Although characters like Charizard and Snorlax have been around for much longer, another classic Pokémon with a strong legacy is Lucario, the Aura Pokémon. True to its classification, this Fighting/Steel-type Pokémon is highly sensitive, and is able to read the aura of any living creature thanks to its unique abilities. In fact, he is even capable of harnessing such life energy and creating an attack from it, known as an Aura Sphere. Although no longer exclusive to Lucario, this move remains his signature attack, alongside the very concept of aura in Pokemon world.
Lucario is also one of the few non-legendary and non-mythical Pokemon to have his own movie, in this case, Pokemon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew. Early compared to others Pokemon movies, Pokemon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew works with a different way of telling. He's very character-driven, so he brings honesty when it comes to working with the protagonist's emotions. Every element in this film that creates an atmosphere like no other Pokemon movie, is largely why Pokemon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew is still so loved today.
What is Pokemon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew O?
Ash must team up with the ancient Lucario to find Mew
A long time ago, there was a terrible war that threatened not only the destruction of Cameran Palace and its inhabitants, but also the entire city of Rota. In a race against time, the famous guardian of Aura, Sir Aaron, and his ally and student, Lucario. The two tried to get to the fabled Tree of Beginning because it had the power to calm the anger of those who fought in the war.
However, Sir Aaron suddenly announces that he will not return to the palace or to Queen Rin, and traps Lucario in the jewel of his scepter, where he will rest forever while he remains confused and hurt by the mysterious betrayal of the Aura Guardian.
Currently, Cameran Palace and its current ruler, Queen Ilene, celebrate Sir Aaron and his exploits in an annual event where one of them is chosen as the festival's “Hero of the Year” and “Aura Guardian”. After Ash wins and dons a costume similar to the outfit Sir Aaron once had (along with his long-lost scepter), Lucario is freed from the scepter's jewel and is shocked to discover that centuries have passed since Sir Aaron disappeared.
When Mew arrives and takes Pikachu and Meowth to his home in the Tree of Beginnings to play with, Ash vows to travel to the legendary place and find his best friend while Pikachu and Meowth learn more about Mew and his connection to the legendary environment. Reluctantly and only for Queen Ilene, Lucario embarks on a journey to understand her memories.
A story that is amazingly different compared to the previous films
Less focused on battles, more focused on Lucario's musings
Unlike others Pokemon movies, Pokemon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew it doesn't feature battles as a central plot point, at least not in modern times. Aside from the flashback of the war and the festival at the beginning of the film, the film focuses more on the journey the characters must go through and how they must learn to get along.
Lucario, as betrayed by Sir Aaron, cannot trust anyone but Queen Ilene because he is a descendant of Queen Rin. The Aura Pokémon especially can't trust Ash, believing that one day the young trainer will abandon his Pikachu. However, as time passes and their arguments begin to subside, Lucario truly sees that Ash cares about his friends and that not all humans will betray their Pokémon.
Pokemon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew is presented from Lucario's perspective for the most part in how Aura Pokémon see their home in the past and future. In the land of the known and the unknown, Lucario tries to understand Sir Aaron's last words and the lessons the warrior/steel type learned about the aura as a whole. Since the film doesn't rely on battles as much as previous films in the series, Lucario's journey is very atmospheric, eerie, yet hopeful. What Lucario learns is sure to bring the Pokémon peace and heartbreak at the same time, thanks to the power of the flowers of time and the legendary Tree of Beginnings.
In addition to the emotional and often heartfelt storytelling, the animation in this film is an absolute treat. Colors are vibrant, but can also be more muted when needed, making flashback scenes especially dreamy. The soundtrack itself is gorgeous too, it's upbeat and bright but also ethereal and even a little melancholic. These elements, when combined, really bring the locations and characters of this film to life.
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The legacy of Lucario and Sir Aaron
The Sinnoh region and Ash's future teammate
Lucario and Sir Aaron are from a time when Poké Balls were not yet a common item; it is likely that this time period was around when Pokemon Legends: Arceus took place as the Poké Ball was just starting to become a theme in the game. Similar to Pokémon trainers such as Adaman and Irida, Lucario is not kept in a Poké Ball and Sir Aaron is not referred to as its trainer; rather, they are like a teacher and his pupil, as it is Sir Aaron who educates Lucario to better utilize his unique aura-related powers. However, it turns out that relationships like theirs are the foundation of nearly all current trainer-Pokémon alliances.
Today, Lucario is one of the most popular Pokémon in the franchise, thanks to its undeniably cool design and amazing movepool. After the debut of Sir Aaron and his Lucario, Ash met several other Lucario trainers, from Maylene to Cynthia. However, it turns out that the very interesting trainer Riley not only travels with Lucario, but studies the aura just like his counterpart Sir Aaron. Ash would even get a chance to train Lucario himself Pokémon Journeys: The Serieswhich was bittersweet for longtime fans and perhaps a little bittersweet for Ash himself. Since his debut, Sir Aaron's Lucario has undoubtedly remained one of the most popular Pokemon movie protagonists and is a wonderful example of the amazing species as a whole.
