It was 1999. Kids were losing their minds. I remember the smell of stale popcorn and the sheer chaos of thousands of children clutching gold-plated Burger King cards like they were religious relics. We weren't just there to see Pikachu; we were there for a localized existential crisis wrapped in a purple, psychic-powered package.
Pokémon: The First Movie Mewtwo isn't just a nostalgic footnote. Honestly, it’s a weirdly dark piece of cinema that probably shouldn't have been marketed to six-year-olds, yet it somehow became the definitive moment for a generation. Mewtwo wasn't some cookie-cutter villain who wanted to steal the moon or whatever. He was a clone having a literal identity crisis. "Who am I? What is my purpose?" Those aren't exactly themes you'd expect between a Jigglypuff song and a Team Rocket gag.
The Mewtwo Origin Story That Kids in the US Actually Missed
Here is the thing about the American release: we got robbed. Well, sorta. If you only watched the theatrical cut in the West, you missed the ten-minute "The Uncut Story of Mewtwo’s Origin."
It’s brutal.
In this prologue, we see Dr. Fuji—a scientist desperate to bring his deceased daughter, Amber, back to life—creating Mewtwo as a side project to fund his cloning research. Mewtwo grows up in a psychic link with a clone of Amber (Ambertwo). They talk. They bond. Then, because the cloning process is unstable, Amber’s consciousness fades away while Mewtwo watches.
He screams. He’s heartbroken. Then the scientists wipe his memory because a grieving psychic powerhouse is a liability. By the time the movie actually starts, Mewtwo’s rage isn't just "evil." It’s a deep, subconscious trauma that he can't even name. That context changes everything. It turns a "bad guy" into a victim of human greed and scientific hubris.
Why the "Mewtwo Strikes Back" Philosophy Matters
Critics hated this movie when it dropped. Roger Ebert gave it a one-star review, basically saying it was a cynical cash grab. But critics weren't the target audience. They didn't see the nuance.
Mewtwo’s whole deal is built on a rejection of his "assigned" role. He was built to be a tool, a weapon for Giovanni and Team Rocket. When he breaks out of that lab on New Island, he isn't just blowing up a building; he’s blowing up the idea that he’s an object.
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The Japanese version, Mewtwo no Gyakushū, leans much harder into this. In the original script, Mewtwo’s dialogue is significantly more philosophical. He’s questioning the very nature of existence. The 4Kids dub—while iconic—shifted the tone to a more "might makes right" villain trope, but the core remains: Mewtwo is the only Pokémon in the franchise who feels truly sentient in a terrifying, human way.
He invites the strongest trainers to New Island not just to beat them, but to prove that clones—beings created by "artifice"—are superior to those born naturally. It’s a classic "nature vs. nurture" debate played out with fire-breathing lizards.
The Problem With the "Fighting is Wrong" Message
Let’s talk about the giant elephant in the room. The movie’s climax features a massive, tear-jerking battle where Pokémon punch each other to the tune of "Brother My Brother" by Blessed Union of Souls. The message? "Fighting is wrong."
Wait. What?
The entire Pokémon franchise is built on catching creatures and making them fight for sport. Even as a kid, I remember thinking, "Isn't this what we do every Saturday morning?"
This is where the movie gets complicated. The distinction the film tries to make—and succeeds at, if you look closely—is the difference between sport and violence. When Ash’s Charizard fights a clone Charizard, they aren't using "moves." They are clawing, biting, and bruising. There’s no referee. No Pokéballs to retreat to. It’s a desperate struggle for survival.
It’s uncomfortable to watch. It’s supposed to be.
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Technical Mastery and the 1990s Aesthetic
Visually, Pokémon: The First Movie Mewtwo was a massive step up from the TV show. The hand-drawn animation combined with early, clunky CGI gave it a specific "Y2K" grit.
The storm sequences as the trainers cross the ocean to New Island are still genuinely atmospheric. The way the lightning illuminates Mewtwo’s silhouette makes him feel like a god, not just a rare Pokémon.
And the sound design? Top-tier. The "Mewtwo cry" in the film is distinct from the 8-bit screech from the Game Boy games. It’s a deep, vibrating hum that feels like it’s vibrating in your teeth.
Real-World Impact: How Mewtwo Changed the Franchise
Before this movie, Mewtwo was just a secret boss in Pokémon Red and Blue sitting in a cave. This film turned him into a tragic icon.
- The Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution Remake: In 2019, Netflix released a full 3D CGI remake. While it was a shot-for-shot recreation, many fans felt it lost the "soul" of the original. The clean, plastic look of the CGI couldn't replicate the raw, shadowy vibe of the 1999 cell animation.
- The Smash Bros. Legacy: Mewtwo’s popularity in the movie directly led to his inclusion in Super Smash Bros. Melee. He wasn't just a Pokémon anymore; he was a character with a personality.
- Competitive Meta: Even decades later, Mewtwo remains a symbol of power. Every time a new Pokémon game comes out, the first thing people ask is, "Can I get Mewtwo?"
What We Get Wrong About Mewtwo’s Redemption
Most people think Mewtwo "learned his lesson" because Ash turned to stone and the Pokémon cried him back to life. That’s the surface level.
The real shift happens when Mewtwo sees Mew—the "original"—behave with such simple curiosity. Mew doesn't want to fight for dominance; Mew just wants to play. Mewtwo realizes that his obsession with being "better" or "more real" is a human trait he inherited from his creators.
His final realization is arguably the most quoted line in anime history:
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"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."
It’s a bit on the nose? Sure. But for a movie meant to sell toys, it’s a surprisingly profound stance on personhood and agency.
How to Re-Watch the Movie Today
If you want the "true" experience, don't just stream the standard version. You need to find the "Mewtwo’s Origin" short. It adds a layer of grief that makes the rest of the film hit twice as hard.
Also, pay attention to the score. The Japanese orchestral score is vastly different from the pop-heavy US soundtrack. Both have their merits, but the original score treats the movie like a high-stakes opera.
Actionable Takeaways for Pokémon Fans:
- Watch the "The Uncut Story of Mewtwo’s Origin" (available on certain DVD releases and YouTube). It’s essential for understanding the scientist's motivations.
- Compare the Scripts: If you’re a lore nerd, look up the translation of the original Japanese dialogue. Mewtwo’s motivations are much more focused on the "soul" of a clone rather than just world domination.
- Check out "Mewtwo Returns": This is the direct sequel (a TV special). It follows Mewtwo trying to live a peaceful life in hiding and deals with the fallout of the first movie. It’s often overlooked but completes his character arc.
- Analyze the "Ambertwo" Connection: The connection between Mewtwo and the human DNA of Dr. Fuji's daughter explains why Mewtwo has such human-like speech and emotions compared to other Pokémon.
Mewtwo remains the gold standard for Pokémon storytelling because he wasn't just a monster to be captured. He was a person to be understood. He challenged the very world he was forced into, and in the end, he chose to walk away from the conflict entirely. That’s a lot more interesting than just winning a gym badge.