How Pokémon: The First Movie Gave Me a Childhood Lesson on Death I Never Knew I Needed

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If you’re familiar with me, you’ll notice my fondness for the world of Pokémon. Yet, it wasn’t until recently that I truly grasped its depth.

For decades, I’ve delved into this series, whether it was slated for 2025 television or not. The franchise has won hearts for numerous reasons, including the animated series, video games, and of course, its movies. A movie that is undoubtedly known to fans of all age groups is “Pokémon: The First Film“.

1998 marked the debut of a movie that’s since become a staple in popular culture and resonated deeply with fans of Pokémon all around the world.

Instead, because it’s freely accessible on YouTube via the official Pokemon channel, I decided to give it another watch for the first time since 2023 and discovered how profoundly it addressed the concept of death at a young age. Let me explain further.

I’ve Always Loved The Movie

As a self-proclaimed movie enthusiast, there’s no denying my affection for Pokémon. However, if I had to pick a favorite movie from the franchise, it would undoubtedly be “Pokémon: The First Movie.

There have been a large number of Pokemon movies within the franchise. The majority of them were initially produced for television or debuted in Japan before being distributed in the U.S., often on Cartoon Network or other platforms. For me, many of my favorite films are those that originated from the generations I grew up with.

These generations, particularly Generations 3 and 4, frequently featured stories like “The Ascent of Darkrai,” “Lucario: The Mystery of Mew,” among others.

Nonetheless, I believe that “The First Movie” stands out among Pokémon films from your era. It truly embodies the type of content we appreciate from the franchise, offering a delightful blend of lightheartedness and daring exploration of deeper, more somber topics.

Over time, it becomes clear that many films we loved as kids have themes and complexities we didn’t understand because they were mature or dealt with deep topics like mortality and life cycles.

For me, the discussion about life and death wasn’t initiated by Mewtwo or any Pokémon clones. Instead, it was Ash who sparked these thoughts.

However, I Think Ash’s ‘Death’ Is The Moment I Realized What Dying Truly Is

In the movie, Ash doesn’t actually pass away. You know, it’s Pokémon, and in this world, we don’t typically see characters die. It’s designed for kids, making it an excellent starting point for anime enthusiasts. Unlike shows like Attack on Titan, Pokémon isn’t about death.

In the realm of Pokémon, I find myself deeply moved when, in the first movie, Ash courageously shields Mew from a devastating blast sent by Mewtwo. The impact leaves him petrified, and what follows is an emotional scene where Pikachu weeps over Ash’s stone form, desperately trying to revive him using electric shocks.

Reflecting on it now as an adult, I’ve come to understand that this was the instance where I, as a child, grasped the true meaning of death for the first time. It became clear that our lives, however long they may be, are not intended to last indefinitely within the realm of mortality.

The realization that Pikachu might never meet his trainer or friend again was a heavy thought, one which I had not fully grasped before. Watching the movie helped me understand that life does indeed reach its conclusion, and sometimes those conclusions are brought about by choices we make ourselves.

When I initially viewed it, I was around eight years of age, watching from an old VHS tape belonging to my brother. Despite the passage of time, its impact remains strong, and it’s only recently that I’ve come to understand its profound significance.

The Pokémon Crying Set Off Something In Me As A Kid

Within the franchise, numerous instances can stir up emotions for viewers, especially scenes like Ash’s long-awaited victory in the championship or the moment when he released his beloved Pokémon, Butterfree. Interestingly, these significant events occurred decades after this movie was released.

But to me, seeing every single Pokémon cry set me off.

I’m quite open with my emotions and tend to cry easily. Even the most frightening horror movies no longer unsettle me greatly, but what does get me every time is an emotionally intense scene or character development in a dark anime series. It can reduce me to tears for hours on end.

Yet, I believe it began with this anime film, where it was evidently portrayed that all types of creatures were capable of experiencing a profound sense of sadness; this sorrow that transcended human emotions and touched Pokémon who were unaware of Ash’s identity, merely due to Pikachu feeling such intense grief for him.

In Pokémon, I didn’t anticipate such a deep narrative, and it’s only after watching that I truly grasp its depth.

The Fact That They Brought Him Back From Stone Erased That Trauma

One notable aspect of “The First Movie” is that the character Ash doesn’t remain deceased, which is quite unusual. The Pokémon anime carried on, and for over two decades, Ash has been portrayed as an everlasting adolescent alongside his constant companion, Pikachu.

In truth, I found it difficult to accept and process this thought, so I unconsciously chose to disregard it. The concept of loss was so profound in my mind that, due to the fact Ash’s revival from stone served as a stark reminder of mortality, I unintentionally pushed away the realization that I gleaned such knowledge from a Pokémon animated film.

Instead, I’m somewhat grateful for what happened. If I hadn’t experienced that back then, I might not have developed such a deep appreciation for the series as I do now. It has certainly increased my admiration for it significantly.

I’m Kind Of Shocked A Pokémon Movie Is The One That Did It

Truly, I never expected that among all the movies I’ve ever seen, this one would be the one to stand out.

I consider myself a passionate movie enthusiast, having delved into various extreme films just to understand the hype surrounding them. Unfortunately, I’ve spent countless hours watching overrated horror movies that didn’t live up to their reputation. However, I’ve also had the pleasure of viewing some masterpieces that have earned the highest honors in the film industry.

However, the movie that left a profound impact on me regarding mortality and death was an unexpected one – “Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back.” It was surprisingly poignant.

It seems our childhood entertainment might be a silent testament to its influence, a truth that often becomes clear only with age. You might not realize that a particular show or film had a significant impact on shaping who you are now. However, as we re-watch those shows or movies, the pieces of the puzzle slowly fall into place.

And I’m proud of it. Go little me for finding that connection.

Still, it stirs within me a desire to rewatch classic films and shows from my childhood, recognizing the life lessons they imparted back then. Perhaps it’s high time for another binge-watching session.

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2025-07-17 16:11