reality

Currently nominated for multiple Oscars, Chloé Zhao’s “Hamnet” traces how the immeasurable sorrow of losing a child fueled William Shakespeare to write “Hamlet” as a literary effigy to loss. That revered text, which has inspired countless adaptations (“The Lion King” among them), takes on a new form in the hands of Japanese animation master Mamoru Hosoda for his latest fantastical epic, “Scarlet.”

In a career of animated features with thematic heft and deep emotional impact, “Scarlet” may be the director’s most sobering and intense effort to date, not only given the severity of the violence on display, but because it advocates for the sometimes-impossible task of forgiving one’s foes, even when they show no remorse. Here, what’s at stake is one’s very soul. What remains is Hosoda’s investment in parent-child relationships, a recurring subject for him, always explored with compassion for both parties: the child in need of guidance and the parent struggling to be a beacon.

Gender-swapping the play, Hosoda once again centers a heroine (he seems to prefer female protagonists). The 16th century eponymous Danish princess (voiced by Mana Ashida) loses her father, King Amleth (Masachika Ichimura), to a gruesome betrayal. Her unscrupulous, power-hungry uncle Claudius (Kôji Yakusho) murders his own brother to become king. But in his final moments, as Scarlet watches, Amleth pleads a request she cannot hear. Avenging her fallen father — and finding out what he asked for before dying — becomes the young woman’s sole purpose going forward. Rage consumes her.

Hosoda’s body of work consists almost exclusively of movies that take place on two distinct planes, whether those be reality and a digital world (“Summer Wars,” “Belle”) or reality and a magical realm (“Mirai,” “The Boy and the Beast”). “Scarlet” is no different in that regard.

This time, however, he explores an afterlife with its own set of rules. Sensing Scarlet’s resolve to destroy him, Claudius poisons her. Scarlet wakes up in the Otherworld, an endless, arid landscape with an ocean for sky where a dragon roams. The deceased from the past and the present convene here. That’s how Scarlet and Hijiri (Masaki Okada), a paramedic from our present who refuses to believe he’s died, can exist in the same timeline. This purgatory essentially mirrors life: There’s conflict and suffering and if you die again here, you vanish into darkness forever. The goal is to ascend to the Infinite Land, a stand-in for heaven. But Scarlet cares not for eternal peace. She learns that Claudius is here and embarks on a trek to find him and kill him for good.

Hosoda doesn’t dwell on the differences between Scarlet and Hijiri’s realities back in the land of living. Instead, he zeroes in on their clashing worldviews. While Scarlet doesn’t think twice about slaughtering anyone who gets in her way, Hijiri protects life at all costs, so much that one can understand Scarlet’s frustration with him. After a brutal fight, for example, Hijiri bandages her enemies’ wounds with as much care as he does hers.

Multiple battles with Claudius’ henchmen pepper Scarlet and Hijiri’s journey, as does an encounter with the United Nations of this place: a group of wandering nomads from around the world who’ve come together for companionship. Even after death, Hosoda suggests, all people truly hope for is a shoulder to cry on and someone to share their burdens with.

For “Scarlet,” Hosoda ventures into uncharted aesthetic territory. When the narrative is in the Otherworld, fans will immediately notice the look differs from his previous creations. And that’s because Hosoda has opted for photorealistic, computer-generated animation in those sections. The early scenes in Scarlet’s time period are conceived using the more traditional hand-drawn technique.

Still, the characters in the Otherworld, created in CGI, retain qualities of hand-drawn animation, making one hyperaware of the relationship between the figure’s movement and the environment. The mix of visual approaches shocks the eye at first, though it comes to seem fitting.

If probed too closely, Hosoda’s high-concept interpretation of life after death may raise more questions than it can answer (have all of history’s villains been killed in the Otherworld?). But despite any narrative quibbles, the movie deserves praise for its genuine call for compassion. Scarlet’s final encounter with Claudius radiates with the complicated poignancy expected of real, difficult catharsis.

Admittedly, the film’s resolution feels naïve. Scarlet’s good intentions to end wars by way of sheer determination to do what’s right might prove insubstantial in practice. In that regard, “Scarlet” is the prayer of a director who fervently wants to believe in kindness (even for those who don’t deserve it) as the one true road to healing. That’s a tall order these days, especially in this country, but it’s hard to fault Hosoda for the sincere reminder of what could be.

Princess Andre has shared that filming has wrapped on the second series of her ITV2 reality show The Princess Diaries, with the series expected to return in spring

Princess Andre has delivered a significant announcement regarding the future of her ITV2 reality programme. The 18-year-old followed in her famous parents’ footsteps by landing her own ITV series last summer.

The programme documented the teenager’s everyday life, though mum Katie Price was conspicuously missing after she was allegedly prohibited from appearing in any footage for the show. Dad Peter, however, featured prominently alongside her brother Junior.

Princess has now provided an exciting development on the programme, called The Princess Diaries, after it was confirmed for a second run following strong viewing figures.

The teenager has disclosed that production has concluded, with her final day on set taking place yesterday. She posted an image of the show’s clapperboard along with a backstage photograph of her recording her to-camera segments for the series.

Princess wrote: “Last day of filming.” The programme is anticipated to return to television screens during the spring months. Her announcement follows her parents releasing an unusual joint statement in which they detailed their commitment to cease making disparaging remarks about each other online.

Peter and Katie established a legal arrangement whereby both promised to end their public criticism of one another following numerous acrimonious public disputes – an uncommon ceasefire for the frequently feuding former couple.

The Sun learned that Katie had spent months declining Peter’s persistent efforts to broker peace. Sources suggest their children, Junior, 20, and Princess, 18, are the motivation behind her ultimate decision to accept her former husband’s An insider revealed: “Pete’s team have been begging Katie to end this for good for months.”

As far back as November, they were calling Katie and her family to try to end the row. “She was resolute, she wouldn’t make peace with him. It was the children who made her realise she needed to draw a line in the sand. Katie has done this for them.”

Taking to Instagram, they both posted: “Katie Price and Peter Andre have decided to close the door on the past and move forward into a new chapter with positivity and respect. We are both focused on creating a calm and supportive environment for our children.

“We have reached a mutual agreement, both legally and personally confirming that neither of us will speak negatively about the other going forward. This decision reflects a shared commitment to our family and stability.”

The statement continued: “We want to stand united for our children. We are hoping this is a start of a positive relationship. We ask for understanding and support from both the media and the public as we move ahead.”

The unusual move comes just after Katie exploded at her former husband on her weekly podcast, accusing him of keeping her away from their daughter Princess as she launched her own reality TV show and making her look like the ‘baddie’.

Peter hit back by saying he had tried to stay silent for ‘sixteen years’ to ignore ‘repeated lies from my ex-wife and her family’. “That ends today,” he fumed.

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The Grand Canyon is among the most famous natural wonders in the world. A woman who lives at the bottom of it in a remote village with her family has opened up on the reality of life there.

The Grand Canyon is as one of Earth’s most iconic natural wonders, pulling in millions of visitors from across the globe each year. Now, one woman has revealed she actually lives within the canyon itself – a revelation that’s left people both fascinated and amazed.

Situated in north-western Arizona, the Grand Canyon spans an impressive 277 miles and is a vast chasm sculpted by the Colorado River. Its striking layers of ancient red rock enhance its appeal, and it’s been protected as a National Park since 1919.

Tourists flock there in their millions every year to drink in the spectacular views, hiking trails, and even white water rafting adventures. A TikTok user posting under the handle @heyarielnicole recently shared drone footage of the magnificent landmark, accompanied by text which reads: “Today years old when I found out people live in the Grand Canyon.”

In the caption, she added: “I must have skipped school this day because I did not know this lol! Did y’all know people live in the Grand Canyon?”

Her post has since amassed more than 65.5 million views. The comments section erupted with shocked reactions, while others highlighted Shila S Siyuja, a woman who genuinely does call the Grand Canyon home alongside her family.

Shila uses social media to give followers a glimpse into what it’s really like living within one of the world’s most iconic natural landmarks. While she’s blessed with stunning scenery and access to the great outdoors, there are certain challenges that come with the territory.

One of her most popular videos shows Shila and her family undertaking an “eight-mile hike home” after missing their flight back into the canyon.

The family resides in the renowned Supai Village, nestled at the canyon’s base. This isolated settlement can only be reached by an eight-mile hike, helicopter, or mule ride.

Serving as the capital of the Havasupai Tribe, the village is celebrated for its striking turquoise waterfalls and close-knit community. Residents have access to a shop stocking essentials, a post office, a school, and even a café. Shila’s hiking video attracted many comments from captivated TikTok viewers.

One person asked: “So beautiful!! How long did it take?” Another said: “The real American people.”

A third viewer shared: “I got the privilege to visit your home years ago. Thank you.”

Someone else recalled: “Sister and I hiked at night to avoid the heat. Miss this place so much.”

Among Shila’s other widely-viewed videos is footage captured while she and her family embarked on a shopping trip outside the Grand Canyon. In the clip, Shila is shown boarding a helicopter for her journey home. Footage captured from beneath the aircraft reveals their shopping secured in an external sling load, which dangles from the helicopter’s body using a cable and cargo hook.

Shila and her family aren’t the only ones living there, though. More than 2,000 residents also live in the Grand Canyon, based at Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim.

The couple quit their jobs and sold all their belongings so they’d be free to travel the world and on a recent adventure, they decided to book a ‘giant waterslide’ but it was very different to what they expected

A couple booked what they believed to be a “giant waterslide” while abroad on holiday – but the reality of their booking was jaw-dropping. Many people plan adventure holidays or book to go travelling in a bid to see more of the world.

Couple George and Crissa decided to quit their jobs and sell all their belongings so they could jet off on “the journey of a lifetime”. Originally from Tampa in Florida, US, they document their adventures on YouTube and other social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

On their YouTube channel, they explained their adventures initially began with the purchase of an RV, which they used to drive across North America for a year. In a recent clip, shared on TikTok, the couple shared their experience of a popular attraction in New Zealand.

New Zealand has long been a bucket list destination for countless people, thanks to its expansive, unspoiled natural scenery that’s seen it branded the “real Middle Earth”, a nod to the part it played in the making of the beloved Lord of the Rings trilogy.

It’s got a rich Maori culture, breathtaking fjords, varied wildlife, decadent and acclaimed wines, and much more. It’s also home to some exciting adventure hotspots and attractions, with George and Cris learning their perception of a “giant waterslide” was different to ZORB’s in Rotorua, NZ.

In a video shared on TikTok, the couple showcased the popular “slide”, which sees people jump into a giant inflatable ball and be pushed down “slides” made from the grassy, green hills.

Over the top of the clip, the couple added text which reads: “POV [point of view]: your husband books a ‘giant waterslide’ then realises that means something very different in New Zealand”.

In the caption, they explained: “Did you know you can roll down a massive hill inside a giant inflatable ball in New Zealand?! ZORB is one of New Zealand’s most iconic bucket list experiences.

“Spinning, bouncing, and laughing your way downhill in a transparent orb. It basically feels like you’re in a hamster ball water slide.”

Of the cost, they revealed they “did the ‘four ride combo’ for NZ$155/US$100 (£72)” but added “there are several other packages” on the ZORB website.

In the comments section, fellow TikTok users were keen to share their thoughts. One person joked: “I can’t explain it… but I know I would drown.”

Another said: “I’ve done this … it’s like being inside a washing machine [crying laughing emoji] very fun even though you feel like you’re gonna drown half the time”.

A third had a different perspective and commented: “I’ve done this and it was the worst experience of my life”.

A fourth said: “Yeah you wouldn’t catch me dead in one of those. I’m actually panicking at the sight of this”.

Someone else shared: “I did this back in 2018 and it was so fun! My life did briefly flash before my eyes though when I got stuck underwater beneath my two friends”.

One TikTok user revealed: “I got so much anxiety doing that, felt sick, was horrible, will never do it again”.

Another added: “Tempted to fly to New Zealand exclusively for this.”