Critics hated this anime film with 17% Rotten Tomatoes, but years later, fans love it

It has been featured in many movies and anime Pokémon franchise, with Pokemon: The First Movie marks the beginning of his venture into film. This film explores the creation of MewTwo by humans and its search for its purpose in life. MewTwo is held captive by several people, causing it to have a negative view of humans.

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As a film for children, Pokemon: The First Movie covers more intricate and dark topics than most children's content. Despite this, however, many critics have given it a poor rating, while fans consider it a cult classic. Where exactly do these differing opinions come from?

What makes Pokemon: The First Movie a cult classic?

This movie is worth more than just another children's comedy or fantasy that has barely any substance. Instead, it explores MewTwo and Pokémon's creationand its search for freedom and identity. It may not sound like much at first, but when explored in depth, viewers can see how this relates to many real-life experiences of animals or people who are trapped with no choice but to follow. Even when MewTwo believes there is a human who has come to treat it as a real living being, MewTwo is taken advantage of again and used as this person's own personal weapon, similar to Kurama in Naruto.

As MewTwo searches for its purpose in life, it struggles along the way, as most people want to treat MewTwo as another “monster” that must obey humans. Due to its rough life since the beginning of its creation, MewTwo is not strictly a “villain” like in most anime. Instead, its origins and intentions lie much more in the moral gray area.

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The deeper questions explored in Pokemon: The First Movie

Image of Ash and his team arriving at MewTwo's island in Pokemon: The First Movie

Outside of the internal struggle that MewTwo experiences, Pokemon: The First Movie also explores these various heavy topics:

  • What gives our life purpose?

  • Are we bound to our original destiny, and how were we created?

  • Is violence justified, even when experiencing harm from others?

MewTwo's first experiences with humans are only slavery, so it only makes sense that MewTwo would assume that all humans are of this nature. MewTwo felt that the only way to be free from addiction it experienced is by trying to take over the world as its own, ridding the world of all humans and Pokémon that opposed it.

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MewTwo even questions the morale of the people who catch Pokemon to use as their own weapons in battle against each other. MewTwo states that it could be considered slavery, as he initially lived his life in captivity, which is a common question that many fans of Pokemon have raised in the past. Although it is often said that some trainers treat their Pokemon as their friends, they are still stuck in Poke Balls most of the time and have to fight when called.

It is clear that the film is a cult classic for many fans due to its nostalgia factor and the character development shown in MewTwo. Instead of just your typical anime villain, MewTwo shows how pain and trauma from the past can change someone, but not make them evil at heart. MewTwo has the ability to change once exposed to people who respect it, allowing MewTwo to see a different purpose for its life.

The animation style of Pokemon: The First Movie

Image of Ash and Pikachu after Ash temporarily dies in Pokemon: The First Movie

In addition to history, Pokemon: The First Movie also have that classic, nostalgic animation style as fans of Pokémon from the 90s will recognize immediately. It will remind viewers of a time when animation was bright and colorful, with its own style that stood out from others.

Especially during the scene when Ash dies, and the Pokémon tears begin to sparkle around Ash, this scene was a sight to behold. That too adds more emotion to the scenewhich shows how much Ash cares about sacrificing himself for the well-being of those around him.

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Why are critics against Pokemon: The First Movie?

How critics see the film

Image of Mewtwo in an incubator at the beginning of Pokemon: The First Movie.

  • Animation style missing

  • The action is simplified

  • Feels commercial

On the other hand, but what did critics dislike Pokemon: The First Movie so much? This is a common problem with media aimed at children; for those who didn't grow up watching Pokémonthey are less likely to feel a connection to the series. Therefore, they are more likely to be extra critical of the film.

Many say that the film feels empty and not much is explored in terms of plot. But since it's a children's film, it's harder to bring intense and complicated plot lines. This will lead to young viewers being more likely to lose interest and the film is less likely to become a hit. Since the film is aimed at children, it is the audience whose opinion is most important.

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Along with this, many critics have argued that the animation is poor, and the film is focused on sell more cards and games to children. The Pokémon however, franchises have always been tied to multiple forms of media, including card games, movies, television, video games, and more.

For those of you who have had an interest in Pokémon since childhood, Pokemon: The First Movie is definitely worth watching and is some lighthearted fun just like the anime. Although it has less substance than some other films, sometimes it is better to enjoy a light story.

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