Interest
Japanese Fans Revisit Pokemon: The First Movie's Alleged Christian Morals
posted on by Lynzee Loveridge
The plot in Pokémon: The First Movie holds a special place in fans hearts for both the anime introduction of Mewtwo and causing floods of tears throughout theaters. In the story, Mewtwo declares revenge on mankind for his cruel treatment and even goes so far as petrifying Ash when the hero attempts to protect his beloved Pikachu. This causes a change of heart in Mewtwo and Ash is returned to his original form.
The plot caught the attention of the Church of England's Theology Secretary Anne Richards when it premiered in theaters. Richards stated that Mewtwo's struggle with temptation of evil and ultimate rejection and Ash's selfless sacrifice were examples of ideal Christian values. Mewtwo was also held as an example of what Christians should aspire to do to reject sin.
These observations are well over 10 years old but the predominately secular Japan are revisiting the topic of Mewtwo as a Christian symbol. Comments on the internet include
"Wait, the Church of England watched a Pokémon movie?""The old Pokémon movies had some pretty deep stuff going on thematically."
"It's not like she's necessarily wrong."
"They should say the same thing about Puella Magi Madoka Magica. When she becomes a goddess, I can't help but think she's acting like Christ or Amitabha in Buddhism."
Netizens seemed open to the interpretation, or at the very least that the movie presents a positive moral choice.
[Via Rocket News 24]
