Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998)

Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998) Poster
Mewtwo vs. Mew

Japanese title: 劇場版ポケットモンスター ミュウツーの逆襲 
(Gekijōban Poketto Monsutā: Myūtsū no Gyakushū)

Other title: Pokémon: The First Movie, 超夢夢反擊戰, 超夢的逆襲, 
Покемон: Фильм первый – Мьюту наносит ответный удар,
Pokémon, le film: Mewtwo contre-attaque, Pokémon - Der Film. Mewtwo Contraataca.

Comments on Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998)
"This is a movie that knows its audience." - George Meyer, Orlando Weekly.

"It starts off pretty good, and then as Ash becomes more involved, it starts to slowly decay. Nothing against Ash, but a lot of the Pokémon movies suffer mostly for his involvement." - Hlín, The Cave of Dragonflies.

"Stuff the critics. It may not be The Greatest Story Ever Told, but we had a laugh." - Jasper Sharp, Midnight Eye.

"Surprisingly, it is still entertaining to watch due to its everlasting charm; the charm that has captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world. It does have its own imperfections but it certainly is a breakthrough for the Pokémon Universe." - Rosalyn Lim.

Genre/Tags 
Anime Action Adventure Family Sci-Fi Video Game
Pokémon 2D Animation Animated Feature 

Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998) Trailer

Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998) at a glance
Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998) is an anime film directed by Kunihiko Yuyama. It is the first theatrical film of Pokémon franchise created by Satoshi Tajiri. Extremely popular, it used to be the highest grossing anime film and film based on video game for a few years, grossing USD 163,644,662 worldwide.

Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998) Synopsis
The adventure explodes into action with the debut of Mewtwo, a bio-engineered Pokémon created from the DNA of Mew, the rarest of all Pokémon. Determined to prove its superiority, Mewtwo lures Ash, Pikachu and the others into a Pokémon match like none before. Mewtwo vs. Mew. Super clones vs. Pokémon. It's the ultimate showdown... with the very future of the world at stake!

Movie Review: Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998)
Mewtwo's Eyes.

Before I proceed with my review, I would like to express that I am quite surprised to find many reviews on this movie (in English) are hate articles that I almost gave up searching for credible comments for this movie. I won't deny that there are plenty of space for improvement but it's not fair to bash the whole phenomenon or franchise and criticise the audience (especially children) in a movie review. Not going to say much about this but everyone is entitled to like what they like.

Invitation to New Island.

Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998) is Pokémon's first animated feature. Ever since the first time I saw it in Cantonese or Japanese dub as a child, I have been watching and anticipating the movies every year and I believe I would still do so for many years to come!

Pier Master Miranda and Officer Jenny.

While I can't accurately confirm which version, I am pretty sure that the animated feature has sparked my genuine love and interest towards Pokémon to the extent that I began watching the TV anime and playing the games during my childhood. And now? I am leisurely collecting plushies of my favorite Pokémon and if I have my own 3ds, I think most likely I will play it all day and night for several weeks.

Run, Pikachu!

This animated feature sure does has its great influence and its impact. However, is it good?

Brock, Misty and Ash with their Pokémon undersea.

I still remember some of the scenes from this animated feature by memory but I have long forgotten the story of Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998). Watching this animated feature again but a decade later and in English dub, surprisingly, it is still entertaining to watch due to its everlasting charm; the charm that has captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world.

Mewtwo.

In terms of cinematography, it is okay I guess but there are several minor yet highly avoidable errors in color correction and script that I have noticed, at least in the older English dubbed version which I have recently rewatched. Those errors shouldn't have been there, it affects the overall experience of the animated feature as well as potentially reducing its maximum appeal.

Giovanni tries to control Mewtwo.

The unique characters (or creatures) and the bond between the endearing characters are what stands out most in this animated feature, which is impressive. Unfortunately, it may be confusing for those who have zero clue about Pokémon as the script is quite dull in some parts.

Research lab destroyed.

It feels like there is missing vital backstory as if there are more story to it as a whole; which is in fact true, the animated feature does have a short prologue titled Origin of Mewtwo and the featured Pokémon Mewtwo still is a significant Pokémon after generations; being the first Mega Evolved Pokémon with two forms in generation six anime Pokémon XY series in addition to also having two other sequel films featuring it. Only time will reveal everything about Mewtwo!

Togepi crying in Pikachu's Vacation.

Ending this post, Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998) is about selfishness, hatred, loneliness, innocence, friendship and its adorable Pokémon even if watched without the short prologue, Pikachu short or any clue at all. I loved the first half of the animated feature but I won't hide that I do get annoyed at some points towards the end. But all the adorable Pokémon expressions melted me so meh, I forgive the annoyance inflicted on me.

New Island.

Should you give this animated feature a chance? Yes. It's the beginning of Pokémon anime movies and it is its appeal that makes it successful. Sure, it does have its own imperfections but it certainly is a breakthrough for the Pokémon Universe. Give it a chance if you have the time. It won't disappoint especially if you loved everything about Pokémon and want to know more about Pokémon. Watch the original Japanese version, okay?

PS. This December is the film blog's Pokémon Month. Will post the rest of the movies soon. Also, although I love Pokémon, I don't think I'll end up listing all 22 films as my favorite!

Click here to join the last Worldwide Giveaway for 2014!!

Movie Ratings
Will write a page regarding this and add this to all animated feature entries in the future.

Who will like this?
Pokémon fans especially those who liked the first generation more and the legendaries such as Mew and Mewtwo!!

Details of the movie
Director: Kunihiko Yuyama
Producer: Choji Yoshikawa, Tomoyuki Igarashi, Takemoto Mori
Story: Satoshi Tajiri
Screenplay: Takeshi Shudō
Cinematography: Hisao Shirai
Music: Shinji Miyazaki, Hirokazu Tanaka
Studio: OLM, Inc.
Starring: Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Ōtani, Mayumi Iizuka, Yūji Ueda, Satomi Kōrogi, Megumi Hayashibara, Shin-ichiro Miki, Inuko Inuyama, Masachika Ichimura, Kōichi Yamadera
Full Credit: [IMDb]
Distributor: Toho, Warner Bros.
Country: Japan
Language: Japanese, English
Genre: Action Adventure Family Sci-Fi
Running time: 85 mins
Budget: USD 3,000,000 est.
Box office: USD 163,644,662 est.

Official website(s)

Related
Mewtwo Returns (2000)
The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon (2006)
All Pokémon Movies

Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998) Behind the Scenes
Not available but here's the first and non-related to the plot trailer.