Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998)
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
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.
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.
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 Strikes Back (1998) Behind the Scenes
Not available but here's the first and non-related to the plot trailer.
Favorite Movie Character
Pika~
This favorite character is purely based on Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998) and Pikachu is my favorite character from this animated movie. From one of its Pokédex entry, Pikachu is a "Mouse Pokémon. It can generate electric attacks from the electric pouches located in both of its cheeks". If you have seen the anime and the other movies, you can easily tell that Pikachu is smart, independent yet super adorable and is a true companion to Ash; Pikachu will never leave his side no matter what happens!
Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998) Movie Quotes
Special thanks to Springfieldx2 for the English dub movie transcript.
- Life... the great miracle and the great mystery. Since the beginning, humans and Pokémon alike have searched for its meaning.
- This is not the same. was everything before just a dream?
- Its brain waves, they're surging!
- Let's run another scan. its mind is racing!
- I hope we don't lose this one. we can't lose this one.
- They're outside... where I must be.
- For years we struggled to successfully clone a Pokémon to prove our theories, but you're the first specimen to survive. that is Mew, the rarest of all Pokémon. from its dna we created you-- Mewtwo.
- Mewtwo? am I only a copy? Nothing but Mew's shadow?
- You are greater than Mew, improved through the power of human ingenuity. We used the most advanced techniques to develop your awesome psychic powers.
- So, I am simply the end result of your experiment. what becomes of me now that your experiment is over? Our experiment isn't over yet. It's just beginning. Now the serious testing begins.
- These humans, they care nothing for me.
- Is that my purpose? Am I just an experiment? A laboratory specimen? This cannot be my destiny.
- We dreamed of creating the world's strongest Pokémon... and we succeeded.
- Behold my powers. I am the strongest Pokémon in the world. stronger even than Mew. those fools thought you were a science experiment. but i, I see you as a valuable partner. partner? with your psychic powers and my resources, together we can control the world.
- I do not need your help for that, human.
- A wildfire destroys everything in its path. it will be the same with your powers unless you learn to control them. I can help you do that.
- You say this armor protects my body, yet it suppresses my powers.
- Your powers are not being suppressed. they're being focused. Learn to use them to accomplish your purpose.
- Patience, my friend. Your purpose will become clear.
- Why am I here? what is my purpose?
- You were created to fight for me. that is your purpose. that cannot be. you said we were Partners. we stood as equals. you were created by humans to obey humans. you could never be our equal. humans may have created me, but they will never enslave me! this cannot be my destiny!
- I was not born of Pokémon. I was created. and my creators have used and betrayed me. so, I stand alone!
- What is my true reason for being? I will find my own purpose...
- The reign of Mewtwo will soon begin.
- Hungry. need food.
- You haven't done a thing all day.
- I haven't eaten since breakfast.
- This lunch is gonna be just perfect for you, ash. it's my lazy-boy no-chew stew.
- Let's have a match unless you're afraid to lose.
- I am too weak to work, but a Pokémon battle isn't work.
- At least his mouth is working.
- I know we got to grab some rare Pokémon for the boss, but it wouldn't be such a bad idea if we grabbed a little bite to eat, would it?
- We didn't come here to steal a meal.
- I can cook something!
- Thanks, but the last time you cooked, you wiped out eight of my nine lives.
- She's really small, but really pretty.
- You have been chosen to join a select group of Pokémon trainers at a special gathering. it will be hosted by my master, the world's greatest Pokémon trainer, at his palace on new island.
- Uh, is there a rewind button?
- I can't believe how fast the storm came up.
- We'll just swim over to that palace.
- Huh? she sure looks familiar.
- Some trainers have no fear.to them, this is just one more challenge. They follow their hearts. That is what sets them apart and will make them Pokémon masters. Good luck to all of you.
- The world's greatest Pokémon master is waiting for me. Let's use our Pokémon to get to that island.
- I didn't know vikings still existed.
- They mostly live in minnesota.
- It's all right, togepi. we're gonna be ok.
- The bearers of this invitation may be admitted to new island.
- Now that you are here, all trainers worthy of an audience with my master are present.
- Aren't we going to wait for the others?
- Only the trainers capable of braving the storm have proven themselves worthy in my master's eyes.
- Do you mean that storm was some kind of test?
- Please release your Pokémon from their Pokéballs and join the others. It will not be long before my master's intentions are clear.
- How are we gonna swim up that thing? pretend you're a catfish.
- It was no problem getting through that storm. I rode over on Gyarados' back.
- It was easy, hurricane winds are a breeze for pidgeot here.
- The world's greatest Pokémon master is also the most powerful Pokémon on Earth.
- This is the ruler of new island and soon the whole world.
- Quiet, human. From now on I am the one who makes the rules.
- Child's play. Your usefulness has ended.
- This is the Pokémon replication system. System activated.
- Who's that Pokémon?
- I pray this record of our experiment survives. A year ago, we discovered a fossil that proved to be the remains of the ancient Pokémon, Mew. There was sufficient genetic material to replicate Mew, but Giovanni, who funded our project, insisted we try to design superclones more powerful than any living Pokémon. Many attempts failed, but finally our experiments proved successful. We produced a living Pokémon. We called it Mewtwo. but for some reason, the creature's anger is out of control. With its psychic powers, it is destroying our laboratory.
- We dreamed of creating the world's strongest Pokémon... and we succeeded.
- Sounds like a real poknstein.
- So this must be the lab. butif Mewtwo destroyed it... somebody rebuilt it.
- You humans are a dangerous species. You brought me into your world with no purpose but to be your slave. But now I have my own purpose. My storm will create my own world... by destroying yours.
- So you hate all humans, and you're gonna destroy us to save Pokémon.
- Your Pokémon will not be spared. They have disgraced themselves by serving humans. Those Pokémon are nothing but slaves.
- So... you say I am wrong? That you are not this human's servant, you are his friend?
- You are as pathetic as the rest.
- Humans and Pokémon can never be friends.
- If you are Pokémon, there's no reason I can't capture you.
- Like most Pokémon trainers, I, too, began with Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur. But for their evolved forms, I used their genetic material to clone even more powerful copies.
- It may not have a nickname, but I do have... Charizard.
- Charizard, I didn't say start.
- Those clones are too powerful.
- I will extract their dna to make clones for myself. They will remain safe on this island with me while my storm destroys the planet.
- Hey, I know. Mewtwo can't capture them if they're already inside their Pokéballs.
- It is futile to try and escape my power.
- Give back my Psyduck!
- Aah! I don't have time for your dumb motto today!
- Let go! Stupid machine! Give me back my Pikachu!
- So, finally, we meet, Mew.
- Mew?
- I may have been cloned from your DNA, but now I will prove that Mewtwo is better than the original. Superior to Mew.
- Mew and Mewtwo.
- So, Mewtwo was cloned from Mew.
- This world is too small for two of us.
- Why do you flee from me? Are you afraid to find out which of us is greater?
- We were created with powers far stronger than the originals.
- Translation please.
- Mew says you don't prove anything by showing off a lot of special powers, and that a Pokémon's real strength comes from the heart.
- Pokémon aren't meant to fight. Not like this. it's useless. What can come out of it?
- Nothing... but pain.
- Why can't Mewtwo understand it's not right to force Pokémon to battle this way? They're all living creatures.
- This just proves that fighting is wrong.
- I was prepared for trouble, but not for this.
- Make that double for me.
- Now I can see how horrible fighting really is. Even the best of friends will fight sometimes. I'll promise never to fight again.
- You mean we don't have to fight with each other? But how can I trust you? You was born different.
- You're right. We do have a lot in common. The same Earth, the same air, the same sky.
- Maybe if we started looking at what's the same, instead of always looking at what's different... well, who knows?
- All Mewtwo cares about is proving how strong those superclones are.
- I'd rather risk my life out in Mewtwo's storm than watch these Pokémon destroy each other.
- I wish there was some way to stop them. I don't know what to do.
- I don't think they'll ever stop. those Pokémon look like they're ready to fight to the death.
- That's a fight that nobody's going to win.
- Someone's got to take a stand. someone's got to say no and refuse to fight, just like Pikachu.
- A human sacrificed himself to save the Pokémon. I pitted them against each other, but not until they set aside their differences did I see the true power they all shared deep inside.
- I see now that the circumstances of one's birth are irrelevant. It is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are.
- What transpired here, I will always remember, but perhaps, for you, these events are best forgotten.
- Excuse me, please. The Pokémon treatment center will be open as a shelter. Anyone who needs a place to stay should come with me.
- How did we wind up in this place anyway?
- I guess we're just here because we're here.
- The day I left home to start my Pokémon journey, I saw a really rare Pokémon, and just now, I thought I saw another one.
- I don't have a clue how we got here, but who cares? This is paradise. For once, a happy ending for Team Rocket.
- Team Rocket signing off again!