Film Overview
- Japanese Title: 劇場版ポケットモンスター ダイヤモンド&パール ディアルガVSパルキアVSダークライ (Gekijōban Poketto Monsutā Daiyamondo Pāru Diaruga tai Parukia tai Dākurai)
- Director: Kunihiko Yuyama
- Screenplay: Hideki Sonoda
- Music: Shinji Miyazaki
- Studio: OLM, Inc.
- Distributor: Toho
- Runtime: 90 minutes
- Release Dates:
- Japan: July 14, 2007
- United States: February 24, 2008 (Cartoon Network)
- Language: Japanese (original), English (dubbed)
- Box Office: ¥5.02 billion (approximately US$47 million)
Plot Summary
Set in Alamos Town, a place inspired by Barcelona, Spain, the film follows Ash, Dawn, and Brock as they arrive for a Pokémon contest. Unbeknownst to them, the Legendary Pokémon Dialga and Palkia are engaged in a fierce battle in a parallel dimension, causing disturbances in space and time that threaten to engulf the town.
The townspeople blame Darkrai, a mysterious Pokémon known for inducing nightmares. However, as the chaos escalates, it becomes evident that Darkrai is attempting to protect the town from the clashing deities. With the help of local scientist Tonio and musician Alice, Ash and his friends uncover the truth and strive to restore balance before Alamos Town is destroyed.
Main Characters and Voice Cast
- Ash Ketchum: Rica Matsumoto (Japanese), Sarah Natochenny (English)
- Dawn: Megumi Toyoguchi (Japanese), Emily Bauer (English)
- Brock: Yūji Ueda (Japanese), Bill Rogers (English)
- Darkrai: Kōji Ishizaka (Japanese), Bill Rogers (English)
- Tonio: Koji Yamamoto (Japanese), Rich McNanna (English)
- Alice: Rosa Kato (Japanese), Khristine Hvam (English)
Music
The film’s score, composed by Shinji Miyazaki, enhances the emotional depth and grandeur of the narrative. The theme song, “Oración,” plays a pivotal role within the story, serving as a melody with the power to calm the warring deities and restore harmony.
Box Office Performance
Upon its release, Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai topped the Japanese box office, earning ¥1.13 billion (approximately US$9.26 million) in its first three days. The film went on to gross a franchise record of ¥5.02 billion (approximately US$47 million), making it the highest-grossing anime film in Japan for 2007.
Reception and Legacy
Critics praised the film for its engaging storyline, impressive animation, and emotional depth. Carl Kimlinger of Anime News Network noted the film’s “message of teamwork and understanding,” while highlighting its “fantastic tableau of spiraling darkness and swirling smears of soap-on-water rainbow light.” Wikipedia
The film marked the beginning of a trilogy within the Pokémon Diamond & Pearl series, followed by Pokémon: Giratina & the Sky Warrior (2008) and Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life (2009). Wikipedia
Home Media and Availability
Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai was released on DVD in various regions, including the United Kingdom and Northern Europe. It has also been made available on streaming platforms such as Hulu and Apple TV, allowing new audiences to experience this installment of the Pokémon movie series.
Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai stands out in the Pokémon film series for its exploration of complex themes such as sacrifice, redemption, and the consequences of misunderstanding. The film’s compelling narrative and rich animation continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
