Overview
- Japanese Titles: 劇場版ポケットモンスター ベストウイッシュ ビクティニと白き英雄 レシラム / 劇場版ポケットモンスター ベストウイッシュ ビクティニと黒き英雄 ゼクロム
- Director: Kunihiko Yuyama
- Screenplay: Hideki Sonoda
- Studios: OLM, Inc., OLM Digital, Production I.G, Xebec
- Distributor: Toho
- Runtime: 95 minutes each
- Release Date: July 16, 2011 (Japan)
- Box Office: Approximately ¥4.6 billion (~$57.1 million)
🌟 Plot Summary
Set in the Unova region, the films revolve around the mythical Pokémon Victini and the ancient Kingdom of the Vale. The two films present parallel narratives, each focusing on a different Legendary Dragon Pokémon and its connection to the protagonist Damon, a descendant of the People of the Vale.
In Black—Victini and Reshiram, Damon awakens Reshiram, believing it will help him restore his ancestral kingdom. In contrast, White—Victini and Zekrom depicts Damon awakening Zekrom for the same purpose. Both dragons guide Damon to use Victini’s power to move the Sword of the Vale, a floating castle, to the valley. However, this action threatens to unleash the destructive Dragon Force, a powerful energy source.
Ash and his friends, along with Victini, strive to prevent the catastrophe. The climax involves Victini’s self-sacrifice to contain the Dragon Force, with the assistance of Reshiram or Zekrom, leading to the restoration of peace.Wikipedia
Main Characters and Voice Cast
- Ash Ketchum: Rica Matsumoto (Japanese), Sarah Natochenny (English)
- Pikachu: Ikue Ōtani
- Victini: Rie Kugimiya (Japanese), Lori Phillips (English)
- Damon: Tatsuya Fujiwara (Japanese), Daniel J. Edwards (English)
- Reshiram: Kazuya Nakai (Japanese), Jason Griffith (English)
- Zekrom: Kazuya Nakai (Japanese), Jason Griffith (English)
- Carlita: Megumi Hayashibara (Japanese), Emily Jenness (English)
- Juanita: Yuko Kobayashi (Japanese), Erica Schroeder (English)
- Iris: Eri Nakao (Japanese), Michele Knotz (English)
- Cilan: Yūji Ueda (Japanese), Jason Griffith (English)
🎵 Music
- Composers: Shinji Miyazaki, Akifumi Tada, Kazuhiko Sawaguchi
- Opening Theme: “The Greatest – Everyday!” by Nozomi Ōhashi
- Ending Theme: “The Greatest – Everyday!” (Instrumental)Wikipedia
Reception
Both films received mixed to positive reviews. Critics appreciated the exploration of themes such as ideals versus truth and the moral complexities of the characters. The dual narratives, showcasing different perspectives, were noted for adding depth to the storyline. However, some viewers felt that the simultaneous release of two versions might have diluted the impact of the narrative.
Home Media and Availability
The films were released on DVD and Blu-ray in Japan and the United States. They are also available for streaming on various platforms, allowing fans to experience both versions of the story.
Pokémon the Movie: Black—Victini and Reshiram and White—Victini and Zekrom stands out in the Pokémon film series for its dual-perspective storytelling and exploration of complex themes, offering fans a unique cinematic experience.
