What Is Scarlet About?
The premise of Scarlet in 278 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a shattered 16th‑century Denmark, the kingdom trembles under the weight of endless conflict. Noble houses clash, cities groan beneath famine, and the very air feels heavy with the echo of old songs about honor and betrayal. The world is painted in muted stone and blood‑red sunsets, where every corridor of a palace might hide a whispered conspiracy and every battlefield offers a chance for fleeting glory.
Scarlet, the king’s only daughter, has been raised among silk and ceremony, yet the loss of her father drives her to the clang of steel. Trained in the art of swordplay, she moves through the court and the ruins with a quiet ferocity, her heart a battlefield of grief and a burning promise of vengeance. The film follows her as she steps beyond the gilded walls, confronting hostile forces that test both her skill and the resolve that fuels her quest.
Across the veil of time, Hijiri appears—a young man whose origins lie far from the soot‑stained streets of medieval Denmark. His modern compassion and unguarded optimism cut through the prevailing darkness, offering a stark contrast to the princess’s hardened purpose. Their unlikely companionship becomes a subtle counterpoint, suggesting that hope can arise even in the most desolate of landscapes.
The tone balances grim realism with a mythic undercurrent, weaving sword‑clashing action with moments of quiet reflection. As Scarlet traverses war‑torn roads and forgotten ruins, the story hints at deeper questions about forgiveness, identity, and the possibility of a future untethered from vengeance. The world feels both ancient and strangely timeless, inviting the audience to wonder whether a single spark of empathy can reshape a kingdom drowning in its own shadows.
What Happens in Scarlet?
The complete story of Scarlet, from the first scene to the last, in 909 words (about 4 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 1 cast member page.
Spoilers ahead
Princess Scarlet, Mana Ashida, is pulled into a sprawling, Hamlet-inspired saga that blends a queenly Denmark with a perilous underworld and a present-day frame. In this world, Scarlet is the daughter of a beloved king, Amleth, whose rule is challenged by his ruthless brother, Claudius, who seeks not only the throne but the heart of Scarlet’s mother, the vain Gertrude. When Claudius believes Amleth betrayed the realm, he sentences him to death. Before the execution, Scarlet watches with horror as her father speaks his last words, though she cannot hear them; Claudius is crowned, and his rise sows fear and hunger across the land.
Scarlet refuses to let the trauma define her. She trains relentlessly in swordsmanship, driven by a fierce need for vengeance. At a critical ball, she confronts Claudius—a tense, swift exchange—only to be drawn into a ploy when wine is spiked to kill the king. As the night ends, Scarlet finds Claudius in the hall and, with a blade in hand, attempts to strike him down. But the drink reveals itself to have poisoned her instead, and she collapses as Claudius laughs. The vow for revenge burns bright, even as she slips into a perilous new realm of existence.
Scarlet awakens in the underworld, a liminal space where the living and the dead coexist. An ancient, enigmatic old woman explains that Amleth has become ash, a nothingness, while her uncle remains partly alive but not fully among the living. Fear and fury surge through Scarlet as she battles revenant knights who try to capture her for transport to the Infinite Land, a realm where the dead live anew. With armor and swords scavenged from fallen knights, Scarlet fights her way through, aided by the old woman’s guidance, and escapes into the night with the help of a fearless rescue.
In the present day, a paramedic named Hijiri—a man who has become disoriented by this strange world—encounters Scarlet and must be convinced that he is truly dead. Scarlet’s claim that he belongs to the underworld meets his stubborn disbelief, but as more soldiers close in, she shows her prowess in combat, fending them off until she and Hijiri cross paths with Cornelius, one of Amleth’s assassins. A pivotal moment comes when Hijiri retrieves a bow and arrow and uses a whistle to distract Cornelius, allowing Scarlet to wound him in the leg. Hijiri then becomes a reluctant ally, nursing Cornelius back to health and pressing Scarlet to reveal where her uncle might be headed—the Infinite Land.
Along the journey, an elderly caravan—robbed by bandits—crosses their path. Hijiri pleads for mercy, but danger escalates as a dark bolt of lightning disintegrates the caravan master, and a dragon-like presence haunts the skies. The pair are welcomed by the elderly travelers, who are charmed by Hijiri’s care and by Scarlet’s resolve. A moment of cultural bonding emerges when the pair share a dance—an intimate conversation with a god through movement rather than words. The elderly are grateful, but danger remains, as Voltemand and his allies threaten their progress. When Voltemand corners Hijiri and Scarlet, Claudius’s war drums echo through the clouds and the world around them seems to tilt toward the Infinite Land. Scarlet’s arm is wounded, yet she presses on, with Hijiri tending to her and steering them toward safety.
The pursuit intensifies as Voltemand and his soldiers collide with Scarlet’s band. Polonius, one of Amleth’s killers, and Laertes, another hunter of Scarlet, close in. The fight ends with Cornelius killing Polonius using a hidden sword, and Laertes falling to Voltemand’s gun, prevented from firing by Voltemand’s counterstrike. Cornered at the summit, Scarlet learns that Claudius has found a route to the Infinite Land via a celestial stairway, and she and Hijiri push forward with renewed urgency.
At the gates of the Infinite Land, Claudius confronts his own sins and is barred from entry. Scarlet, driven by anger and a desire for retribution, raises her blade again, but a higher moral voice interrupts—her father’s appeal to forgive. In that moment, Scarlet falters, hearing a spectral version of Amleth urging her to choose life over vengeance. The moment is charged with a haunting, ethereal vision of her father asking her to live a brighter future. The gate’s power sparks, and Claudius’s fate is sealed not by a single strike but by the dragon’s fury, which strikes him down as if the heavens themselves condemn him.
Hijiri and Scarlet reconcile their fates in the wake of the gate’s drama. The old woman returns to explain that only one of them can return to the world of the living. Scarlet pleads for Hijiri to come back, but she learns that Hijiri has already died in the present day, having been stabbed by Rosencrantz during a prior confrontation. In a tearful farewell, Scarlet offers Hijiri a final kiss as he disintegrates and she steps back into the living world.
Back in Denmark, Scarlet regains consciousness from the poison’s grip, an antidote restoring her. She learns that Claudius has died from the same poison she drank—a cruel mirror of fate. Gertrude mourns her husband and blames Scarlet for surviving, but Scarlet chooses a different path: she rises as Denmark’s new queen and pledges to build a future free from war, a realm of love and harmony. As she speaks to her people, Scarlet looks toward the sky with a quiet, hopeful smile, knowing that her life’s mission has shifted from revenge to peace.
Forgive
Scarlet Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
13 key events in the order they happen, from “Amleth's execution witnessed by Scarlet” to “Denmark awakens to a new era”. 13 events name a place, across 11 locations.
- 1
Amleth's execution witnessed by Scarlet
King Amleth is condemned by Claudius and executed in Denmark. Scarlet watches in horror as her father speaks his last words, which she cannot hear. The event seeds her hunger for revenge and foreshadows the kingdom's growing peril.
When:16th century Where:Castle courtyard, Denmark
- 2
Claudius is crowned
Claudius is crowned king after Amleth's death, bringing a reign of fear to the realm. The people tremble as his orders spread hunger and oppression. This crown marks a turning point that fuels Scarlet's resolve to seek justice for her father.
When:16th century Where:Castle throne room, Denmark
- 3
Scarlet trains for vengeance
Scarlet trains relentlessly, sharpening her swordplay and combat skills. She dedicates herself to becoming a warrior who can challenge the king who wronged her family. The preparation becomes the foundation of her future confrontation.
When:16th century Where:Castle training grounds, Denmark
- 4
Ball confrontation and poisoned wine
During a royal ball, Scarlet meets Claudius in a tense exchange. One wine glass is poisoned as part of a plot to kill the king. Scarlet attempts to stab Claudius, but she collapses from the poison and vows revenge.
When:16th century Where:Royal ball, Danish palace
- 5
Scarlet enters the underworld
Scarlet awakens in the underworld, a liminal realm where the living and dead mingle. An old woman explains that Amleth is gone to nothingness, while her uncle remains nearby, though not fully turned to nothingness. She escapes the thralls of the dead and begins arming herself to pursue vengeance in this strange afterlife.
When:Unknown Where:Underworld
- 6
Hijiri from the present day appears
A present-day paramedic named Hijiri appears in the underworld and denies being dead, creating a surreal meeting with Scarlet. They fight off attackers as Cornelius presses the assault, and Hijiri uses a bow to distract Cornelius, allowing Scarlet to stab him in the leg.
When:Unknown Where:Underworld
- 7
Caravan attack and dragon sighting
Hijiri nurses Cornelius back to health, and Scarlet questions him about her missing uncle. They press onward toward the Infinite Land with a caravan of elderly souls they encounter along the way. A dark bolt disintegrates the caravan's leader, and a dragon-like creature circles the night sky.
When:Unknown Where:Road toward Infinite Land, underworld
- 8
Voltimand and the last word
The elderly souls thank them, and Hijiri and Scarlet confront Voltimand, who and his men clash with them. Voltimand reveals that Amleth's last word was 'Forgive,' a clue that unsettles Scarlet. They spare Voltimand and press onward toward the gate to the Infinite Land.
When:Unknown Where:Near the road, underworld
- 9
Claudius summons war and the quest to the Infinite Land
Claudius begins arming for war, enlisting Polonius and Laertes to hunt Scarlet. Scarlet's mind drifts to dreams of her father and a coffin that seems empty, signaling a test of resolve before the ascent to the Infinite Land. The quest to reach the Infinite Land intensifies as living and dead forces converge.
When:16th century Where:Castle and road to Infinite Land
- 10
Top of the mountain: final clashes
On the mountain, Polonius and Laertes attack while Cornelius and Voltimand arrive to help. Polonius is killed by a hidden blade and Laertes dies when Voltimand detonates his gun, blocked by a blast. Cornelius informs Scarlet that Claudius waits inside the Infinite Land gate.
When:16th century Where:Mountain pass, near Infinite Land gate
Show the other 3 events of Scarlet Hide the last 3 events
- 11
The gate of the Infinite Land
At the gates of the Infinite Land, Claudius pleads to be allowed entry, but his sins block the way. Scarlet, inspired by Amleth's spirit, cannot fully forgive him and struggles with revenge. A dragon's lightning blast kills Claudius, and Amleth's spirit urges Scarlet to choose a peaceful future.
When:16th century Where:Gates of the Infinite Land
- 12
Hijiri's fate and Scarlet's return to life
The old woman declares only one life may return to the living. Hijiri reveals that he must return to the present day and has been mortally wounded after being stabbed by Rosencrantz. Scarlet pleads for a swap, but the old woman refuses; Hijiri disintegrates as Scarlet is brought back to the living.
When:Unknown Where:Underworld
- 13
Denmark awakens to a new era
Back in Denmark, Scarlet awakens from a poison-induced coma and learns Claudius has already died from the same poison she drank. Gertrude mourns, and Scarlet becomes the new Queen, vowing to build a war-free future filled with love and harmony for her people.
When:16th century Where:Denmark, castle
Who Are the Main Characters in Scarlet?
16 characters, among them Scarlet (Mana Ashida), Hijiri (Masaki Okada) and Claudius (Kôji Yakusho): who each one is and the part they play in the story. 15 of them link to the actor’s page.
- S(
Scarlet (Mana Ashida)
Played by Mana Ashida
A 16th-century Danish princess trained in swordsmanship who vows revenge for her father's murder by her uncle Claudius. Her fierce discipline gives way to inner conflict as she confronts the costs of vengeance and the possibility of forgiveness. Her journey crosses realms—from court intrigues to the underworld and beyond—shaping her into a leader who seeks a war-free future.
- 👑 Princess
- ⚔️ Warrior
- 🗡️ Revenge
- 🧭 Journey
-
Hijiri (Masaki Okada)
Played by Masaki Okada
A present-day paramedic who becomes a reluctant guide to Scarlet in the underworld. He assists Scarlet, helps her fight, and sustains a bond that bridges the living and dead realms. He is eventually killed, his death becoming a catalyst for Scarlet's final choice.
- 🩺 Paramedic
- 🧭 Guide
- 🪄 Otherworldly
- 🕊️ Sacrifice
-
Claudius (Kôji Yakusho)
Played by Kôji Yakusho
King of Denmark, schemer behind Amleth's execution; poisoner of Scarlet's wine and ultimate source of tragedy. His ambition drives a brutal campaign to seize power and control the realm. He seeks forgiveness only to the end but meets a fate in the Infinite Land.
- 👑 King
- 🗡️ Manipulator
- 💣 Poison
- ⚔️ Power
- A(
Amleth (King)
Scarlet's father, a benevolent king whose last words catalyze the quest for vengeance. His murder by Claudius triggers the tragedy; his spirit accompanies Scarlet at times, urging restraint and forgiveness.
- 👑 King
- 🕊️ Legacy
-
Cornelius (Yutaka Matsushige)
Played by Yutaka Matsushige
One of Amleth's assassins who battles Scarlet and provides crucial information about the last word of Amleth. He is wounded during confrontations but continues the journey with Scarlet.
- 🗡️ Assassin
- 🗺️ Informant
- ⚔️ Rival
- V(
Voltimand (Kotaro Yoshida)
Played by Kôtarô Yoshida
A killer turned ally; he and his men pursue Scarlet, but he shows moments of mercy. He reveals the last word of Amleth and helps Scarlet on the quest, illustrating the complexity of forgiveness.
- ⚔️ Warrior
- 🧭 Ally
- 🪄 Forgiveness
- P(
Polonius (Kazuhiro Yamaji)
Played by Kazuhiro Yamaji
One of Amleth's killers; fights Scarlet and is ultimately slain by Cornelius, marking a turn in the battlefield dynamics.
- 🗡️ Assassin
- 🛡️ Rival
- 💥 Showdown
-
Laertes (Tokio Emoto)
Played by Tokio Emoto
A fierce opponent allied with Polonius; he clashes with Scarlet’s group and is killed when Voltimand disrupts his plan.
- ⚔️ Opponent
- 💥 Noble
- 🗡️ Rival
- G(
Gertrude (Yuki Sait)
Played by Yuki Saitô
Scarlet's mother, queen of Denmark. Her grief and vanity mirror the moral decay around Claudius's rule and the tragedy that unfolds.
- 👑 Queen
- 🧭 Maternal
- 💔 Grief
-
Guildenstern (Shta-sometani)
Played by Shôta Sometani
An assassin aligned with Claudius who hunts Scarlet and abducts civilians as leverage. He is a persistent threat throughout the ascent toward the Infinite Land.
- 🗡️ Assassin
- 🔎 Hunter
- R(
Rosencrantz (Munetaka Aoki)
Played by Munetaka Aoki
An accomplice to Claudius who pursues Scarlet and is confronted by Hijiri; his fate unfolds in the midst of the battle for the throne.
- 🗡️ Assassin
- 🕵️♂️ Ally
-
Gravedigger #1 (Mamoru Miyano)
Played by Mamoru Miyano
One of the fate-weaving figures who appears in the underworld; part of the liminal world Scarlet traverses.
- 🪦 Gravedigger
- 🗝️ Mystery
-
Gravedigger #2 (Kenjirô Tsuda)
Played by Kenjirô Tsuda
Another underworld figure at the threshold between life and death during Scarlet's journey.
- 🪦 Gravedigger
- 🗝️ Mystery
- MO
Mysterious Old Woman (Kayoko Shiraishi)
Played by Kayoko Shiraishi
A guide in the underworld who explains Amleth's fate, reveals the near presence of Scarlet's uncle, and offers guidance on who may return to the living.
- 🧭 Guide
- 🕯️ Oracle
- CL
Caravan Leader (Michio Hazama)
Played by Michio Hazama
Leads a caravan of elderly souls and interacts with Scarlet and Hijiri during their voyage through the afterlife's landscapes.
- 🚐 Leader
- 🧭 Guide
- G(
Girl (Noa Shiroyama)
Played by Noa Shiroyama
A young girl linked to Scarlet through visions and as a hostage in the turmoil, highlighting the collateral impact of the conflict.
- 👧 Child
- 🧭 Hostage
Where and When Is Scarlet Set?
Scarlet is set in Denmark, Underworld, Infinite Land and Shibuya (Tokyo) (16th century Denmark; present-day Tokyo). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
16th century Denmark; present-day Tokyo
The action largely unfolds in 16th-century Denmark, a courtly world of betrayal and kingship. Interwoven are present-day sequences in Tokyo and mythic afterlife realms, creating a bridge between past and modern myth.
Where
Denmark, Underworld, Infinite Land, Shibuya (Tokyo)
Denmark in the 16th century is the primary setting, a kingdom shadowed by treachery and a profiled king. The underworld frays with the living and dead, a liminal space where Scarlet hunts. The Infinite Land appears as a celestial realm accessed through magical gates. Shibuya, Tokyo, surfaces in Scarlet's visions of a future, linking past and present.
- 🇩🇰 Denmark
- 🕳 Underworld
- 🌌 Infinite Land
- 🗼 Shibuya
What Are the Themes of Scarlet?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Revenge, Death and Otherworlds.
-
01
Revenge
Scarlet's arc begins with a burning desire for vengeance after her father's murder and her mother's complicity. The plan to kill Claudius propels her through battles, poison, and political machinations. At key moments, visions of her father and calls for forgiveness shift her toward a future where revenge is no longer the only answer.
-
02
Death
Death dominates the narrative, as Scarlet moves between the underworld and the living world, confronting mortality and guilt. Hijiri's unexpected demise reinforces that life and death are intertwined rather than discrete. The dragon-like omens and the choice to forgive frame death as a doorway to growth rather than finality.
-
03
Otherworlds
Mythic realms structure the plot: the underworld, the Infinite Land, and celestial gates that test Scarlet's resolve. The living and dead navigate a shared cosmos that blurs moral boundaries, forcing protagonists to confront their choices. Forgiveness and mercy become lit paths that can outshine vengeance across worlds.
What Kind of Film Is Scarlet?
Dark in tone, with fast pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A dark, high-stakes fantasy epic driven by a princess's vengeful quest through a war-torn afterlife, balancing intense action and spiritual themes of grief and forgiveness.
- vengeful
- melancholic
- hopeful
- atmospheric
- grieving
- epic
- revenge
- forgiveness
- grief and loss
- afterlife
Content notes: murder, poisoning, war violence, child endangerment, parental death, grief.
Quiz
How well do you remember Scarlet? Test yourself on the story.
