Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (2005)

Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (2005) Poster

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)

Other title: 夢幻與波導的勇者 路卡利歐, 포켓몬스터 뮤와 파동의 용사 루카리오,

Lucario e o Mistério de Mew, Lucario y el misterio de Mew,

Lucario und das Geheimnis von Mew, Lucario en het Mysterie van Mew.

Comments on Movie: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (2005)

"The Pokemon movies aren't all that bad, even if they're more geared towards the really younger crowd. This one is especially interesting, packed full of action and intrigue." - Jeremy Mullin, IGN.com.

"Some of the most compelling characterization and plots of all the Pokémon movies" - Hlín, The Cave of Dragonflies.

"Fads come and go, but what themes could be more timeless than friendship, challenge, and victory?" - Carlo Santos, Anime News Network.

"Has one of the best Pokémon backstory and concept but it's a little confusing in terms of plot." - Rosalyn Lim.

Genre/Tags 
Anime Action Adventure Family Fantasy Video Game
Pokémon 2D Animation Animated Feature

Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (2005) Preview

Can't find the official trailer anywhere...

Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (2005) at a glance

Created by Satoshi Tajiri, Junichi Masuda and Ken Sugimori, Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (2005) is the eighth theatrical film released by Pokémon franchise. It features a non-legendary Generation IV Pokémon, Lucario, and the legendary Pokémon from the original Generation I, Mew, as its title characters.

Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (2005) Synopsis

Hundreds of years ago, Camaron Palace and its people were saved by the noble sacrifice of Sir Aaron, an Aura Knight. From that day forward the people have always honored his deeds with an annual festival. Of course, Ash isn't really much of a history buff—he's more interested in the Pokémon competition being held! Only when he wins and is asked to don the ceremonial role of Aura Guardian does Aaron's importance become clear—especially when Lucario emerges from Aaron's staff! Aaron isn't a hero to this long-dormant Pokémon—all Lucario remembers is the master that betrayed it! 

Left out of the battle all those hundreds of years before, Lucario is asked to be a hero again—Mew has shown up and whisked Pikachu and Meowth away to the Tree of Life, and only Lucario can lead the way! Can Lucario put aside its distrust of humans long enough to reunite Ash with his best friend?

Movie Review: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (2005)

Lucario.

Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (2005) sets in a charming medieval themed location named Rota. It has a special adventure and a balanced mixture of fantasy, history, nature and science. They are exactly what makes the animated feature unique but they could be interpreted in different ways. I personally feel Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (2005) has one of the best Pokémon backstory and concept but it's a little confusing in terms of plot.

Let me explain why, as brief as possible.

Lady Ilene presents Sir Aaron's staff to Ash.

With spoiler minimised; at first it is Lucario's story but then it shift the focus to the villain-who-is-actually-not-a-villain, who is hunting down Mew. After that, the focus is on searching missing Pokémon. Nature comes in naturally as the plot progresses but all of the sudden, at one point it feels like as if the whole plot turned into a sci-fi horror. It's not really scary, it's pretty interesting in fact due to the science elements but well, too much focus change!

Pokémon War.

There are a lot of flashbacks throughout the animated feature and there are several different types of relationship story going on too. It's not a big deal I guess since there are plenty of unique characters and a lot of other fantasy going on. With all that Pokémon and the newly introduced spiritual energy Aura which is the essence of every living creature as they have said it; to me, all these sure seems to be a great effort but it feels confusing even though I get the story in the end.

In the end, I feel that the results of the efforts are less effective and there are plenty of other minor issues as well but I do not want to be too analytical since this is not a movie analysis! No fun isn't it if the review is all criticism?

Screenshots are from official site.

Now, what is great about Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (2005) are the Pokémon stories themselves. They are super cool and cute. For instance, Mew, who was once an extremely rare Pokémon, which supposedly almost no one have ever seen it before in present Pokémon time, shows more of her true playful behavior and her many transformations.

There is cosplay involved in this one as well, Pikachu is even dressed up for a while! Pikachu also seems to be much more animated or much more himself compared the previous Pokémon films and just like the TV anime series, as his sweet personality does stand out here.

Pokémon Medieval Cosplay!

Last but not least, Lucario's story is unusually interesting and the sight of the Legendary Titans Regirock, Regice, and Registeel are also amazing! I can't be spoiling it for you, you have to watch it yourself!!

Ending this post, if you are easily moved, there are several touching scenes that would make you tear a little. I guess ultimately this is Pokémon's shot at something different than all of its previous films; a special adventure with a balanced mixture of fantasy, history, nature and science!

PS. Does Mew's mystery end here? :< What happened to Jessie's mother?!

Movie Ratings

Will write a page regarding this and add this to all animated feature entries in the future.

Who will like this?
Pokémon fans!!

Details of the movie
Director: Kunihiko Yuyama
Producer: Yukako Matsusako, Takemoto Mori, Junya Okamoto, Choji Yoshikawa
Story: Not sure.
Screenplay: Hideki Sonoda
Cinematography: Takaya Mizutani
Music: Shinji Miyazaki
Studio: OLM, Inc.
Starring: Rica Matsumoto, Midori Kawana, Fushigi Yamada, Yūji Ueda, Shin-ichiro Miki, Megumi Hayashibara, Inuko Inuyama, Daisuke Namikawa, Satomi Kōrogi, Becky, Kōichi Yamadera, Momoko Kikuchi, Unshou Ishizuka
Full Credit: [IMDb]
Distributor: Toho, VIZ Media
Country: Japan
Language: Japanese, English
Genre: Action Adventure Family Fantasy
Running time: 103 mins
Budget: Not sure.
Box office: USD 37,150,760 est.

Official website(s)

http://www.pokemon.co.jp/

http://www.pokemon.com/us/

Related
All Pokémon Movies
OLM, Inc.
Rosalyn's Animated Movie Marathon

Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (2005) Behind the Scenes
N/A

Favorite Movie Character

Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (2005) Movie Quotes
Special thanks to Bulbasaur's Meadow for the movie transcript!

1. In the unknown reaches of time, strange and wondrous creatures has appeared on this planet. We call them, Pokémon.
2. Over the years, countless varieties of Pokémon developed. Researchers have identified hundreds of different types, but many more are yet to be discovered.
3. Many tales have been passed down of the extraordinary adventures we humans shared with our Pokémon friends. There have been conflicts too, but over the ages, we learned to live together in harmony. And so the story continues.
4. Today, there are heroes who collect Pokémon and train hard in battle. Some of them even dream of becoming Pokémon masters. It is an exciting journey, but full of challenges too.
5. Being a trainer requires dedication and spirit. This road can certainly be long and difficult, but those who travel it will find many friends along the way. 
6. Together, humans and Pokémon will carry on the story, facing new challenges, and sharing new adventures that will become the tales of tomorrow. 
7. But even tomorrow's stories may have started long ago, like this tale, that begins in the legendary past, before Pokéballs ever existed.
8. Aura is with me. Hear me, Sir Aaron.
9. The two armies are about to clash, master; and our kingdom is caught between them. Once the fighting starts, we'll all be destroyed.
10. When the armies reach this palace, our kingdom will fall. I will not flee the palace when the armies attack. My fate will be the same as the rest of my kingdom.
11. Don't worry about me, master.
12. I have abandoned the queen and the kingdom, and I'll never return.
13. And then the queen understood what Sir Aaron had done. The wise knight, realizing that there was only one hope for the kingdom, had gone to the tree of Beginning, the dwelling place of Mew.
14. Then what happened?
15. The terrible forces that threatened her kingdom were suddenly transformed. All at once, anger and hatred were changed into understanding and hope. Humans and Pokémon on both sides returned to their homes and peace was restored to the land.
16. Really, mom?
17. Mm-hm. And that is why Sir Aaron will forever be remembered as the true guardian of aura.
18. That's a great story! Can you read it again, please?
19. Of course, dear.
20. Hurray!
21. As Ash continues his quest to become a Pokémon master, he and his friends arrive at Cameron palace. The kingdom is holding a festival in honour of their legendary hero Sir Aaron, and the main event will be a Pokémon competition. 
22. Trainers have come from near and far to compete, and the winner will be dubbed as this year's guardian of Aura.
23. So I guess as part of the festival, everyone's dressed up in traditional costumes.
24. What? We don't have any costumes!
25. I'm gonna wear something heroic!
26. You should dress up Pikachu too, Ash
27. Oh, they're all so gorgeous. How would I be able to pick just one?
28. May, Is that you?
29. 'Tis I, indeed
30. You just let us know how that goes.
31. Oh, you'll know how it goes.
32. Presenting Her Royal Majesty, the illustrious ruler of Cameron palace, Lady Ilene!
33. That guy's a girl?
34. I just wanted you to know that if you're ever in need of a squire, you can always count on me.
35. Good grief. Even a suit of armour isn't enough protection from you!
36. This is the staff of the Guardian that once belonged to the great Sir Aaron. According to our tradition, the winner of the Pokémon contest is named the aura guardian for the year and is presented with this staff.
37. Why did you betray me?
38. Excuse me... May I have this dance, Kidd?
39. There's no need to be nervous, Brock. Just put your arm around me.
40. I know! All my Pokémon should come out and have fun at the party too!
41. Hang on, guys, don't forget about me!
42. You're not allowed to leave your chair! As Guardian, you must sit still and look dignified.
43. Now's the perfect time to waltz off with some Pokémon.
44. You sure dance beautifully.
45. Ah! If I'm dreaming, please don't wake me!
46. Uh... have we met someplace before?
47. Oh, I get that sort of thing all the time.
48. Personally, I always prefer dining to dancing.
49. Trust me! This trip will definitely be a success. And if it isn't, we can always go out and find real jobs.
50. No, thank you. I'm too old to work for a living.
51. I'm going on a little excursion and I need to see the layout of the palace. Will you transmit it to my data set?
52. Hang on, I only have two minutes to go.
53. Take a break!
54. All right, one minute, then. Thanks for waiting, the data's streaming to you now.
55. Would you mind telling me what this is about?
56. There's a Mew hiding out here, and I'm planning on hunting it down.
57. Maybe Team Rocket ain't the only crooks in this here castle.
58. I wonder where Pikachu and the others went off to. Huh? Munchlax?
59. What are those Weavile doing? They're out of control! I told them to tag Mew, not tackle it.
60. I should send you both to obedience school.
61. Wah! It's um... hard to believe this staff is hundreds of years old. And now I'm holding it.
62. We will now pay one last tribute to Sir Aaron. Our new Guardian will give the signal to start the fireworks.
63. Assume the pose of the Guardian!
64. Sir Aaron! Why did you abandon the Queen?
65. Why are they celebrating? Their kingdom is under attack! 
66. Lucario, from now on, this castle is going to be your new home and the place where you train.
67. I'll teach you everything I have learned so that you can also learn how to be a user of aura.
68. I'm afraid I'm not who you think I am. You see, my name is Lady Ilene and Lady Rin was one of my ancestors.
69. You've been asleep for a long time , Lucario.
70. Please believe me. It may seem like days ago, but the reality is, you haven't walked in this palace for centuries.
71. According to the stories that were passed down, you vanished during the battle. Can you explain what happened?
72. There were two huge armies on the move; each side had sworn to destroy the other. The palace was trapped in the middle. I went out to see if there was a way to stop the fighting, but it was hopeless.
73. Our legend says Sir Aaron found a way to end the battle and save the palace.
74. Sir Aaron deserted the queen. He fled and trapped me inside the staff.
75. In the legend, he's a hero.
76. Could it really be wrong?
77. We'll look into it further and determine what is truth and what's fiction.
78. Lucario, one thing hasn't changed. This palace is your home. Please feel free to stay here for as long as you like.
79. Lucario, how come you thought I was Sir Aaron? Is it 'cause this costume makes me look like him?
80. No. The aura I sense in you is like Sir Aaron's.
81. Hmm... That Pokémon is really old, isn't it?
82. Mmm. It was locked inside of that staff for over a thousand years.
83. Perfect! I love antiques!
84. You won't believe it! I saw Mew!
85. Oh, what an adorable little boy! That costume he's wearing is so precious! He look just like a little doll.
86. You're not listening to me!
87. We are, Max. Where's Mew?
88. Are you sure you saw Mew and not a Pokémon who looked like it?
89. Mew was here. I was on the roof when I saw Mew change into a Pidgeot. It flew away with Meowth and Pikachu.
90. But why would Mew take them away?
91. It was probably playing.
92. Mew has a tradition of showing up here at the palace to play games and make mischief.
93. It disappears with toys all the time and they're never to be seen again.
94. Meowth? Never to be seen again?
95. We're the ones who were going to do all the Pokémon stealing.
96. Did you miss the 'Never to be seen' part?
97. Does anybody know where Mew took them? I have to go rescue Pikachu.
98. Although it appears there's a giant tree on top of that mountain, it's actually a rock formation.
99. Because of its great age, our ancestors named it the Tree of Beginning.
100. That is where you'll find Mew.
101. You must remember that Mew can change its form to look like any Pokémon in the world; it rarely shows its true form to humans, so you may have trouble recognizing it.
102. The legend said, Lucario could lead the Guardian to anyone, because it had learned the power to see the aura inside all things.
103. Could you lead Ash on his journey to find Mew?
104. If that is your wish, it would be my honour.
105. Hey, wait a second, I know you. You're Kidd Summers. Coming through. I've seen you on TV before, but you're even more captivating in person. I'm your biggest fan. Please forgive me for not recognizing you right away. My love must've blinded me.
106. She's famous?
107. Hello?! Ahem. Kidd Summers has set a world record for setting the most world records ever and she's soared higher, dived deeper, and space-travelled farther than any human being in history! Kidd's also a surfing expert, a gourmet cook, and a badminton champ. To call Kidd Summers a superwoman is the understatement of the century! She's super-duper!
108. It would be great to have you join us, Kidd, as long as we can find a cage for Brock.
109. I came here to explore the Tree of Beginning and solve the mystery of what it really is. Yet another first for me.
110. That's okay with me, as long as you don't get in my way.
111. I bet you Pikachu's already made friends with that Mew.
112. I know, but I'm still worried. I won't relax until I see Pikachu again.
113. You snuck up behind me. That is always a mistake.
114. Hey, Lucario. I'm really glad that you're coming along to help me find Pikachu.
115. Master? Oh, are you kidding? No, Pikachu and I are best friends.
116. If one of your friends was lost, you'd want to bring him back too, wouldn't ya?
117. I don't have any friends. And I don't want any.
118. May the spirit of the Guardian protect them on their journey.
119. It's the living essence that's inside of every creature.
120. Can you tell me what if looks like, then? 
121. I think it's supposed to be invisible to most of us, Max.
122. Long ago, there were humans who could sense aura and control its power. Like Sir Aaron, for instance. Apparently, he passed his skills on to Lucario.
123. Whoa! Look, it's a Bonsly! It's just using fake tears attack.
124. Don't take things that aren't yours. Eat this instead.
125. That's what you call a view!
126. You know, Max, I just can't stop thinking about Pikachu.
127. You need to loosen up.
128. I didn't ask you to pick the flower, Ash.
129. It looks okay, but you'll have to replant it later.
130. Look! A time flower!
131. This flower, through the power of aura, can help you see the past. 
132. The legend says, Sir Aaron could look into the past using a time flower like this one. But I didn't think it was true.
133. If the legend is accurate, it responded because Ash and Aaron's aura is the same.
134. Yeah... Pikachu and I are best friends now, but we didn't always get along so great.
135. I don't think Pikachu liked me at all. I can't even count how many times it hit me with electric attacks.
136. So when did things change for you?
137. How did you two get to be best friends if Pikachu didn't want to have anything to do with ya?
138. I guess it all started when that flock of Spearow attacked. There were so may of them, I thought I was finished. But then, Pikachu rushed to my rescue. I'll never forget that moment. I knew then that I could count on Pikachu, and it felt the same way about me.
139. We've had a lot of close calls since, but we always pulled through 'cause... we believed in each other.
140. It's your turn, Lucario. You can do it. 
141. You humans are all alike.
142. You can't be trusted.
143. There's no way I'd ever run out on Pikachu!
144. Your word means nothing.
145. This isn't helping, Ash.
146. I didn't start it.
147. I'm sensing some rebellion amongst the twerps.
148. I'm sensing rebellion in my stomach. I need food!
149. That was so uncalled for.
150. So what? It shouldn't have said Pikachu ran away from me.
151. Well, you said some pretty terrible things to Lucario, too.
152. I brought you a present to help cheer you up.
153. Here. D'ya ever tasted chocolate?
154. You're gonna love it. Not only does it make you feel better, but it tastes yummy too.
155. Now this is living! I suppose you'd rather go back to your twerpy pal than hang around here, wouldn't ya?
156. Look, you got Mew to play with. You two have a good time. Yawn...
157. This is the place where I was trapped in the staff.
158. It's not real; it's a vision from the past!
159. That was scary.
160. But I don't get it. How does that vision prove anything?
161. He was my master... and he betrayed me.
162. I'm sorry I said all that stuff last night. It wasn't right.
163. Promise me you won't ever desert Pikachu.
164. It was just giving us a warning.
165. It must be on the lookout for intruders, to protect the Tree of Beginning.
166. We just keep goin' up 'til we get there, isn't that right?
167. Survey robots. When it comes to investigating, there's no such thing as being overprepared.
168. We're at the Tree of Beginning, where the Pokémon here have been protected and raised in an undisturbed state for tens of thousands of years, maybe even longer.
169. This will land you in the record books again.
170. Don't call any press conferences yet. The biggest mystery is still ahead of us.
171. These rock formations are amazing, Kidd. They're alive! I'm checking the data, but it's clear the Tree of Beginning is a part of this ecosystem. It's a living thing too! And I think it gets all its energy from sunlight.
172. Sure, but an important piece of the puzzle is missing. We still don't understand how Mew fits in. It must be connected to the Tree of Beginning.
173. There's no point trying to reason with it. Let's backtrack.
174. Phew! This place needs an escalator.
175. Somebody help!
176. It's... Team Rocket?
177. You know we're desperate if we're coming to you.
178. No need to ask twice! Feet don't fail me now!
179. James, I wish your legs'd move as quick as your mouth.
180. It thinks I'm a snack. 
181. Oh, no! Chimecho! Save yourself!
182. I'd guess the best equivalent would be white blood cells. The Tree of Beginning produces them as antibodies to protect against infection. They're meant to encapsulate foreign parasites and eliminate them.
183. So it thinks we're some kind of disease?
184. We have to find a way outside of this tunnel.This'd be a great time to find an exit, Banks.
185. I'm working on it. Unfortunately, you're attracting a lot of attention.
186. I guess Pokémon aren't considered dangerous.
187. I won't leave until you find Pikachu. I know you would do the same for me.
188. Pikachu and I are together again!
189. I want you to meet Lucario. It's thanks to Lucario that I found you.
190. You're in luck. There's an exit route just a little above you.
191. I'm afraid this is goodbye.
192. Pikachu! You can't save me, just take care of yourself and all the others. I'll miss you buddy. I love you!
193. Cause Mew had a chat with that old tree, told it you weren't nasty germs after all.
194. Okay... Now I understand why Mew lives here. Mew and the Tree of Beginning are symbiotic creatures! They depend on each other for survival.
195. Kidd, you won't believe the data that's coming in. The Tree of Beginning's ecosystem seems to be breaking down!
196. The system's immune response was too strong and now everything is out of balance. The Tree is going into shock. If the problem continues at this rate, the Tree of Beginning will experience a catastrophic collapse.
197. Your Highness, we should evacuate.
198. I'm afraid it's too late. Ash and his friends are right in the middle of this disaster. I hope they're all right.
199. Mew and the Tree of Beginning depend on each other for life. If the Tree doesn't survive this crisis, neither will Mew.
200. Where are you? Mew? 
201. Mew. I realize that you and this tree are one. Please take the power of my aura to save the people.
202. Now! Accept the aura! The power of aura... will prevail!
203. Sir Aaron sacrificed himself in order to save the kingdom and restore peace. He was a hero like the legend says.
204. Forgive me for doubting you, master.
205. There's a way to save the tree if we use the power of aura?
206. Hold on, Lucario. If you use your aura to reverse the damage, you'll end us in the same suspended state as Sir Aaron!
207. The aura is with me! 
208. Seems everything's back to normal.
209. Which means we're back to being losers.
210. You solved the mystery of the Tree of Beginning and helped to save it. The media's gonna eat this up, Kidd.
211. Right. Look, Banks. I don't want this place to be ruined by tourism.
212. But the publicity, Kidd.
213. Let's keep it a secret.
214. All right, have it your way.
215. Lucario, forgive me.
216. Please understand I had to seal you inside the staff. I knew if I didn't, you'd follow me here and suffer the same fate. I only wish you could've known the real story.
217. One day, you will be released in a distant and more peaceful time. What will it be like?
218. I wonder if... Ugh! I have... no regrets... my journey... has been good... I served a beautiful queen and you and I shared many adventures. Mmm... Those memories will always be with me.
219. Master... If you could only hear me! I want to tell you how much you mean to me.
220. Lucario, farewell. You were more to me than just my student. You were my closest friend.
221. I feel the same.
222. Who knows? It could be, one day, we will see each other again. I hope so, my friend.
223. I wish there was something we could've done to help it.
224. Maybe it's for the best. But it's hard to believe Lucario is really gone.
225. No. Lucario isn't gone. Its aura is with me.

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