Directed by
Kunihiko Yuyama
Made by
Miramax Films
Discover the intricate plot of Pokémon 4: The Movie (2002). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
As the day progresses, Pikachu finds himself perched atop a towering metropolitan skyscraper alongside his friends, who are left to the care of their trainers as they prepare for a mysterious surprise. During this time, he crosses paths with the Pichu Brothers, who require rescuing when one of them precariously balances on the edge of a nearby building. Unfortunately, the moment of their reunion is short-lived, as a cunning group of Murkrow chase Pikachu off a flagpole. In his plight, he seeks assistance from a trio of Hoppip to navigate the gap, accidentally sending a window-cleaning Meowth hurtling into a billboard.
The Pichu Brothers quickly join forces with Pikachu, determined to make it back to their friends. However, their journey takes a series of unexpected twists and turns throughout the city, leading to an exhilarating adventure at the Pichu Brothers’ playground. Along the way, they narrowly escape the fury of a fierce Houndour. Yet, their encounter isn’t over as they face him again, leading to a high-stakes chase that threatens the very existence of the playground. In the end, Pikachu, along with the Pichu Brothers, Houndour, and their eclectic group of friends, successfully save the day. Realizing it’s time to reunite with his trainers, particularly Ash, Pikachu embarks on a daring finale. The trio ingeniously uses a tire to propel themselves towards their destination, sending Meowth comically flying yet again, just in time for an exhilarating celebration commemorating the first anniversary of Ash and Pikachu’s partnership.
In a quaint town called Greenfield, esteemed researcher Professor Spencer Hale embarks on an intriguing investigation into the mystical Unown, accompanied by his dedicated assistant Skyler. Their explorations lead them to ancient ruins packed with secrets related to these enigmatic beings. However, when Hale mysteriously disappears amidst their discoveries, his anxious daughter Molly is left behind, her own mother having vanished some time before. Driven by a desperate need for answers, Molly uncovers a set of tablets inscribed with Unown imagery. As she pieces together the letters, she inadvertently summons the very creatures she seeks to understand.
The Unown, in tune with Molly’s innermost wishes, begin to wield their otherworldly powers, transforming her manor into a mesmerizing crystal palace that expands through the town, effectively isolating her from reality. In a manifestation of her yearning for her father’s return, a spectral Entei appears, prompting intervention from various individuals seeking to unravel the Unown’s hold. Notable figures like Professor Oak and Delia Ketchum, Ash’s mother, join forces to assist Molly in regaining control over her life and restoring balance to the town.
As Ash and his friends arrive in Greenfield, they encounter a fellow trainer named Lisa, who chooses to join their quest to rescue Molly. Their arrival coincides with Entei’s menacing plan to abduct Delia, responding to Molly’s desire for maternal guidance. Under the enigmatic influence of Entei, Delia becomes convinced that she is indeed Molly’s mother. With determination, Ash, Misty, Brock, and their Pokémon gear up for an audacious rescue mission to save Delia, relying on Lisa’s PokéGear device for communication with Professor Oak and Skyler.
Meanwhile, Team Rocket makes an ill-fated attempt to infiltrate the mansion, only to be thwarted by Entei’s overwhelming powers. As they seek refuge within the labyrinthine estate, Molly watches Ash’s Bulbasaur and Chikorita showcase their talents on television, which sends her into a daydream where she imagines herself as a Pokémon trainer. This reverie briefly breaks when Delia, now released from Entei’s grasp, snaps back to reality upon spotting Ash on TV. However, Entei swiftly conjures a dream version of an adult Molly, whisking her away to combat Brock and subsequently Misty.
In this surreal confrontation, Molly initially faces off against Brock, discovering that her imagined Pokémon possess superior strength. A more serene underwater battle occurs when she duels Misty. Amid this chaos, Ash tracks down Molly and Delia, desperately calling upon Entei to release his mother. Yet, the powerful Pokémon remains steadfast, effortlessly defeating Totodile and Cyndaquil before turning its attention toward Ash and Pikachu.
In a dramatic turn of events, Charizard, witnessing the crisis unfold in Charicific Valley, swoops in to rescue Ash and Pikachu from impending peril. As Entei engages Charizard in an intense clash, Molly awakens to the consequences of her wishes and intervenes to halt the conflict. Ash and his companions persuade her to embrace their cause, revealing Entei’s true purpose as a surrogate father, created by the Unown for that specific role.
Just when it looks like they might escape, the Unown lose control of their newfound powers, threatening to trap them within the mansion forever. A desperate group, including Ash, Pikachu, Charizard, Misty, Togepi, Brock, Delia, Molly, and even Team Rocket, make a frantic dash for freedom, converging in the hall where the Unown are located. Though their steadfast efforts prove futile against the forcefield encasing the Unown, Entei joins forces with Pikachu and Charizard, combining their strengths to shatter the barrier, all with Molly’s encouragement.
In a final act of selflessness, Entei sacrifices itself, restoring harmony to the world and enabling the Unown to return to their realm and undoing the chaos they have caused. With the dust settling, Hale is returned to the ruins—his original disappearance site. As the group emerges into the open, Oak, Skyler, and Lisa unite with Ash’s companions to form a formidable alliance. Meanwhile, Team Rocket, thwarted by law enforcement stationed outside, scatter to regroup and promise that they shall not be overly disheartened in their quest for Pokémon capture. In this climactic moment, Charizard and Lisa bid farewell to Ash as Molly rejoices in reuniting with her father and long-lost mother, providing a touching closure to her narrative. The stage is now set for more thrilling adventures ahead, as new alliances are formed and challenges await on the horizon.
Track the key events of Pokémon 4: The Movie (2002) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Pikachu at the Skyscraper
As the day begins, Pikachu finds himself on a towering metropolitan skyscraper with his friends. They are anxiously awaiting a mysterious surprise orchestrated by their trainers.
Rescue of the Pichu Brothers
Pikachu encounters the Pichu Brothers, who are precariously perched on the edge of a nearby building. He swiftly springs into action, attempting to rescue them from their dangerous situation.
Chased by Murkrow
In a sudden twist, a gang of mischievous Murkrow chase Pikachu off a flagpole. This unexpected chase leads him into further adventures as he seeks help to escape.
Help from Hoppip
Amidst his troubles, Pikachu seeks aid from a trio of Hoppip to navigate a dangerous gap. Their assistance inadvertently results in a comical situation with a window-cleaning Meowth.
Adventure to the Playground
Joining forces with the Pichu Brothers, Pikachu sets off on an unpredictable journey back to their friends. Their path brims with thrilling twists, culminating in an exhilarating escapade at the Pichu Brothers' playground.
Encounter with Houndour
While making their way, the group confronts a fierce Houndour, marking the beginning of a heart-pounding chase. Their encounter brings danger close to the playground and tests their courage.
Pikachu and Pichu Brothers Save the Day
Pikachu, the Pichu Brothers, and their friends unite to fend off the threats looming over the playground. Together, they display bravery and teamwork, successfully restoring peace.
Molly Uncovers the Unown
In the quaint town of Greenfield, Professor Spencer Hale delves into the mystery of the Unown with his assistant Skyler. When Hale vanishes, his daughter Molly discovers ancient tablets that summon the Unown.
Transformation into Crystal Palace
The Unown, responding to Molly's desires, transform her manor into a stunning crystal palace. This enchanting transformation isolates her from reality, achieving her longing for her father.
Ash and Friends Arrive in Greenfield
Ash, Misty, Brock, and new ally Lisa arrive in Greenfield, where they learn about Molly's predicament. They prepare to confront Entei, who is now targeting Delia due to Molly's wishes.
Team Rocket's Attempt
In a comical twist, Team Rocket attempts to infiltrate the crystal palace to snag Pokémon. However, they quickly find themselves at the mercy of Entei's immense powers.
Molly's Imaginary Battle
While watching Ash's Pokémon on TV, Molly daydreams of being a Pokémon trainer and fantasizes battling with them. This reverie creates a temporary escape from her troubles but soon leads to more complications.
Charizard to the Rescue
In a critical moment, Charizard flies in from Charicific Valley to assist Ash and Pikachu. This timely intervention alters the course of their battle against Entei, revealing hidden strengths.
Molly's Realization
Awakening to the consequences of her desires, Molly recognizes Entei's true nature as a father figure created by the Unown. She intervenes in the unfolding chaos, aiming to restore balance.
Final Battle and Sacrifice
As the Unown lose control, Ash and his friends, along with Entei's combined efforts, struggle to break free from the mansion's hold. In a final act of sacrifice, Entei restores harmony but disappears, leading to emotional reunions.
Meet the characters that bring Pokémon 4: The Movie (2002) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Pikachu
Pikachu is a brave and loyal Pokémon, known for his strong bond with Ash. Throughout the film, he demonstrates courage and quick thinking, guiding his friends through various challenges. His determination to reunite with his trainer showcases his unwavering spirit.
Molly
Molly is a young girl who yearns for her father's return, showcasing her vulnerability and determination. Her attachment to the Unown stems from her deep emotional needs, leading to significant developments in her character. As the story unfolds, she learns to confront her desires and the consequences of her actions.
Entei
Entei represents a powerful and nurturing force, embodying the figure of a father for Molly. His interactions reveal the complexities of created desires and the necessity for resolution. Entei's eventual sacrifice underscores the themes of love and selflessness within the narrative.
Professor Spencer Hale
Professor Hale is a dedicated researcher whose curiosity about the Unown drives the plot forward. His disappearance adds mystery to the story, motivating Molly to uncover hidden truths. As a father figure, his relationship with Molly deepens the emotional stakes of the adventure.
Ash
Ash serves as a determined trainer facing various challenges with his friends and Pokémon. His role is pivotal as he rallies others to rescue Molly and confront Entei. His character embodies the spirit of perseverance and friendship throughout their journeys.
Uncover the settings of Pokémon 4: The Movie (2002), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The movie unfolds in a contemporary setting, where the characters navigate modern city life alongside extraordinary events involving Pokémon. The blend of everyday life with fantastical elements highlights the accessibility of adventure within relatable times.
Location
Greenfield, metropolitan city
The movie takes place in a dynamic metropolitan city, known for its towering skyscrapers and bustling life. Additionally, the quaint town of Greenfield is depicted, marked by its serene environment and ancient ruins, where the esteemed researcher Professor Spencer Hale investigates the mystical Unown. The contrast between the urban setting and the tranquil town enriches the narrative.
Explore the core themes of Pokémon 4: The Movie (2002). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Friendship
Friendship is a central theme as Pikachu and the Pichu Brothers embark on a thrilling adventure, showcasing loyalty and camaraderie. Their journey emphasizes the strength found in unity during challenges, as they work together to confront obstacles and save their friends. The bond between trainers and Pokémon also deepens the emotional resonance of their quest.
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Mystery
The allure of mystery surrounds the Unown and the enigmatic powers they wield, leading characters on an exploration of the unknown. This theme is particularly evident as Molly interacts with the Unown while uncovering truths about her family. The mystical elements blend with the characters' desires, propelling the story forward and creating a captivating atmosphere.
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Loss
The theme of loss permeates the narrative, notably through Molly's longing for her father and the absence of her mother. This emotional backdrop drives her actions, influencing her interactions with Entei and the Unown. The resolution of these feelings contributes to the film's emotional depth, highlighting the importance of accepting the past.
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