Pokémon: The Movie 2000 is the second theatrical Pokémon film, released in Japan on July 17, 1999 as a commemorative work for TV Tokyo's 35th anniversary. Directed by Kunihiko Yuyama with a screenplay by Takeshi Shudo and produced by OLM, the story begins when Ash and friends, continuing their journey through the Orange Islands, are swept off course by a storm and washed ashore on the festival-filled Shamouti Island. There, Ash is burdened with the role of the legendary 'Chosen One' from island folklore. Meanwhile, a mysterious collector named Lawrence III, who gathers rare treasures from around the world, schemes to capture Moltres, Zapdos, and Articuno — the three guardians of fire, thunder, and ice — in order to obtain the legendary sea guardian Lugia. His scheme throws nature out of balance, plunging the world into extreme weather and disaster. As the battle between the three legendary birds threatens to destroy the world, Lugia rises from the sea and seeks Ash's help as the prophesied Chosen One. The film topped Japan's 1999 domestic box office and became a major hit in North America as well, remaining one of the franchise's most beloved entries.