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{{short description|2002 film by Kunihiko Yuyama}}
[[Image:Pokémon Heroes.jpg|200 px|thumb|The DVD cover]]
{{Infobox film
| name = Pokémon Heroes
| image = Pokemon-heroes-poster-japanese.jpg
| caption = Japanese theatrical release poster
| native_name = {{Infobox Japanese
| kanji = 劇場版ポケットモンスター 水の都の護神 ラティアスとラティオス
| l = Pocket Monsters the Movie: The Guardians of Alto Mare
}}
| director = [[Kunihiko Yuyama]]
| producer = Choji Yoshikawa<br />Yukako Matsusako<br />Takemoto Mori
| screenplay = Hideki Sonoda
| based_on = {{Based on|''[[Pokémon]]''|[[Satoshi Tajiri]]}}
| starring = ''[[#Cast|see below]]''
| cinematography = Hisao Shirai
| editing = Toshio Henmi
| studio = [[OLM, Inc.]]
| music = [[Shinji Miyazaki]]<br/>[[Yasuhiro Kobayashi|coba]]
| distributor = [[Toho]]
| released = {{Film date|2002|7|13|Japan}} <!-- Do not add other release dates here, please; see WP:FILMRELEASE. -->
| runtime = 72 minutes
| country = Japan <!-- Please do not add United States here. This film was only made in Japan -->
| language = Japanese <!-- Please do not add English here. While the film may be dubbed, this is not a bilingual film, but have dual stereo film. -->
| budget =
| gross = $27.7 million (Japan) $746,381 (US)
}}
'''''Pokémon Heroes'''''{{Efn|Originally released in Japan as {{Nihongo|'''''Pocket Monsters the Movie: The Guardians of Altomare'''''|劇場版ポケットモンスター 水の都の護神 ラティアスとラティオス|Gekijōban Poketto Monsutā Mizu no Miyako no Mamorigami Ratiasu to Ratiosu|lit. "The Guardian Gods of the City of Water: Latias and Latios"}}}} (formerly titled '''''Pokémon Heroes: The Movie''''') is a 2002 Japanese animated fantasy film, the fifth in the ''[[Pokémon (TV series)|Pokémon]]'' series, the first to use [[Traditional animation#Digital ink-and-paint|digital ink and paint]], the last to receive a North American theatrical release until ''[[Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!]]'', and the last to feature the main cast from the first five seasons until the CGI remake of the first ''Pokémon'' movie. Directed by [[Kunihiko Yuyama]] and produced by [[OLM, Inc.]], the film stars the regular television cast of [[Rica Matsumoto]], [[Yuji Ueda]], [[Mayumi Iizuka]], [[Megumi Hayashibara]], [[Shin-ichiro Miki]] and [[Ikue Ōtani]]. The English adaptation was produced by [[4Kids Entertainment]] and distributed by [[Miramax|Miramax Films]] and was released in the United States on May 16, 2003.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Lenburg |first1=Jeff |title=The Encyclopedia of Animated Cartoons |date=2009 |publisher=Checkmark Books |location=New York |isbn=978-0-8160-6600-1 |edition=3rd |page=213}}</ref> The English version stars the regular television cast of [[Veronica Taylor]], [[Eric Stuart]], [[Rachael Lillis]] and [[Maddie Blaustein]]. The events of the film take place during the [[List of Pokémon: Master Quest episodes|fifth season]] of the [[Pokémon (TV series)|Pokémon anime]].


''Pokémon Heroes'' focuses on the main characters, Ash, Misty and Brock, continuing their journey through the Johto region; the main location of the film is based on [[Venice]], [[Italy]]. The name given to the city in the film is Alto Mare, meaning "high sea" in the [[Italian language]]. Although it is part of the group's adventure in Johto, the film takes place on an island off of the mainland.
'''''Pokémon Heroes''''' is the fifth movie in the ''[[Pokémon (anime)|Pokémon]]'' series, complimenting ''Pokémon: Master Quest'' (the last season of ''Pocket Monsters'' in the Japanese version). The original Japanese version was released in theaters July 13 2002, and the English adaptation saw limited theatrical release on May 16 2003 , before making its way to video on January 2004.


Optimum Home Entertainment re-released the movie on DVD in the UK on May 9, 2011. [[StudioCanal]] released the film along with ''Pokémon 4Ever'' on [[Blu-ray]] in the UK as a double feature pack on April 2, 2012, just one day before ''[[Pokémon the Movie: Black—Victini and Reshiram and White—Victini and Zekrom]]'' came out on DVD on April 3, 2012. [[Echo Bridge Home Entertainment]] released the film on Blu-ray in the United States along with ''[[Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys]]'' on May 15, 2011.
To date, ''Heroes'' is the shortest Pokémon film, and just under 20 minutes for ''Camp Pikachu''. In America, it is also the lowest-grossing of all the Pokémon films, and the only one not to make one million dollars at the American box office. Some say that part of the reason for the failure is the drastic reduction in production values since ''4Ever'': indeed, there was no special version of the ''Pokémon'' theme song, as had previous versions, and the music over the end credits were recycled from previous productions (including one from the ''[[Pokémon Live]]'' musical).


== Plot ==
<!-- Per WP:FILMPLOT, plot summaries for feature films are 400 to 700 words only. -->
The city of {{Nihongo|Alto Mare|アルトマーレ|Artomāre}} is protected by the dragon siblings [[Latias and Latios]]. Their father, also a Latios, is said to have saved the city from an evil Pokémon Trainer and their [[Kabutops]] and [[List of generation I Pokémon#Aerodactyl|Aerodactyl]] whilst transforming the city's streets into canals. The citizens built the Defense Mechanism of Alto Mare (D.M.A. for short) to protect the city if necessary, but have never had to use it. The father Latios died, leaving behind the {{Nihongo|Soul Dew|こころのしずく|Kokoro no shizuku|lit., "Heart Drop"}}, said to contain his own soul and can power the D.M.A.


In the present day, [[Team Rocket]] agents {{Nihongo|Annie|ザンナー|Zannā}} and {{Nihongo|Oakley|リオン|Rion}} acquire a book detailing the history of Alto Mare, plotting to control the D.M.A. Ash, [[Misty (Pokémon)|Misty]], and [[Brock (Pokémon)|Brock]] are touring by and see an invisible Latias. Annie and Oakley stalk Latias, disguised as a human girl, trying to capture her using their [[Espeon]] and [[Ariados]]. Ash and Pikachu come to the rescue, guiding Latias to safety but she vanishes when Ash's back is turned.


Visiting the museum, the trio meet the curator {{Nihongo|Lorenzo|ボンゴレ|Bongore|Vongole}} who details Alto Mare's history, the D.M.A., and the evil trainer's fossilized Pokémon on display. Ash spots a girl, {{Nihongo|Bianca|カノン|Kanon}}, who resembles Latias' disguise, and chases her across the city, but she does not recognize him. Latias herself appears, guiding Ash and Pikachu to a hidden garden where she and Latios live, protected by Lorenzo and Bianca, his granddaughter. While Pikachu plays with Latias and Latios, Lorenzo shows Ash the Soul Dew, unaware that Annie and Oakley's [[UAV|drone]] has infiltrated the sanctuary.
=== ''Camp Pikachu'' ===
The story behind this short revolves around the [[Pichu]] brothers as they attempt to find a train back to the big city. Along the way, they are helped by six of [[Ash Ketchum]]'s and [[Misty]]'s Pokémon ([[Pikachu]], [[Cyndaquil]], [[Totodile]], [[Phanpy]], [[Corsola]], and [[Psyduck]]), and a [[Wynaut]]. Meanwhile, [[Meowth]] and [[Wobbuffet]] are hiking in the back country.


That night, Annie and Oakley sneak into the garden, successfully capturing Latios and the Soul Dew, but Latias escapes. Bianca and Lorenzo attempt to stop the thieves from using the D.M.A. but are captured, the Soul Dew and Latios are used to power the machine. Latias goes to Ash for help, with Latios' "Sight Sharing" ability allowing them to witness the events in the museum. Oakley becomes power hungry, using the D.M.A. to revive the Kabutops and Aerodactyl, and initiates a citywide lockdown to prevent interference. Ash, Pikachu, and Latias evade the lockdown, racing to the museum while being pursued by the Kabutops and Aerodactyl.
Along the way, they sit around a campfire, where the older Pichu brother, along with Wynaut, scare the younger brother with the help of a [[Duskull]]. They also encounter a [[Volbeat]], who guides them to a mill where they could stay the night.


Oakley tries to drown the trio, but Latias' psychic powers cause the D.M.A. to go out of control. Reaching the museum, the trio rescue Latios and shut down the machine. However, Annie tries to take the blackened Soul Dew, which shatters, causing all of the city's water to flow out and return as a tidal wave. Latias and Latios combine their powers to stop the wave, with Latios giving his life in the process. The Kabutops and Aerodactyl are returned to their fossilized states, while Annie and Oakley remain trapped in the D.M.A..
=== ''Latias and Latios'' ===
The premise of the movie revolves around the city of Altomare, modelled heavily after [[Venice]]. Annie (Zanna) and Oakley (Rion), two [[Team Rocket]] spies (in the English version - in the original they were not associated with Team Rocket), plot to steal a mysterious Soul Dew and use it to activate the so-called defense mechanism, an ancient artifact with the power to destroy the city if it fell into the wrong hands. Annie and Oakley also plan on finding and capturing the legendary guardians of Altomare, [[Latias]] and [[Latios]], for [[Giovanni]]. This is no easy task, for the two Guardians have the ability to render themselves [[invisible]] and disguise themselves as ordinary humans.


Ash and friends find Latias, realizing Latios has died, but they share one last vision as he dies. Several days later, Ash, Misty and Brock get ready to leave Alto Mare, saying goodbye to Lorenzo, but Bianca does not appear. On their way out of the city, they spot Latias or Bianca (who has left her hat behind) on the docks. Latias/Bianca gives Ash a sketch of him and Pikachu, kisses him on the cheek, and leaves without saying a word, Ash bids her goodbye and Brock and Misty are left wondering whether the girl was Bianca or Latias.
Meanwhile, [[Ash Ketchum]] and company are in Altomare, participating in an annual race that is taking place there. Ash and [[Totodile]] manage to spin out, but are mysteriously saved by an invisible Latias, which propels Ash to the lead only to lead him astray in the final turn and giving [[Misty]] and [[Corsola]] the victory. As Ash and company enjoy their stay at Altomare, Ash and [[Pikachu]] find themselves separated from Misty and [[Brock (Pokemon)|Brock]], when they encounter a girl (or rather, Latias disguised as a girl) about to be harmed by Annie and Oakley. Ash helps the girl away to safety, but the girl urges him on to another place. Ash is reunited with Misty and Brock, but the girl mysteriously disappears.


Annie and Oakley are soon saved by authorities and sent to prison, where they go through the possessions of [[Pokémon The Movie 2000|Lawrence III]].
The group then visits the Altomare museum, where the curator, Lorenzo (Bongore), fills them in about the history of Altomare. However, Ash notices that a girl resembling the girl he had saved was also there, and, as he chases after the girl, finds himself in a secret garden in Altomare, where she reveals herself to be Bianca (Kanon), Lorenzo's granddaughter, and good friends to Latias and Latios (hence the reason that Latias had taken her form earlier). There, he learns of the Soul Dew: it is an artifact that was created at some point in the distant past, when [[Aerodactyl]] and [[Kabutops]] were terrorizing villagers, when a Latios gave his life to save the town. Lorenzo says that the Soul Dew should not be removed from its spot within a fountain in the garden.

That night, however, Annie and Oakley manage to steal the Soul Dew, and manage to capture Latios in the process, but Latias manages to escape. They also manage to capture Bianca and Lorenzo attempting to stop them from activating the defense mechanism. Annie and Oakley manage to activate the defense mechanism, and with it, proceed to lock down the entire town. Realizing that this power could be used to take over the world, Annie goes power mad, and revives Aerodactyl and Kabutops. Meanwhile, Ash confides to Misty and Brock about Latias, and agree to help her. However, as iron bars began to form, locking people within their homes, Misty and Brock find themselves trapped, unable to leave the Pokémon Center. However, they do manage to send [[Crobat]], [[Corsola]], and [[Politoed]] to help Ash if he ever were in trouble. Ash, Pikachu, and Latias manage to defeat Aerodactyl and Kabutops, and get to the museum, where they rescue Bianca, Lorenzo, Latios, as well as stop the defense mechanism. However, their celebration was short-lived, as the Soul Dew, being out of the water for too long, is destroyed, and Altomare finds itself defenseless as the water suddenly recedes and advances, threatening to destroy the city. Latias and Latios try to save the town, and Latios, like his father, is killed in the process, creating a new Soul Dew.

With the town saved, Ash and company leave Altomare to continue their Pokémon journey.


== Japanese version ==
The Japanese version had a few key differences from the English version.
* Annie and Oakley were not affiliated with Team Rocket.
* The original Soul Dew may or may not have the soul of a Latios inside it at all. The one that appears after Latios' death still does.
* Latios' Japanese voice was not retained in the dub, which opted to use Latias's voice clips instead.
* The American version edited out the prologue where Annie and Oakley were reciting the legend of Alto Mare from the book they were about to steal. The prologue is as follows:


A long time ago, Alto Mare was just a small town. One day, an old couple walking along the beach found two unconscious children lying in the sand. They brought the children home and took care of them. But a dark cloud above Alto Mare rained down shards of darkness. Anything these shards touched became dark as well. One shard was about to hit the old couple when the children started to glow and all the shards were destroyed. The children revealed themselves as Latios and Latias. More appeared, one of them carrying the Soul Dew. Their power, combined with the Soul Dew's, shone upon the dark cloud, vanquishing it. In gratitude for their help, the two Latios and Latias gave the Soul Dew to the old couple.


== Cast ==
== Cast ==
{|class="wikitable"
{|
! Character !! Japanese voice !! English voice
! Character !! Japanese voice !! English voice
|-
|-
| Satoshi / Ash || [[Rika Matsumoto]] || [[Veronica Taylor]]
| [[Ash Ketchum]] || [[Rica Matsumoto]] || [[Veronica Taylor]]
|-
|-
| Kasumi / Misty || [[Mayumi Iizuka]] || [[Rachael Lillis]]
| [[Misty (Pokémon)|Misty]] || [[Mayumi Iizuka]] || [[Rachael Lillis]]
|-
|-
| Takeshi / Brock || [[Yuuji Ueda]] || [[Eric Stuart]]
| [[Brock (Pokémon)|Brock]] || [[Yuuji Ueda]] || [[Eric Stuart]]
|-
|-
| Pikachu || [[Ikue Ootani]] || [[Ikue Ootani]]
| [[Pikachu]] || colspan=2 style="text-align: center" |[[Ikue Ōtani]]
|-
|-
| [[Togepi]] || colspan=2 style="text-align: center" |[[Satomi Kōrogi]]
| Latias || [[Megumi Hayashibara]] || [[Megumi Hayashibara]]
|-
|-
| [[Latias]] || [[Megumi Hayashibara]] || [[Megumi Hayashibara]] <small>(speaking voice)</small><br>[[Madoka Kimura]] <small>(singing voice)</small>
| Latios || [[Masashi Ebara]] || [[Masashi Ebara]]
|-
|-
| Zanna / Annie || [[Uno Kanna]] || [[Megan Hollingshead]]
| [[Latios]] || [[Masashi Ebara]] || Megumi Hayashibara
|-
|-
| Rion / Oakley || [[Yumiko Shaku]] || [[Lisa Ortiz]]
| Jessie || Megumi Hayashibara || [[Rachael Lillis]]
|-
|-
| Bongore / Lorenzo || [[Gutch Yuzo]] || [[Eric Stuart]]
| James || [[Shin-ichiro Miki|Shinichirou Miki]] || [[Eric Stuart]]
|-
|-
| Kanon / Bianca || [[Fumiko Orikasa]] || [[Lisa Ortiz]]
| [[Meowth]] || Inuko Inuyama || [[Maddie Blaustein]]
|-
|-
| Older Pichu Brother || [[Yumi Touma]] || [[Yumi Touma]]
| [[Wobbuffet]] || Yuuji Ueda || [[Kayzie Rogers]]
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" |Zanner
| Younger Pichu Brother || [[Satomi Koorogi]] || [[Satomi Koorogi]]
| rowspan="2" |Uno Kanda
!Annie
|-
|-
| [[Megan Hollingshead]]
| Nyarth / Meowth || [[Inuko Inuyama]] || [[Madeline Blaustein]]
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" |Rion
| Sounans / Wobbuffet || [[Yuuji Ueda]] || [[Tara Jayne]]
| rowspan="2" |[[Yumiko Shaku]]
!Oakley
|-
|-
| [[Lisa Ortiz]]
| Narrator || [[Unshou Ishizuka]] || [[Philip Bartlett]]
|-
| rowspan="2" |Rossi
| rowspan="2" |[[Kōichi Yamadera|Kouichi Yamadera]]
!Ross
|-
| [[Michael Sinterniklaas]]
|-
| rowspan="2" |Vongole
| rowspan="2" |Gutch Yuzou
!Lorenzo
|-
| [[Wayne Grayson]]
|-
| rowspan="2" |Kanon
| rowspan="2" |[[Fumiko Orikasa]]
!Bianca
|-
| [[Tara Sands]]<ref>{{Cite tweet|url=https://twitter.com/TaraSandsLA/status/497160318695768064|title=@DanielManning__ Pretty sure I did!|last=Sands|first=Tara Jayne|number= 497160318695768064|user=TaraSandsLA|date=August 6, 2014|access-date=September 28, 2017}}</ref>
|-
| Older [[Pichu]] Brother || colspan="2" style="text-align: center" |[[Yumi Touma]]
|-
| Younger [[Pichu]] Brother || colspan="2" style="text-align: center" |[[Satomi Kōrogi]]
|-
| Narrator || [[Unshō Ishizuka]]<br>[[Yūka (actress)|Yūka]] <small>(''Camp Pikachu'')</small> || [[Rodger Parsons]]
|}
|}


==Trivia==
== Reception ==
''Pokémon Heroes'' received negative reviews from critics, earning a [[Rotten Tomatoes]] rating of 17%.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/pokemon_heroes|title=Pokémon Heroes (2003)|website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|access-date=2021-06-06|archive-date=2021-04-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413115408/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/pokemon_heroes|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Desson Thomson]] said "This one's for kids and no one else".<ref>{{Cite news |last=TWP |first=Desson Howe |date=2003-05-09 |title=Action Heroes Reloaded |language=en-US |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/2003/05/09/action-heroes-reloaded/b7bdfdf4-03cf-4dca-9feb-995168131c0d/ |access-date=2022-03-22 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref>
*There are cameo appearances of the main legendary Pokemon from the previous four films: [[Mewtwo]], [[Lugia]], [[Entei]] and [[Celebi]]. They are not in physical form but are shown in drawings or carvings. Mewtwo, Lugia and Celebi are all drawings seen in the chase after Bianca/Latias and Entei is seen when Team Rocket witness the water rushing out of Altomare, as a carving on a wall.

=== Box office and release ===
The first three Pokémon films, ''[[Pokémon: The First Movie]]'', ''[[Pokémon: The Movie 2000]]'', and ''[[Pokémon 3: The Movie]]'', were released outside of Japan by [[Warner Bros.]], but the distribution rights for ''[[Pokémon 4Ever]]'' and Pokémon Heroes were given to [[Miramax]] on April 2, 2002, by [[The Pokémon Company]]. Miramax was rumored to have bought the rights for $1 million and by giving up 75% of the profits. [[Harvey Weinstein]] stated that Miramax could "reinvigorate the franchise".<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 4, 2002 |title=Miramax Acquires Rights to Two 'Pokemon' Sequels |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-apr-04-fi-nupokemon4-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216114743/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-apr-04-fi-nupokemon4-story.html |archive-date=February 16, 2022}}</ref>

The film opened at the same time as ''[[Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones]]'' in Japan (where it had opened at number one), and failed to out-gross it. It later fell to ninth place at the Japanese box office behind ''Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones'' and ''[[Stuart Little 2]]''. The film grossed {{US$|27 million}} in Japan.<ref name="Macias">{{cite book|last=Macias|first=Patrick|title=Japan's Movie House Masterpieces|date=2003|publisher=[[List of manga publishers|DH Publishing]]|isbn=9780972312448|page=39|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eQPqZsrDi20C&pg=PA39|language=en|access-date=2018-05-30|archive-date=2023-04-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410222417/https://books.google.com/books?id=eQPqZsrDi20C&pg=PA39|url-status=live}}</ref>

In North America, the film had a limited run in theaters, only opening with 196. The film completed its American run on July 10, 2003, grossing $746,381.<ref>{{Mojo title|pokemonheroes}}</ref> In total, the film's worldwide gross was {{US$|{{#expr:27000000+746381}}|2002}}.

== See also ==
* [[List of films based on video games]]

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Portal|Video games}}
* {{imdb title|id=0347791|title=Pok&eacute;mon Heroes}}
* {{Official website|https://www.miramax.com/movie/pokemon-v-heroes/}}
* {{IMDb title|0347791|Pokémon Heroes}}
* {{rotten-tomatoes|pokemon_heroes_the_movie|Pokémon Heroes}}
* {{Mojo title|pokemonheroes}}
* {{anime News Network|movie|911||noparen}}

{{Pokémon Generation 3|state=expanded}}
{{Pokémon movie summary}}
{{OLM films}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Pokemon Heroes}}
[[Category:2003 films]]
[[Category:2002 anime films]]
[[Category:2002 children's films]]
[[Category:2002 films]]
[[Category:2000s Japanese-language films]]
[[Category:Pokémon films|Heroes]]
[[Category:Pokémon films|Heroes]]
[[Category:Toho animated films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Kunihiko Yuyama]]
[[Category:Japanese animated fantasy films]]
[[Category:Japanese fantasy adventure films]]
[[Category:Animated films based on animated series]]
[[Category:Japanese sequel films]]
[[Category:Films scored by Shinji Miyazaki]]
[[Category:OLM, Inc. animated films]]
[[Category:Miramax animated films]]

Latest revision as of 13:22, 17 April 2024

Pokémon Heroes
Japanese theatrical release poster
Japanese name
Kanji劇場版ポケットモンスター 水の都の護神 ラティアスとラティオス
Literal meaningPocket Monsters the Movie: The Guardians of Alto Mare
Directed byKunihiko Yuyama
Screenplay byHideki Sonoda
Based onPokémon
by Satoshi Tajiri
Produced byChoji Yoshikawa
Yukako Matsusako
Takemoto Mori
Starringsee below
CinematographyHisao Shirai
Edited byToshio Henmi
Music byShinji Miyazaki
coba
Production
company
Distributed byToho
Release date
  • July 13, 2002 (2002-07-13) (Japan)
Running time
72 minutes
CountryJapan
LanguageJapanese
Box office$27.7 million (Japan) $746,381 (US)

Pokémon Heroes[a] (formerly titled Pokémon Heroes: The Movie) is a 2002 Japanese animated fantasy film, the fifth in the Pokémon series, the first to use digital ink and paint, the last to receive a North American theatrical release until Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!, and the last to feature the main cast from the first five seasons until the CGI remake of the first Pokémon movie. Directed by Kunihiko Yuyama and produced by OLM, Inc., the film stars the regular television cast of Rica Matsumoto, Yuji Ueda, Mayumi Iizuka, Megumi Hayashibara, Shin-ichiro Miki and Ikue Ōtani. The English adaptation was produced by 4Kids Entertainment and distributed by Miramax Films and was released in the United States on May 16, 2003.[1] The English version stars the regular television cast of Veronica Taylor, Eric Stuart, Rachael Lillis and Maddie Blaustein. The events of the film take place during the fifth season of the Pokémon anime.

Pokémon Heroes focuses on the main characters, Ash, Misty and Brock, continuing their journey through the Johto region; the main location of the film is based on Venice, Italy. The name given to the city in the film is Alto Mare, meaning "high sea" in the Italian language. Although it is part of the group's adventure in Johto, the film takes place on an island off of the mainland.

Optimum Home Entertainment re-released the movie on DVD in the UK on May 9, 2011. StudioCanal released the film along with Pokémon 4Ever on Blu-ray in the UK as a double feature pack on April 2, 2012, just one day before Pokémon the Movie: Black—Victini and Reshiram and White—Victini and Zekrom came out on DVD on April 3, 2012. Echo Bridge Home Entertainment released the film on Blu-ray in the United States along with Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys on May 15, 2011.

Plot[edit]

The city of Alto Mare (アルトマーレ, Artomāre) is protected by the dragon siblings Latias and Latios. Their father, also a Latios, is said to have saved the city from an evil Pokémon Trainer and their Kabutops and Aerodactyl whilst transforming the city's streets into canals. The citizens built the Defense Mechanism of Alto Mare (D.M.A. for short) to protect the city if necessary, but have never had to use it. The father Latios died, leaving behind the Soul Dew (こころのしずく, Kokoro no shizuku, lit., "Heart Drop"), said to contain his own soul and can power the D.M.A.

In the present day, Team Rocket agents Annie (ザンナー, Zannā) and Oakley (リオン, Rion) acquire a book detailing the history of Alto Mare, plotting to control the D.M.A. Ash, Misty, and Brock are touring by and see an invisible Latias. Annie and Oakley stalk Latias, disguised as a human girl, trying to capture her using their Espeon and Ariados. Ash and Pikachu come to the rescue, guiding Latias to safety but she vanishes when Ash's back is turned.

Visiting the museum, the trio meet the curator Lorenzo (ボンゴレ, Bongore, Vongole) who details Alto Mare's history, the D.M.A., and the evil trainer's fossilized Pokémon on display. Ash spots a girl, Bianca (カノン, Kanon), who resembles Latias' disguise, and chases her across the city, but she does not recognize him. Latias herself appears, guiding Ash and Pikachu to a hidden garden where she and Latios live, protected by Lorenzo and Bianca, his granddaughter. While Pikachu plays with Latias and Latios, Lorenzo shows Ash the Soul Dew, unaware that Annie and Oakley's drone has infiltrated the sanctuary.

That night, Annie and Oakley sneak into the garden, successfully capturing Latios and the Soul Dew, but Latias escapes. Bianca and Lorenzo attempt to stop the thieves from using the D.M.A. but are captured, the Soul Dew and Latios are used to power the machine. Latias goes to Ash for help, with Latios' "Sight Sharing" ability allowing them to witness the events in the museum. Oakley becomes power hungry, using the D.M.A. to revive the Kabutops and Aerodactyl, and initiates a citywide lockdown to prevent interference. Ash, Pikachu, and Latias evade the lockdown, racing to the museum while being pursued by the Kabutops and Aerodactyl.

Oakley tries to drown the trio, but Latias' psychic powers cause the D.M.A. to go out of control. Reaching the museum, the trio rescue Latios and shut down the machine. However, Annie tries to take the blackened Soul Dew, which shatters, causing all of the city's water to flow out and return as a tidal wave. Latias and Latios combine their powers to stop the wave, with Latios giving his life in the process. The Kabutops and Aerodactyl are returned to their fossilized states, while Annie and Oakley remain trapped in the D.M.A..

Ash and friends find Latias, realizing Latios has died, but they share one last vision as he dies. Several days later, Ash, Misty and Brock get ready to leave Alto Mare, saying goodbye to Lorenzo, but Bianca does not appear. On their way out of the city, they spot Latias or Bianca (who has left her hat behind) on the docks. Latias/Bianca gives Ash a sketch of him and Pikachu, kisses him on the cheek, and leaves without saying a word, Ash bids her goodbye and Brock and Misty are left wondering whether the girl was Bianca or Latias.

Annie and Oakley are soon saved by authorities and sent to prison, where they go through the possessions of Lawrence III.

Japanese version[edit]

The Japanese version had a few key differences from the English version.

  • Annie and Oakley were not affiliated with Team Rocket.
  • The original Soul Dew may or may not have the soul of a Latios inside it at all. The one that appears after Latios' death still does.
  • Latios' Japanese voice was not retained in the dub, which opted to use Latias's voice clips instead.
  • The American version edited out the prologue where Annie and Oakley were reciting the legend of Alto Mare from the book they were about to steal. The prologue is as follows:

A long time ago, Alto Mare was just a small town. One day, an old couple walking along the beach found two unconscious children lying in the sand. They brought the children home and took care of them. But a dark cloud above Alto Mare rained down shards of darkness. Anything these shards touched became dark as well. One shard was about to hit the old couple when the children started to glow and all the shards were destroyed. The children revealed themselves as Latios and Latias. More appeared, one of them carrying the Soul Dew. Their power, combined with the Soul Dew's, shone upon the dark cloud, vanquishing it. In gratitude for their help, the two Latios and Latias gave the Soul Dew to the old couple.

Cast[edit]

Character Japanese voice English voice
Ash Ketchum Rica Matsumoto Veronica Taylor
Misty Mayumi Iizuka Rachael Lillis
Brock Yuuji Ueda Eric Stuart
Pikachu Ikue Ōtani
Togepi Satomi Kōrogi
Latias Megumi Hayashibara Megumi Hayashibara (speaking voice)
Madoka Kimura (singing voice)
Latios Masashi Ebara Megumi Hayashibara
Jessie Megumi Hayashibara Rachael Lillis
James Shinichirou Miki Eric Stuart
Meowth Inuko Inuyama Maddie Blaustein
Wobbuffet Yuuji Ueda Kayzie Rogers
Zanner Uno Kanda Annie
Megan Hollingshead
Rion Yumiko Shaku Oakley
Lisa Ortiz
Rossi Kouichi Yamadera Ross
Michael Sinterniklaas
Vongole Gutch Yuzou Lorenzo
Wayne Grayson
Kanon Fumiko Orikasa Bianca
Tara Sands[2]
Older Pichu Brother Yumi Touma
Younger Pichu Brother Satomi Kōrogi
Narrator Unshō Ishizuka
Yūka (Camp Pikachu)		 Rodger Parsons

Reception[edit]

Pokémon Heroes received negative reviews from critics, earning a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 17%.[3] Desson Thomson said "This one's for kids and no one else".[4]

Box office and release[edit]

The first three Pokémon films, Pokémon: The First Movie, Pokémon: The Movie 2000, and Pokémon 3: The Movie, were released outside of Japan by Warner Bros., but the distribution rights for Pokémon 4Ever and Pokémon Heroes were given to Miramax on April 2, 2002, by The Pokémon Company. Miramax was rumored to have bought the rights for $1 million and by giving up 75% of the profits. Harvey Weinstein stated that Miramax could "reinvigorate the franchise".[5]

The film opened at the same time as Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones in Japan (where it had opened at number one), and failed to out-gross it. It later fell to ninth place at the Japanese box office behind Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and Stuart Little 2. The film grossed US$27 million in Japan.[6]

In North America, the film had a limited run in theaters, only opening with 196. The film completed its American run on July 10, 2003, grossing $746,381.[7] In total, the film's worldwide gross was US$27,746,381 (equivalent to $47,002,010 in 2023).

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Originally released in Japan as Pocket Monsters the Movie: The Guardians of Altomare (劇場版ポケットモンスター 水の都の護神 ラティアスとラティオス, Gekijōban Poketto Monsutā Mizu no Miyako no Mamorigami Ratiasu to Ratiosu, lit. "The Guardian Gods of the City of Water: Latias and Latios")

References[edit]

  1. ^ Lenburg, Jeff (2009). The Encyclopedia of Animated Cartoons (3rd ed.). New York: Checkmark Books. p. 213. ISBN 978-0-8160-6600-1.
  2. ^ Sands, Tara Jayne [@TaraSandsLA] (August 6, 2014). "@DanielManning__ Pretty sure I did!" (Tweet). Retrieved September 28, 2017 – via Twitter.
  3. ^ "Pokémon Heroes (2003)". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on 2021-04-13. Retrieved 2021-06-06.
  4. ^ TWP, Desson Howe (2003-05-09). "Action Heroes Reloaded". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  5. ^ "Miramax Acquires Rights to Two 'Pokemon' Sequels". Los Angeles Times. April 4, 2002. Archived from the original on February 16, 2022.
  6. ^ Macias, Patrick (2003). Japan's Movie House Masterpieces. DH Publishing. p. 39. ISBN 9780972312448. Archived from the original on 2023-04-10. Retrieved 2018-05-30.
  7. ^ Pokémon Heroes at Box Office Mojo

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pokémon_Heroes&oldid=1219387135"