Pokémon: The First Movie - Mewtwo Strikes Back[a] is a 1998 Japanese anime fantasy adventure film[4] directed by Kunihiko Yuyama.

[5] This version was received far less positively, with much criticism pointed at the poorly dubbed voice acting and its inclusion of an anti-violence message despite the series' overall concept.

Scientist Dr. Fuji is hired by Team Rocket leader Giovanni to create a supersoldier from an eyelash of the mythical Pokémon Mew so he can resurrect his deceased daughter Amber.

However, after Mewtwo realizes his purpose as a weapon for Giovanni's benefit, he destroys Team Rocket's headquarters and returns to New Island, plotting to exact revenge against humanity and Pokémon alike.

However, Ash is revived by these tears, and Mewtwo is moved by the boy's sacrifice, realizing that he and others should not have to be judged by their origins, but rather by their choices in life.

Departing with Mew and the clones, Mewtwo turns back time to just before the trainers leave Old Shore Wharf and erases everyone's memories of the events.

The storm outside clears up, Ash spots Mew flying through the clouds and tells his friends how he saw another legendary Pokémon the day he left Pallet Town.

Additional voices: Kunihiko Yuyama directed the original Japanese version of the film, while Choji Yoshikawa and Takeshi Shudo served as producer and script writer, respectively.

[8] According to Shudo, certain episodes in the anime were intended to tie-in with the movie prior to its release in Japan and provide background behind the events in the film.

In the Japanese script, for instance, the moment Mewtwo realizes he has a right to be in the world just as much as any other living creature represents the central message of accepting one's existence.

[14] These changes were not well-received by the original Japanese production crew, with executive producer Masakazu Kubo describing Warner Bros.' proposed changes "a hassle".

Grossfeld revealed that the English version of the film "combines the visual sense of the best Japanese animation with the musical sensibility of Western pop culture.

Ultimately, he managed to work out a deal with Warner Bros.[20] Burger King released a limited series of kids' meal toys to tie in with the film.

Every card is a 23 karat gold plated slab of metal inside a clear protective plastic case that came with a certificate of authenticity signed by Nintendo of America chairman Howard Lincoln.

The first run of gold cards sent and released to Burger King locations were packaged in a limited blue box that sold out immediately.

On December 11, 1999, 13-month-old Kira Murphy from California died when half of the Poké Ball toy became stuck over her mouth and nose, causing her to suffocate; she was later found deceased in her playpen.

In July of that year, a five episode radio drama titled The Birth of Mewtwo was broadcast over the five Sundays leading up to the premiere of the movie in Japan.

The Pokémon: The First Movie album was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on January 11, 2000 for selling 2,000,000 copies.

[8] On March 9, 1999, Warner Bros. negotiated a deal with 4Kids Entertainment and The Summit Media Group to acquire worldwide distribution rights to the film outside Asia.

[35] The film was released on March 21, 2000, in Region 1 format (United States and Canada) on both VHS and DVD by Warner Home Video.

Reviews of the original Japanese version have generally been positive due to the film's emotional impact and exploration of ethical topics such as cloning and genetic engineering.

[43] Anime News Network review called the main feature "contradictory", stating that "the anti-violent message that is pretty much crammed down our throats works directly against the entire point of the franchise" and criticized Pikachu's Summer Vacation for being "incoherent, pointless and fluffy".

"[45] Michael Wood of the Coventry Evening Telegraph said that Pikachu's Summer Vacation "can only be described as a mind-numbingly tedious piece, with no discernible storyline and lots of trippy images and silly voices".

Wood did note that the main feature had a "mildly intriguing premise" but said that the rest of the film "was like a martial arts movie without the thrills.

Lambie also commented, however, that "the various edits made to its dialogue and story probably didn't mean much" to younger fans at the time of the movie's release, since the film was ultimately marketed towards children.

[50] In the U.S. box office, Pokémon: The First Movie was an instant commercial success, debuting at number one and earning $10.1 million on its Wednesday opening day.

However, it lost Biggest Disappointment (Films That Didn't Live Up to Their Hype) to The Blair Witch Project, Worst Screen Debut (all 151 Pokémon) to Jar Jar Binks (played by Ahmed Best) in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, and Worst Screenplay for a Film Grossing More than $100 Million Using Hollywood Math (Takeshi Shudo) to Wild Wild West.

[57] The film serves as the primary influence on Mewtwo's portrayal in the Super Smash Bros. series of fighting games, in keeping with the anime inspiration for playable Pokémon characters.

The character's return as a DLC fighter in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U was heralded by the tagline "Mewtwo Strikes Back!"

Elements and references from the second Mewtwo in Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened are included in later games such as its Mega Evolution, Final Smash, and Boxing Ring title.