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Pokémon: The First Movie
劇場版ポケットモンスター ミュウツーの逆襲
1998 96 min Japan G 0+
★5.5
Animation, Family, Adventure, Fantasy, Action
Director: Kunihiko Yuyama
Trailers
Description
Determined to prove its superiority, a bio-engineered Pokémon called Mewtwo lures Ash, Pikachu and others into a Pokemon match like none before.
Budget:
$30M
US Gross:
$85.74M
Worldwide:
$163.64M
Starring
Veronica Taylor
Actor
Rachael Lillis
Actor
Eric Stuart
Actor
Awards
3 wins & 6 nominations total
Key opinion
Pokémon: The First Movie is widely remembered as a formative nostalgic experience that resonates deeply with its target audience. While critics were often dismissive upon release, fans appreciate the film's surprisingly mature exploration of identity and morality, as well as its iconic musical score.
| Theme | The film offers a surprisingly poignant exploration of existential questions, focusing on Mewtwo's struggle with his artificial origins and the nature of purpose. | |
| Score | The original Japanese score and the emotionally resonant orchestral tracks are frequently cited as a major strength that elevates the film's dramatic weight. | |
| Production | The animation quality remains impressive and visually satisfying, successfully blending Japanese anime aesthetics with early CGI elements. | |
| Emotion | The film succeeds in delivering a broad, cross-generational appeal, balancing lighthearted humor with heavy emotional stakes that resonate with both children and adults. | |
| Adaptation | Opinions on the film's structure and localization are divided; some praise the narrative integration with the series, while others take issue with the dialogue simplification and changes made during the American localization process. |