The release of the first Pokémon film, officially titled Pokémon: The First Movie - Mewtwo Strikes Back, marked a pivotal moment in global entertainment history. Originally debuting in Japanese theaters on July 18, 1998, as Gekijōban Poketto Monsutā: Myūtsū no Gyakushū, the film arrived in North America on November 10, 1999. It was not merely a feature-length extension of the popular television series; it was a high-stakes exploration of existentialism, identity, and the ethics of genetic engineering, wrapped in the vibrant aesthetic of the Pokémon world.

The Tragic Genesis of Mewtwo and the Quest for Purpose

At the heart of the first Pokémon film lies one of the most complex antagonists in animation history: Mewtwo. Unlike the recurring villains of the TV show, Team Rocket’s bumbling trio, Mewtwo is a character born of trauma and scientific hubris. Created in a laboratory from the DNA of the mythical Pokémon Mew, Mewtwo was designed to be the ultimate weapon.

The narrative depth of Mewtwo’s origin is often more fully realized in the Japanese "Uncut" version, which includes a prologue involving Dr. Fuji and his daughter, Amber. Dr. Fuji’s motivation for mastering cloning was not power, but the desperate hope of resurrecting his deceased child. Mewtwo’s early consciousness was linked with that of Amber’s clone, and her eventual "fading" left Mewtwo with an subconscious void.

When Mewtwo awakens in the main film, he is greeted by scientists who view him only as a tool. His violent rebellion against his creators and his subsequent disillusionment with Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket, sets the stage for a grand philosophical confrontation. Mewtwo’s central question—"Who am I, and why am I here?"—resonated with an audience that was far more used to the lighthearted "Catch 'em all" mantra of the franchise.

A Battle of Philosophies and the Storm on New Island

The plot follows Ash Ketchum, Misty, and Brock as they receive a mysterious invitation to battle the "world's greatest Pokémon Master" on New Island. Despite a fierce storm that grounds all transportation, the determined trainers use their Pokémon to cross the turbulent seas, showcasing the bond between humans and their partners.

The setting of New Island acts as a stage for Mewtwo’s grand experiment. He believes that humans are cruel masters and that Pokémon are mere slaves. To prove his superiority, he creates clones of the trainers' Pokémon—Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur—to demonstrate that "copies" can be stronger than the originals.

The Conflict of Originals vs Clones

The film reaches its emotional peak when the original Pokémon are forced to fight their clones. Unlike the strategic, sanctioned battles seen in the Pokémon League, this is a brutal war of attrition. The scene is characterized by a haunting silence, broken only by the sound of physical blows and the somber "Brother My Brother" track in the Western dub.

The visual of Pikachu refusing to fight his clone, even as the clone slaps him repeatedly in tears, remains one of the most heart-wrenching moments in the entire franchise. It challenged the core mechanic of the game—fighting—by asking what happens when battle is stripped of its competitive spirit and becomes a struggle for survival and dominance.

Comparing the Japanese Original and the English Adaptation

For serious fans of the first Pokémon film, the differences between the original Japanese script and the 4Kids Entertainment English adaptation are a major point of discussion. These changes significantly altered the film's tone and message.

Existentialism vs Moralizing

In the original Japanese version, Mewtwo’s motivations are deeply existential. He is trying to determine if his life has value despite being an artificial creation. The conflict between him and Mew is about the right to exist; Mew argues that only those born naturally have value, while Mewtwo seeks to prove that his power justifies his existence.

The English dub shifted this toward a more straightforward "violence is wrong" message. While this made the film more accessible for younger Western audiences, it also created a paradox: a film promoting anti-violence within a franchise centered entirely on monster battles.

The Legend of the Tears

The climax, where Ash Ketchum intervenes in the battle between Mewtwo and Mew and is turned to stone, introduces the "Legend of the Tears." In the film’s lore, the tears of Pokémon possess a magical, life-giving property. When the Pokémon, both originals and clones, weep over Ash’s sacrifice, their collective grief restores him to life.

Critics at the time often dismissed this as a "deus ex machina," but from a thematic perspective, it represents the unification of the "real" and the "artificial." In their shared sorrow, the distinction between clone and original vanishes. This realization is what eventually moves Mewtwo to change his path.

Production Excellence and the Role of OLM Studio

Visually, the first Pokémon film was a significant step up from the weekly anime. Produced by OLM, Inc. (formerly Oriental Light and Magic), the film utilized higher frame rates, more detailed backgrounds, and early CGI integration.

Animation and Visual Storytelling

The design of Mewtwo’s fortress on New Island is a masterclass in atmospheric art direction. The dark, jagged architecture reflects Mewtwo’s internal turmoil. The contrast between the bright, colorful "Pikachu’s Summer Vacation" short that preceded the film and the somber, blue-toned palettes of the main feature signaled to the audience that this was a "prestige" Pokémon event.

Director Kunihiko Yuyama, who has directed nearly every major Pokémon film, brought a cinematic scale to the project. The choreography of the Mew vs. Mewtwo psychic battle, with its rapid movements and explosive energy, set the standard for legendary Pokémon encounters for years to come.

The Platinum Soundtrack

One cannot discuss the impact of the first Pokémon film without mentioning its soundtrack. The English-language release was a commercial juggernaut, featuring tracks from major pop stars of the era, including:

  • M2M: "Don't Say You Love Me"
  • Britney Spears: "Soda Pop"
  • Christina Aguilera: "Genie in a Bottle" (included on some promotional versions)
  • Billy Crawford: "Pokémon Theme"

The decision to lean into the teen-pop explosion of the late 90s helped the film transcend the "kids' cartoon" label and become a genuine pop-culture phenomenon. The soundtrack reached the top 10 on the Billboard 200 and was certified 2x Platinum.

Pikachu’s Vacation: The Lighthearted Companion

In keeping with Japanese theatrical traditions, the main film was accompanied by a 20-minute short titled Pikachu's Summer Vacation (Pikachu no Natsuyasumi). This segment focused entirely on the Pokémon’s perspective, with no human dialogue.

The short introduced several "Generation II" Pokémon before the Pokémon Gold and Silver games were released in the West, such as Marill and Snubbull. This was a brilliant marketing strategy, fueling speculation and excitement for the upcoming expansion of the Pokédex. The lighthearted antics in the Pokémon Square provided a necessary tonal balance to the heavy themes of the main feature.

Box Office Records and the Global Pokémon Fever

When the first Pokémon film hit North American theaters in November 1999, it was a massive financial success. It opened at number one, grossing $31 million in its first weekend—a record for an animated opening at the time.

Financial Breakdown

  • Production Budget: Approximately $5 million (a modest sum for a feature film).
  • Worldwide Box Office: Over $172.7 million.
  • Home Video Success: The film sold over 10 million units on VHS and DVD in the United States alone.

The success of the film proved that Pokémon was not a passing fad. It solidified the brand as a global powerhouse capable of competing with Disney and Warner Bros. in the theatrical space. The marketing campaign was equally legendary, particularly the Burger King promotion that featured gold-plated trading cards and the distribution of exclusive Mewtwo and Dragonite cards at theaters.

The Legacy of Mewtwo Strikes Back – Evolution

In 2019, to celebrate the franchise's enduring popularity, The Pokémon Company released a full CGI remake titled Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back – Evolution. While the 3D animation was polarizing for some long-time fans who preferred the hand-drawn style of the 90s, the remake remained incredibly faithful to the original script (leaning closer to the Japanese version's intent).

The remake's existence testifies to the timelessness of the story. The questions about existence and the value of one's choices remain as relevant in the 2020s as they were in 1998.

How the First Movie Influenced Future Pokémon Storytelling

The first Pokémon film established several tropes that would define the movies for the next two decades:

  1. The Legendary Focus: Every subsequent movie would center around a specific Legendary or Mythical Pokémon.
  2. The "Chosen One" Dynamic: While later films explored this more explicitly, the first movie established Ash as a person whose spirit can move even the most powerful of Pokémon.
  3. The Moral Center: Pokémon films became a venue for exploring environmentalism, the dangers of technology, and the importance of peace.

Summary of Key Facts

  • Official Name: Pokémon: The First Movie - Mewtwo Strikes Back.
  • Release Dates: July 1998 (Japan), November 1999 (USA).
  • Main Antagonist: Mewtwo (a clone of Mew).
  • Box Office: $172 million+ worldwide.
  • Cultural Significance: Explored themes of cloning and identity during the height of 90s Poke-mania.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the first Pokémon film ever made?

The first feature-length Pokémon film is Pokémon: The First Movie, also known as Mewtwo Strikes Back. It was released in Japan in 1998 and globally in 1999.

Why is there a 2019 version of the first Pokémon movie?

The 2019 version, titled Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back – Evolution, is a shot-for-shot remake using 3D CGI animation. It was released to introduce the classic story to a new generation and celebrate the original film's legacy.

Is Mewtwo a villain in the first movie?

While Mewtwo acts as an antagonist by kidnapping Pokémon and attacking trainers, his character is more of a tragic figure. His actions are driven by the trauma of his creation and a search for his own identity. By the end of the film, he realizes his errors and chooses a path of peace.

What happens to Ash at the end of the first Pokémon movie?

Ash is turned to stone after being caught in the crossfire of psychic blasts from Mewtwo and Mew. He is revived by the tears of the Pokémon, who are moved by his sacrifice to stop the fighting.

Does Mew appear in the first movie?

Yes, Mew appears as the foil to Mewtwo. While Mewtwo represents the power of science and cloning, Mew represents nature and the mystery of life. Their battle is the central conflict of the film’s climax.

Are there two different versions of the first Pokémon movie?

Yes, there is the original Japanese version and the English dub by 4Kids Entertainment. The English version significantly changed some of the dialogue and philosophical themes to make the movie more "kid-friendly" and focus on an anti-violence message.