Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai

About Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai

Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai is a Japanese animated film released in 2007 and directed by Kunihiko Yuyama. The movie is the 10th in the Pokémon franchise and marks the beginning of the Diamond & Pearl trilogy. With a stunning play of animations and a gripping plot, it is set in the enchanting location of Alamos Town, a place threatened by the fighting of two Pokémon.

The movie follows the adventures of Ash, Dawn, and Brock as they arrive at Alamos Town for a Pokémon Contest. The town is at the brink of destruction because of a fight between Dialga and Palkia, and the situation worsens with the rise of Darkrai, a Pokémon that people perceive as a threat. However, Darkrai's intentions might not be what they seem, a plot twist that forms the crux of the movie.

Making / Production

The film was produced by The Pokémon Company and distributed by Toho. The animation was handled by OLM and directed by Kunihiko Yuyama. The primary challenge during production was integrating the unique setting of Alamos Town with the intense battle scenes between the Pokémon.

Actors

• Sarah Natochenny as Ash Ketchum: The protagonist of the series who is on a journey to become a Pokémon master.
• Emily Jenness as Dawn: Ash's friend who aspires to be the best Pokémon Coordinator.
• Bill Rogers as Brock: Ash's companion who wants to be the world's best Pokémon Breeder.
• Rica Matsumoto as Darkrai: The misunderstood Pokémon who is trying to save the town.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This is the first film of Pokémon's Diamond & Pearl trilogy.
• Despite its name, Darkrai is not the antagonist of the film.
• This movie is well-received by fans for its unexpected plot twist involving Darkrai's role.

Quotes

• "Everyone's will to protect something...is the key to destroying the nightmare." - Darkrai
• "It may seem impossible now, but you never know how things are going to turn out." - Ash Ketchum

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's main theme, "I Will Be with You (Where The Lost Ones Go)" is performed by Sarah Brightman and Chris Thompson.
• Original score is composed by Shinji Miyazaki.
• Soundtrack includes music from popular Pokémon games as well.