Overview
- Japanese Title: ポケモン・ザ・ムービーXY 光輪の超魔神 フーパ (Pokémon the Movie XY: The Archdjinni of the Rings: Hoopa)
- Director: Kunihiko Yuyama
- Screenplay: Atsuhiro Tomioka
- Studio: OLM, Inc.
- Runtime: 78 minutes
- Release Dates:
- Japan: July 18, 2015
- United States: December 19, 2015 (Cartoon Network)
- Box Office:
- Japan: ¥2.61 billion (~$22 million)
- Worldwide: Approximately $21.8 million
🌟 Plot Summary
A century ago, the Mythical Pokémon Hoopa’s immense power led to chaos, prompting its abilities to be sealed within a Prison Bottle. In the present day, Ash Ketchum and his companions—Pikachu, Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie—encounter Hoopa in Dahara City. Hoopa, now playful and mischievous, can summon people and Pokémon through its interdimensional rings.
The arrival of Baraz, a descendant of the one who originally sealed Hoopa’s power, brings the Prison Bottle back into play. However, the bottle’s influence releases a shadowy version of Hoopa, born from its suppressed anger. This shadow seeks to reclaim Hoopa’s full power, leading to a confrontation that threatens Dahara City.
To combat this menace, Ash and his friends, alongside Hoopa’s caretakers Baraz and Meray, endeavor to recreate the Prison Bottle using the elemental powers of fire, water, and earth. They enlist the help of Serena’s Braixen, Ash’s Frogadier, and a wild Hippopotas. Meanwhile, Hoopa summons Legendary Pokémon like Lugia, Latias, Latios, and a shiny Rayquaza to aid in the battle against its formidable shadow.
The climax sees Hoopa confronting its darker self, ultimately purifying it through cherished memories and a reaffirmed sense of identity. However, the summoning of multiple Legendary Pokémon destabilizes space-time, creating a perilous distortion. With assistance from the Legendary Pokémon Arceus, Hoopa manages to save its friends and prevent catastrophe, choosing to remain in Dahara City to atone and rebuild. Wikipedia
Main Characters and Voice Cast
- Ash Ketchum: Rica Matsumoto (Japanese), Sarah Natochenny (English)
- Pikachu: Ikue Ōtani
- Serena: Mayuki Makiguchi (Japanese), Haven Paschall (English)
- Clemont: Yūki Kaji (Japanese), Michael Liscio Jr. (English)
- Bonnie: Mariya Ise (Japanese), Alyson Leigh Rosenfeld (English)
- Hoopa (Confined Form): Rie Kugimiya (Japanese), Lori Phillips (English)
- Hoopa (Unbound Form): Kōichi Yamadera (Japanese), Ryan William Downey (English)
- Baraz: Tatsuya Fujiwara (Japanese), Daniel J. Edwards (English)
- Meray: Shoko Nakagawa (Japanese), Emily Woo Zeller (English)Wikipedia
Music
- Japanese Ending Theme: “Tweedia” by Rei Yasuda
- English Ending Theme: “Every Side of Me” by Dani Marcus
Reception
While the film introduced intriguing concepts and showcased a plethora of Legendary Pokémon, it garnered mixed reviews. Critics appreciated the exploration of Hoopa’s duality and the themes of identity and redemption. However, some felt that the overabundance of Legendary Pokémon and the complex plot might overwhelm younger audiences. Commercially, it was among the lower-grossing entries in the Pokémon film series.
Home Media and Availability
- Japan: Released on DVD and Blu-ray on December 16, 2015
- United States: DVD release by Viz Media on March 8, 2016
- United Kingdom: DVD and Blu-ray release by Manga Entertainment
The film is also available for streaming on various platforms, including Apple TV.
Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages delves into themes of inner conflict, the consequences of unchecked power, and the journey towards self-acceptance. Its blend of action, emotion, and a rich ensemble of Legendary Pokémon offers a unique addition to the Pokémon cinematic universe.
