Film Overview
- Japanese Title: 劇場版ポケットモンスター アドバンスジェネレーション ミュウと波導の勇者 ルカリオ (Gekijōban Poketto Monsutā Adobansu Jenerēshon Myū to Hadō no Yūsha Rukario)
- Director: Kunihiko Yuyama
- Screenplay: Hideki Sonoda
- Music: Shinji Miyazaki
- Studio: OLM, Inc.
- Distributor: Toho
- Runtime: 101 minutes
- Release Dates:
- Japan: July 16, 2005
- Australia (DVD): August 16, 2006
- United States (DVD): September 19, 2006
- Language: Japanese (original), English (dubbed)
- Box Office: Approximately ¥4.11 billion (Japan)
🌟 Plot Summary
Set in the Pokémon universe, the film begins with a historical account of Sir Aaron, an Aura Guardian who, during a time of war, sealed his companion Lucario in his staff and sacrificed himself to bring peace.
Centuries later, Ash Ketchum and his friends arrive at Cameron Palace to celebrate the legacy of Sir Aaron. Ash wins a tournament and is honored as the “Aura Guardian,” receiving Aaron’s staff. Unexpectedly, Lucario is released from the staff and is bewildered by the changes in the world.
Meanwhile, Pikachu is spirited away by Mew to the Tree of Beginning. Ash, along with Lucario and his friends, embarks on a journey to rescue Pikachu. Throughout their adventure, they confront challenges that test their trust and courage, ultimately leading to revelations about Sir Aaron’s true intentions and Lucario’s destiny.
Main Characters and Voice Cast
- Ash Ketchum: Rica Matsumoto (Japanese), Veronica Taylor (English)
- Pikachu: Ikue Ōtani
- Lucario: Daisuke Namikawa (Japanese), Sean Schemmel (English)
- May: Kaori (Japanese), Veronica Taylor (English)
- Brock: Yūji Ueda (Japanese), Eric Stuart (English)
- Max: Fushigi Yamada (Japanese), Amy Birnbaum (English)
- Mew: Satomi Kōrogi
- Sir Aaron: Kōichi Yamadera (Japanese), Jason Griffith (English)
- Kidd Summers: Becky (Japanese), Rebecca Soler (English)Wikipedia
🎵 Music
The film’s score, composed by Shinji Miyazaki, enhances the emotional depth and adventurous spirit of the narrative. The music complements the themes of sacrifice, trust, and the mystical elements of the Pokémon world.
Reception
Upon its release, Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew achieved significant commercial success in Japan, grossing approximately ¥4.11 billion. It was the second highest-grossing domestic film in Japan in 2005, following Howl’s Moving Castle.Wikipedia
Critically, the film was praised for its animation quality, emotional storytelling, and the introduction of deeper themes compared to previous entries in the series. Reviewers highlighted the character development of Lucario and the exploration of the concept of Aura as standout elements.
Home Media and Availability
The film was released on DVD in various regions, including Australia and the United States, in 2006. It has since been made available on multiple streaming platforms, allowing new audiences to experience this installment of the Pokémon movie series.
Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew stands out in the Pokémon film series for its mature themes, emotional depth, and the introduction of the Aura concept, which adds a mystical layer to the Pokémon universe. The film’s exploration of trust, sacrifice, and the bonds between humans and Pokémon offers a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences of all ages.
