transforms a classic play.
• The project blends Shakespearean themes with present-day storytelling.
• This story was first covered by Los Angeles Times on November 19, 2025.

The New Age of Shakespeare
Filmmaker Mamoru Hosoda’s “Scarlet” draws its essence from Hamlet’s iconic question, “To be or not to be?” Instead of relying on the stage, “Scarlet” uses animation to ask why this existential puzzle endures and how it resonates with modern viewers.

Mamoru Hosoda’s Vision
Throughout the production, Hosoda sought to connect Shakespeare’s classic dilemma with contemporary life. In “Scarlet,” he presents characters and settings that reflect how far our world has come since the days of Elizabethan drama—and how certain questions about existence remain the same.

Animation and Existential Questions
“Scarlet” highlights animation as a powerful lens through which to revisit age-old themes. The flexibility of the animated medium allows Hosoda to dramatize internal conflicts and outward expressions of doubt in visually evocative ways. By mirroring Hamlet’s turmoil, the film underscores the timelessness of confronting one’s own choices.

Bridging Classic and Modern
By weaving a Shakespearean motif into a 21st-century art form, Hosoda demonstrates how even the most venerable plays can be adapted to resonate with younger audiences. The film’s updated take on “To be or not to be?” serves as a testament to how timeless literature can inspire a renewed sense of wonder in any era.