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Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life
Movie

Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life

2009 • Unknown

Woke Score
2
out of 10

Plot

When the creator of the world, Arceus, comes to pass judgement on humanity for the theft of the legendary Jewel of Life, Ash and his friends are sent back in time to possibly reverse the events that led to Arceus' vendetta.

Overall Series Review

The movie follows the time-honored adventure formula, centered on Ash and his friends traveling back to an ancient time to avert a world-ending catastrophe. The plot is driven by a profound act of moral failure—a betrayal of trust—that causes the creator deity, Arceus, to vow judgment on humanity. The narrative explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the consequences of breaking a sacred bond. The action is balanced by the introduction of new human characters, Sheena and Damos, who are integral to correcting the historical mistake. It does not deviate into social commentary, focusing instead on a universal moral conflict and the enduring power of friendship and courage to overcome destiny and greed. The final resolution emphasizes atonement and the re-establishment of a benevolent relationship between humans and the divine, rather than condemnation.

Categorical Breakdown

Identity Politics1/10

The plot revolves entirely around an ancient moral failing—a betrayal of trust by a corrupted human leader—not on immutable characteristics, systemic oppression, or identity. Characters are judged solely by their integrity, their willingness to sacrifice, and their merit in correcting the historical mistake.

Oikophobia2/10

The narrative critiques the selfish actions of a single corrupt leader in the ancient past who prioritizes his town's survival through theft and betrayal. The central theme is correcting that historical mistake to ensure the continuation of the home and its good heritage, promoting redemption and civilizational preservation, not self-hatred.

Feminism2/10

The female co-lead and the main side character, Sheena, are competent and essential to the plot. Sheena's role is defined by her unique, empathetic power to connect with and calm Legendary Pokémon, providing a complementary and crucial skill to the male leads' more direct action-oriented approach. There is no emasculation of males or anti-natalist messaging.

LGBTQ+1/10

The narrative is focused on a traditional action-adventure quest, featuring established characters, and contains no focus on centering alternative sexualities, deconstruction of the nuclear family, or gender ideology lecturing.

Anti-Theism3/10

The film centers on Arceus, a fallible, vengeful creator deity who seeks to punish humanity for a betrayal. While depicting a 'god' figure as flawed, the ultimate message is transcendent, relying on the higher moral concepts of forgiveness and atonement to restore a sacred bond, rather than declaring religion or faith a source of evil.