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''Pokémon: The First Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back'', commonly referred to as ''Pokémon: The First Movie'', originally released as , is a 1998 Japanese anime film directed by Kunihiko Yuyama, the chief director of the ''Pokémon'' television series. It is the first theatrical release in the ''Pokémon'' franchise. It was released in Japan on July 18, 1998. The English-language adaptation, produced by 4Kids Entertainment and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, was released in North America on November 10, 1999. The film primarily consists of three segments: ''Pikachu's Vacation'', a 21-minute feature focusing on the series mascot Pikachu; ''Origin of Mewtwo'', a 10-minute featurette that functions as a prologue to the main feature; and ''Mewtwo Strikes Back'', the main 75 minute film feature. The featurette was added on for later releases and eventually dubbed as a special feature in the U.S. release of the TV special (that was released as a direct-to-video follow-up film sequel in the U.S.) ''Pokémon: Mewtwo Returns'' as ''The Uncut Story of Mewtwo's Origin''. Although ''Pokémon'' was extremely popular when the film was released, it received negative reviews from film critics. Despite the reviews, it was a box office success worldwide, topping the box office charts in its opening weekend, and eventually grossing US$163.6 million worldwide. ==Plot== The film begins with an animated short called . In the story, the Pokémon of Ash Ketchum, Misty, and Brock are sent to spend a day at a theme park built for Pokémon. Pikachu, Togepi, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle cross paths with a group of bullies consisting of a Raichu, Cubone, Marill, and a Snubbull. The two groups compete against each other in sports, but it leads to Ash’s Charizard getting its head stuck in a pipe. Pikachu, his friends, and the bullies work together and successfully free Charizard, spending the rest of the day playing before parting ways when their trainers return. The film begins with a prologue focusing on the origins of Mewtwo. A group of scientists obtain a fossilised eyelash of the legendary Pokémon, Mew, and clone it to create a supersoldier. The lead scientist, Dr. Fuji, is using the project to try to resurrect his deceased daughter Amber. Mewtwo is created, interacting subconsciously with Amber’s clone and those of a Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. However, all of the clones die save Mewtwo. He eventually awakens as an adult but upon learning the scientists plan to treat him as a lab rat, he unleashes his psychic powers and destroys the laboratory. Giovanni, leader of Team Rocket and the project’s benefactor, convinces Mewtwo to work with him to hone his powers. However, after a time, Mewtwo learns his purpose was to be a weapon for Giovanni’s benefit and escapes back to New Island where he plots revenge against humanity. Months later, numerous Pokémon trainers are invited to New Island to meet and battle the world’s greatest Pokémon Master. Amongst them are Ash, Misty, and Brock, but when they arrive at the port city Old Shore Wharf, a powerful storm whips up, preventing the trainers from sailing to the island. However, several trainers use their Pokémon to travel across the sea. Ash’s group are picked up by Team Rocket disguised as Vikings, but the storm sinks their boat, and they individually make it to New Island. Escorted into the island’s palace by a maid, the trainers encounter Mewtwo, who releases the maid from his mind control, revealed to be a brainwashed Nurse Joy. Mewtwo plots to use the storm to wipe out humanity, leaving only wild and cloned Pokémon alive. Ash challenges Mewtwo’s power, leading to a battle between the trainers’ Pokémon and Mewtwo’s clones who prove to be vastly superior in combat. Mewtwo captures all of the Pokémon to clone them, Ash chasing the captured Pikachu down into the rebuilt lab, where Team Rocket’s Meowth is also cloned. Ash destroys the cloning machine, freeing the Pokémon, and leads them to confront Mewtwo. Mew appears, alive all along, and confronts Mewtwo. All of the Pokémon battle save a defiant Pikachu, and Meowth, who makes peace with his own clone. Mew and Mewtwo’s psychic battle wounds all of the Pokémon, forcing a desperate Ash to charge into the firing line of their attacks and is petrified by the blast. Pikachu tries to revive Ash with thunderbolts but it fails. However, the tears of the Pokémon, as per a legend mentioned earlier in the film, are able to heal and revive Ash. Moved by Ash’s sacrifice, Mewtwo realises that he should not have to be judged by his origins but rather his choices in life. Departing with Mew and the clones, Mewtwo erases everyone’s memories of the event. Ash, Misty, and Brock find themselves back in Old Shore Wharf unsure how they got there. The storm outside clears up, Ash spotting Mew flying through the clouds and tells his friends of how he saw another legendary Pokémon the day he left Pallet Town. Meanwhile, Team Rocket find themselves stranded on New Island but enjoy their time there. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Pokémon: The First Movie」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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