Cast
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Rica Matsumoto
as Satoshi (voice)
Ikue Otani
as Pikachu (voice)
Mayumi Izuka
as Kasumi (voice)
Satomi Korogi
as Togepy (voice)
Yuji Ueda
as Takeshi (voice)
Megumi Hayashibara
as Musashi (voice)
Shin-ichiro Miki
as Kojirō (voice)
Inuko Inuyama
as Nyarth (voice)
Ayako Shiraishi
as Joy (voice)
Chinami Nishimura
as Junsar (voice)
Hirotaka Suzuoki
as Sakaki (voice)
Unsho Ishizuka
as Narrator (voice)
Masachika Ichimura
as Mewtwo (voice)
Koichi Yamadera
as Mew (voice)
Toru Furuya
as Sorao (voice)
Crew
Director
- Kunihiko Yuyama
Producer
- Choji Yoshikawa
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Animation/Family/Adventure/Fantasy/Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Pokémon: The First Movie distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Kunihiko Yuyama brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1998, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Pokémon: The First Movie took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $5.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 85 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 74 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1998, when this film was released:
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Pokémon: The First Movie shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, which focuses more on action than character development, Pokémon: The First Movie offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Darkman and Hard to Kill explore similar territory, Pokémon: The First Movie stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 18, 1998
- Runtime: 1h 25m
- Budget: $5,000,000
- Revenue: $172,700,000
