Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life

Arceus, the creator of the Pokemon world, arrives to judge humanity for stealing the Jewel of Life. In response, Ash and his friends are sent back to ancient times, where their choices could rewrite the course of history. They enter a land ruled by legend and old loyalties, racing against time as they try to prevent a dire outcome that could shake both the past and the present. With Pikachu by his side, Ash, Brock, and Dawn must win the trust of local villagers, piece together a hidden truth about the artifact, and decide what they are willing to sacrifice to repair the bond between people and the divine. The fate of two eras teeters on their actions.

Directed by Kunihiko Yuyama, the film is part of the long running Pokemon anime series released in 2009. It draws from the broader Pokemon universe rather than a single game, delivering a self contained adventure for fans and newcomers alike.

It grossed 52,119,081 dollars worldwide, reflecting solid performance for a family oriented animated feature. The number underscores steady global interest in the Pokemon films and their ability to attract both young viewers and dedicated fans across households worldwide.

Critics praised the animation quality and the film's emphasis on responsibility and trust. The story uses time travel to explore how individual actions ripple through generations, urging mercy over revenge and highlighting friendship as a force that can heal old wounds. Themes about stewardship of power feel timely for families.

Animation is handled by OLM, Inc, with Kunihiko Yuyama directing. The film continues the Pokemon anime approach rather than a stand alone gaming adaptation, weaving familiar character dynamics with new legends. The voice cast includes Rica Matsumoto as Satoshi, Ikue Otani as Pikachu, Yuji Ueda as Takeshi, Megumi Toyoguchi as Hikari, and Etsuko Kozakura as Pochama.