Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle 2021

In the mystical Forest of Okoya, a chance encounter between the enigmatic Pokémon Zarude (Edward Bosco) and an abandoned infant boy sets off a chain of events that will forever alter the lives of those involved. With a paternal instinct he cannot ignore, Zarude adopts the child, whom he names Koko (Kimlinh Tran), and raises him as his own amidst the ancient trees of their hidden jungle home. As Koko grows up in harmony with nature, unaware of the world beyond the forest’s boundaries, Ash Ketchum (Sarah Natochenny) and her trusty Pikachu (Ikue Otani) arrive from nearby Milyfa Town on a mission to capture a rare Cramorant.

Their expedition is soon disrupted by the presence of the Biotope Company, a research organization led by the enigmatic Dr. Zed (Billy Kametz), who is hot on the trail of a fabled spring rumored to possess extraordinary healing properties. Meanwhile, Team Rocket, comprised of Jessie (Michele Knotz), James (James Carter Cathcart), and Meowth (James Carter Cathcart), covertly infiltrate the research team, seeking to exploit their findings for their own nefarious purposes.

As Koko’s life intersects with that of Ash and Pikachu, a series of events unfolds that will test the bonds between humans and Pokémon. Koko, who has spent his entire life caring for the jungle’s creatures and using the ancient spring’s waters to heal them, is initially wary of the outside world. However, after a dramatic encounter with Ash, he begins to grasp the concept of human connection.

As Koko’s understanding of his place in the world evolves, so too does his relationship with Zarude, who must confront the truth about Koko’s origins and ultimately reveal the secrets of his past to Ash and Pikachu. The trio’s journey takes them to an abandoned laboratory where Zarude shares a poignant photograph of infant Koko with his human parents, forever changing the dynamics between humans and Pokémon in the Forest of Okoya.

As Ash (Ash Ketchum) uncovers a mysterious wallet belonging to Biotope Company at an abandoned laboratory, he is compelled to share his discovery with Koko, whose life is forever altered by the revelation. Upon arriving at the headquarters of Biotope, they meet Dr. Zed, a man who holds the key to unlocking Koko’s true identity. It transpires that Koko’s parents, Chrom and Phossa Molybden, were renowned scientists who dedicated their lives to researching the mystical healing springs, only to have their quest tragically cut short in a car accident ten years prior. The devastating news is compounded by the fact that this calamity was assumed to have also claimed the life of their infant son, Al Molybden, now known as Koko.

Dr. Zed’s scanning of Koko’s pendant yields a shocking discovery - partially corrupted data revealing an image of the enigmatic Great Tree. Overwhelmed by the truth about his parents’ fate, Koko flees to the Great Tree, driven by a deep sense of loss and longing. However, he soon finds himself entangled in a web of deceit when Dr. Zed arrives with his research team, which has been infiltrated by Team Rocket, accompanied by a menacing, spider-like tank.

As Koko and Ash attempt to thwart Dr. Zed’s sinister plans, they are met with resistance from the Ariados, and subsequently, both are subdued and thrown into the back of one of Dr. Zed’s trucks. The mad scientist then unleashes a barrage of missiles at the Great Tree, blasting open holes through which the life-giving spring water begins to flow. In a stroke of good fortune, Team Rocket’s rivalry with Ash’s Pikachu inadvertently provides an opportunity for Koko and his friends to escape.

As they make their way back to the surface, Koko, Ash, and Pikachu stumble upon Dr. Zed, who has succumbed to a full-blown psychotic breakdown. The once-respected scientist confesses his heinous crimes, revealing that he brutally murdered Chrom and Phossa Molybden after they refused to continue researching the Great Tree out of respect for the Zarude tribe, before stealing their supply of spring water and leaving them to perish in the explosion of their wrecked vehicle. With this revelation, the true nature of Dr. Zed’s actions is finally exposed, leaving Koko to grapple with the devastating consequences of his parents’ untimely demise.

As Dr. Zed’s iron grip on the tank tightens, Ash, Pikachu, and Koko launch a valiant but ultimately futile assault against their ruthless foe. The henchmen, however, prove no match for the cunning strategist, who effortlessly repels their attacks. Just as all hope seems lost, Zarude’s tribe bursts onto the scene, summoned by the charismatic leader himself to join forces with Koko and his companions in their quest to save the jungle. The arrival of this motley crew is met with a surprise visit from Koko’s father figure, who brings an unexpected ally: a troupe of wild Pokémon that had previously been wary of Zarude’s tribe due to their selfish ways. As battle rages on, Zarude takes a brutal hit and teeters on the brink of defeat, but Koko - fueled by his deep connection to the jungle - taps into its ancient power, channeling it through himself like a true Pokémon to heal his wounded friend. United in their determination, this unlikely coalition manages to sabotage the tank’s power source, rendering it inert. Dr. Zed, enraged and defeated, makes a desperate bid for freedom but is swiftly apprehended by Koko, whose reputation as a hero spreads far and wide.

In the aftermath of their triumph, humans and Pokémon alike work together to mend the damage inflicted upon the jungle, a testament to the power of cooperation and unity. Dr. Zed, brought low by his own hubris, faces justice at the hands of Officer Jenny, whose investigation has been aided by clandestine leaks from Team Rocket. Meanwhile, Koko - his dual identity as both Zarude and human now firmly established - embarks upon a new chapter in his life, one that will see him bridge the gap between two worlds. As he and Ash bid farewell to the Forest of Okoya, they are treated to a stirring display of affection from Zarude, who transforms the healing springs into a majestic geyser, sending Koko off on his journey with a sense of purpose and belonging. The stage is set for Koko’s future endeavors as he sets out into an unknown world, his heart filled with optimism and his spirit soaring. At the revered Great Tree, Zarude - now at peace in harmony with the other Pokémon - catches sight of a resplendent Shiny Celebi, its gaze fixed upon him with an air of quiet respect and admiration.