Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!
{{short description|2017 film by Kunihiko Yuyama}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2016}}
{{Redirect|I Choose You!|the first episode of the Pokémon anime series|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Pokémon the Movie:
I Choose You!
| image = Pokemon20Post.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster by Yoshitoshi Shinomiya{{cite web|title=「ポケモン映画20周年記念ビジュアル」が解禁！ {{!}} アニメイトタイムズ|url=https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1499917794|website=Animate Times|publisher=animateLAB|access-date=August 21, 2017|language=ja|archive-date=July 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170717051847/http://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1499917794|url-status=live}}
| native_name = {{Infobox Japanese
| kanji = 劇場版ポケットモンスター キミにきめた！
| revhep = Gekijō-ban Poketto Monsutā Kimi ni kimeta!
| l = Pocket Monsters the Movie: I Choose You!
}}
| director = Kunihiko Yuyama
| producer = Minami Ichikawa
Satoshi Shimodaira
Susumu Matsuyama
Atsushi Chiku
Hidenaga Katakami
| screenplay = Shōji Yonemura
| based_on = {{Based on|Pokémon|Satoshi Tajiri}}
| starring = see below
| music = Shinji Miyazaki
| cinematography = Aya Aoshima
| editing = Toshio Henmi
| studio = OLM
OLM Digital
| distributor = Toho
| released = {{Film date|2017|7|6|Japan Expo|2017|7|15|Japan}}
| runtime = 97 minutes
| country = Japan
| language = Japanese
| gross = $37.7 million
}}
Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!{{efn|Known in Japan as {{nihongo|Pocket Monsters the Movie: I Choose You!|劇場版 ポケットモンスター キミにきめた！|Gekijō-ban Poketto Monsutā Kimi ni kimeta!}}}} is a 2017 Japanese animated adventure film and the 20th film in the Pokémon anime series created by Satoshi Tajiri and produced by OLM. Loosely adapted from the anime's pilot episode and much of the first season, it was directed by Kunihiko Yuyama and written by Shoji Yonemura. The film stars the voices of Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Ōtani, Unshō Ishizuka, Megumi Hayashibara, Shin-ichiro Miki, Inuko Inuyama, Kanata Hongō, Shiori Sato, and Ryōta Ōsaka. Set in an alternate timeline, the first installment of the Pokémon: Sun & Moon film trilogy, the film follows the journey of Pokémon Trainer Ash Ketchum, his partner Pikachu, and his new friends, Verity and Sorrel, as they seek to meet the Legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh at the summit of Mount Tensei.
I Choose You! premiered at Japan Expo in France on July 6, 2017{{cite web|title=World Premiere: The 20th Pokémon Movie|url=https://www.japan-expo-paris.com/en/actualites/world-premiere-the-20th-pokemon-movie_104924.htm|website=Japan Expo|publisher=SEFA Event|access-date=August 21, 2017|date=May 24, 2017|archive-date=August 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805230804/http://www.japan-expo-paris.com/en/actualites/world-premiere-the-20th-pokemon-movie_104924.htm|url-status=live}} and was released in Japanese theaters on July 15.{{cite magazine|title=20作目は何かが違う……!? 『劇場版ポケットモンスター キミにきめた！』2017年7月15日公開決定、トレーラーが公開|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/201612/15123044.html|magazine=Famitsu|publisher=Gzbrain|access-date=August 21, 2017|language=ja|date=December 15, 2016}} The release coincided with the 20th anniversary of the anime series. The film grossed $37.6 million worldwide and received negative reviews from critics.
Plot
Ash Ketchum wakes up late one morning after having broken his alarm clock in his sleep. He eventually makes it to Professor Oak's lab, but he is told by Oak the three starters Pokémon (Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander) have already been taken by Trainers who were on time. However, Oak reveals he has one more Pokémon, which is a Pikachu. Despite Pikachu's volatile and feisty personality, as well as his refusal to get inside a Poké Ball, Ash happily takes Pikachu on his journey.
Outside of Pallet Town, Ash encounters a wild Pidgey. When Pikachu refuses to fight it, Ash tosses a rock at it, but it hits a Spearow that mistakes Pikachu as the culprit. Soon, more Spearow shows up forcing Ash and Pikachu to run. Injured and tired, Ash tells Pikachu to get inside his Ball, but he once again refuses. Instead, Pikachu defends Ash from the Spearow by summoning a large Thunderbolt that scares them away. As the storm ceases, Ho-Oh flies above and drops a feather called a Rainbow Wing. Ash and Pikachu decide to go and find the Legendary Pokémon.
After hearing the Legendary Pokémon Entei is nearby, Ash and several other Trainers rush into the woods to look for it. Ash finds the Entei but ends up fighting over it with a young girl Trainer named Verity and an aspiring young boy Pokémon Professor named Sorrel. When Entei escapes, Ash and Verity argue and Sorrel leaves, urging them to find shelter. As they look for shelter, Ash and Verity find a Charmander, which they quickly learn belongs to an arrogant trainer named Cross who left it out in the rain.
Cross refuses to take Charmander back, calling it weak, so Ash and Verity come across a cave where Sorrel happens to be and help Charmander back to health. Sorrel reveals that Ho-Oh only gives the Rainbow Wing to the "rainbow hero" who is destined to fight it, as a shadow Pokémon named Marshadow watches. The next morning, Ash convinces Charmander to join them. The group follows the Rainbow Wing, which guides them toward the Raizen Mountain Range, to meet Ho-Oh. Charmander evolves into Charmeleon. Verity sees a Suicune at a nearby lake. Cross returns and challenges Ash's Charmeleon with his Incineroar. Charmeleon is savagely defeated, causing Ash much grief.
Upset over his loss to Cross, Ash openly admits that he could have won with Pikachu and wishes he had gotten Bulbasaur or Squirtle with him. Alone in the woods, Marshadow puts Ash in a sleep-like state as the Rainbow Wing turns dark. Ash has a dream where no Pokémon exist and he attends regular school with Verity and Sorrel. Realizing something is missing, he remembers Pikachu and wakes up to his friends, and the Wing regains its color. Ash then reunites with his friends and apologizes for his actions. Sorrel then explains how he lost his Luxray after a snowstorm which results from Sorrel afraid to befriend Pokemon ever since that experience. During the conversation, Pikachu notices Marshadow and uses his Thunderbolt but accidentally wakes up a bunch of Primeapes. Luckily, Ash used his Metapod to get the Primeapes webbed and as a result, Metapod evolves into Butterfree and drives the Primeapes to sleep. The next morning, they see a Raikou after Ash releases his Butterfree to mate and migrate with a Pink Butterfree. The group realizes they are getting close when the Wing begins to glow in the direction of Mount Tensei.
On the summit, the group makes it to a crystal-like structure called Rainbow Rock but is interrupted by Cross who wants to fight Ho-Oh himself, having saw Ho-Oh too, but did not receive the Wing. Cross' Incineroar fights Ash's Charmeleon which quickly evolves into Charizard and defeats Incineroar in a Flamethrower clash. Cross, refusing to accept his loss, grabs the Wing and places it on the crystal, but due to his evil heart, it turns dark, causing Marshadow, an agent of Ho-Oh's, to turn the local Pokémon evil and attack Ash and his friends. The Trainers fight back but are overwhelmed by the severity of the situation. Ash finally withdraws a severely weakened Pikachu into his Poké Ball as the brainwashed Pokémon attack, and he fades away as the Wing disintegrates. Pikachu comes out of his Poké Ball, realizing his best friend is dead and desapeared. Heartbroken and devastated, he unleashes a massive Thunderbolt which hits Marshadow and its army, releasing them from Rainbow Wing's corruption.
Ash finds himself in an alternative dimension where Pokémon do not exist, but manages to find his way to back to life. Ash takes the newly formed Rainbow Wing and places it on the crystal structure. Ho-Oh arrives, healing everyone and Ash challenges it with Pikachu to battle (although the outcome is never shown). Cross leaves on good terms and eventually Verity and Sorrel leave Ash to achieve their own dreams.
In the end credits, all of Ash’s former traveling companions from Kanto to Kalos are shown. Verity returns to her hometown to see his mother; Sorrel and his Lucario spot an Articuno which he wanted to study; Cross travels peacefully with his Pokémon; and Ash and Pikachu travel on their own while being tailed by Team Rocket. The film ends as Ho-Oh drops a Rainbow Wing as it flies across the sky.
Cast
| class="wikitable" style="margin:0; font-size:95%;" |
| style="background:#ccc; text-align:center;"
! Character ! Japanese ! English |
| Ash Ketchum |
|---|
| rowspan="2" |Pikachu
| rowspan="2" |Ikue Ōtani |
| Kate Bristol (speaking scene) |
| Professor Oak
| rowspan="2" |Unshō Ishizuka |
| Narrator |
| Delia Ketchum
|Masami Toyoshima |Sarah Natochenny |
| Jessie |
| James
| rowspan="2" |Carter Cathcart |
| Meowth |
| Nurse Joy
|Michele Knotz |
| Sorrel
|David Oliver Nelson |
| Verity
|Suzy Myers |
| Bonji |
| Cross
|Billy Bob Thompson |
| Marshadow
|Simona Berman |
| 45
| |45 Yanasé |
Production
The film was officially revealed during the December 15 broadcast of TV Tokyo's Oha Suta program, revealing a teaser trailer and poster of the film.{{cite web|title=New Pokémon I Choose You! Film Announced (Updated)|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-12-14/new-pokemon-i-choose-you-film-announced/.109906|website=Anime News Network|access-date=August 21, 2017|date=December 14, 2016|archive-date=August 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805044409/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-12-14/new-pokemon-i-choose-you-film-announced/.109906|url-status=live}} This early content revealed Ash and Pikachu alongside the Legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh, showing that the film would act as a retelling of the first season, exploring some of the important plot points of the series. Ho-Oh's appearance in the film was also detailed to be important to the film's storyline.{{cite web|title=劇場版ポケモン新作タイトルは「キミにきめた！」、ポスターにホウオウの姿|url=https://natalie.mu/eiga/news/213326|website=Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=August 22, 2017|language=ja|date=December 15, 2016|archive-date=July 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728080928/http://natalie.mu/eiga/news/213326|url-status=live}} A second trailer for the film was revealed at the March 1 broadcast of Oha Suta, revealing remade scenes from the first episode and its official English title.{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/3/1/14784774/pokemon-movie-i-choose-you-trailer-remake|title=Pokémon's next movie takes Ash back to the beginning|first=Allegra|last=Frank|date=March 1, 2017|website=Polygon|access-date=June 17, 2017|archive-date=July 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716165102/https://www.polygon.com/2017/3/1/14784774/pokemon-movie-i-choose-you-trailer-remake|url-status=live}} It was then posted on the official YouTube page the next day.{{cite web|last1=Baseel|first1=Casey|title=Here's the first trailer for the Pokémon reboot/remake anime movie【Video】|url=https://soranews24.com/2017/03/02/heres-the-first-trailer-for-the-pokemon-rebootremake-anime-movie%E3%80%90video%E3%80%91/|website=SoraNews24|access-date=August 22, 2017|date=March 2, 2017|archive-date=July 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718062721/https://soranews24.com/2017/03/02/heres-the-first-trailer-for-the-pokemon-rebootremake-anime-movie%E3%80%90video%E3%80%91/|url-status=live}}
Later on, the film's second official trailer, which also featured a new version of the original Japanese opening theme, "Mesaze Pokémon Master", was previewed on April 7, 2017. The next day, the producers announced that the current last Pokémon in the Pokédex, Marshadow, would debut in the film alongside several other brand-new characters.{{cite web|title=Pokémon I Choose You! Anime Film's 2nd Trailer Reveals Guest Cast, New Mythical Pokémon|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-04-08/pokemon-i-choose-you-anime-film-2nd-trailer-reveals-guest-cast-new-mythical-pokemon/.114550|website=Anime News Network|access-date=August 22, 2017|date=April 8, 2017|archive-date=September 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920043017/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-04-08/pokemon-i-choose-you-anime-film-2nd-trailer-reveals-guest-cast-new-mythical-pokemon/.114550|url-status=live}} As the film is not a direct remake, it diverts itself from the original season that it is based on, and features an original story.{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/pokemon/2017/4/10/15242934/watch-pokemon-movie-i-choose-you-trailer|title=Pokémon's next movie revisits the show's first season before shaking everything up|first=Allegra|last=Frank|date=April 10, 2017|website=Polygon|access-date=June 17, 2017|archive-date=July 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716161208/https://www.polygon.com/pokemon/2017/4/10/15242934/watch-pokemon-movie-i-choose-you-trailer|url-status=live}} Two days before the film's release, Yoshitoshi Shinomiya, who drew background art for The Garden of Sinners: Future Gospel and Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works released a new poster for the film.{{cite web|last1=Yoshitoshi|first1=Shinomiya|title=映画『劇場版ポケットモンスター キミにきめた！』（7月15日公開）「ポケモン映画20周年記念ビジュアル」の情報が解禁されました。|url=http://shinomiya.main.jp/news/?p=1619|website=Shinomiya Yoshitoshi|access-date=August 22, 2017|language=ja|date=July 13, 2017|archive-date=September 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928102659/http://shinomiya.main.jp/news/?p=1619|url-status=live}}
With the film confirmed to be initially released at the French Japan Expo 2017, Western fans requested for the film to be released in theaters in the United States. This was eventually confirmed to be released by Fathom Events as a limited release across November 4 and 5, 2017. In Australia, the film was also confirmed to be released by Event Cinemas across November 11 and 12, 2017. Some fans also requested that voice actress Veronica Taylor should reprise her role as the English voice of Ash Ketchum for the film,{{cite web|last1=Hoffer|first1=Christian|title=Fans Clamor for Veronica Taylor to Return as Ash Ketchum for New Pokemon Movie|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/pokemon-veronica-taylor-ash-ketchum-pokemon-movie/|website=WWG|publisher=Pop Culture Media|access-date=August 22, 2017|date=May 14, 2017|archive-date=July 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718020334/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/pokemon-veronica-taylor-ash-ketchum-pokemon-movie/|url-status=live}} but it was later confirmed that the current set of voice actors would stay on. The title of the film is also a reference to the first episode of the anime, "Pokémon, I Choose You!".
Music
Regular series composer Shinji Miyazaki wrote the film's score for its original release. The film's opening song is titled {{nihongo|Aim to Be a Pokémon Master -20th Anniversary-|めざせポケモンマスター -20th Anniversary-|Mezase Pokemon Master -20th Anniversary-}} by Rica Matsumoto while the ending is titled {{nihongo|Oración's Theme ~Let's Walk Together~|オラシオンのテーマ ～共に歩こう～|Orashion no Tēma ~Tomoni Arukou~}} by Asuca Hayashi.{{cite web|last1=Chapman|first1=Paul|title=Pokémon Reprises "The Rise of Darkrai" Song for 20th Summer Movie|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2017/07/02/pokmon-reprises-the-rise-of-darkrai-song-for-20th-summer-movie|website=Crunchyroll|access-date=August 22, 2017|date=July 3, 2017|archive-date=August 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810035203/http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2017/07/02/pokmon-reprises-the-rise-of-darkrai-song-for-20th-summer-movie|url-status=live}}
Veteran composer Ed Goldfarb, along with frequent collaborators Akhil Gopal and Kc Daugirdas, composed a new background score for the film's international release in his fourth film soundtrack to the Pokémon series.{{Cite tweet||user=edgoldfarbmusic|last=Goldfarb|first=Ed|number=904148474215534593|title=For 20 years of Pokémon, Ash and Pikachu's origin story is in theaters 11/5 & 11/6. Excited to be part of it.|date=September 2, 2017|website=@edgoldfarbmusic|access-date=September 8, 2017}}
Release
= Theatrical =
I Choose You! premiered at Japan Expo in France on July 6, 2017, and officially released in Japanese theaters on July 15, 2017. Advanced pre-orders the movie tickets across limited time periods (from September 19 to October 30, 2017) allowed moviegoers to receive a serial code to obtain one of the six special Pikachu in Pokémon Sun and Moon, each wearing one of Ash's signature hats from each anime season. These Pikachu were holding an exclusive Pikashunium Z-Crystal.{{cite web|author=Casey|title=A Special Hat-Wearing Ash Pikachu Is Headed To Japan For Pokémon Sun & Moon|url=https://www.siliconera.com/special-hat-wearing-ash-pikachu-headed-japan-pokmon-sun-moon/|website=Siliconera|publisher=Curse|access-date=August 22, 2017|date=March 15, 2017|archive-date=July 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718055905/https://www.siliconera.com/special-hat-wearing-ash-pikachu-headed-japan-pokmon-sun-moon/|url-status=live}} Also, both Marshadow and Ho-Oh were distributed during the film's release in Japan.
The Pokémon Company International and Fathom Events released the film, including its English version, on a limited theatrical run outside of Japan on November 5, 2017, and this was followed by television airings on Disney XD in the United States on November 25,{{cite web|title=Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!|url=https://www.fathomevents.com/events/pokemon-the-movie?date=2017-11-05|website=Fathom Events|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=September 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909215837/https://www.fathomevents.com/events/pokemon-the-movie?date=2017-11-05|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://animemojo.com/shonen/pokemon/pokemon-the-movie-i-choose-you-to-air-on-disney-xd-on-november-25-a3524|title=POKEMON THE MOVIE: I CHOOSE YOU to Air on Disney XD on November 25|date=November 14, 2017|access-date=November 22, 2017|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526153035/https://animemojo.com/shonen/pokemon/pokemon-the-movie-i-choose-you-to-air-on-disney-xd-on-november-25-a3524|url-status=live}} on CITV in the United Kingdom on December 8, and on 9Go! in Australia on December 10. For the film's worldwide release, The Pokémon Company announced special commemorative Pikachu plush and Pokémon trading card game cards obtainable in US and Canadian retail sites.{{Cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2017-11-06/pokemon-the-movie-i-choose-you-gets-commemorative-tcg-cards-plush/.123673|title=Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! Gets Commemorative TCG Cards, Plush|access-date=November 7, 2017|archive-date=October 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028115856/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2017-11-06/pokemon-the-movie-i-choose-you-gets-commemorative-tcg-cards-plush/.123673|url-status=live}}
= Marketing =
Merchandise coinciding with the film were also released. Bandai released official Poké Ball Breath Mint Cases in both regular and Premium-Bandai versions to coincide with the film's release.{{cite web|last1=Baseel|first1=Casey|title=Poké Ball breath mint holder series will keep you from being a smelly Pokémon otaku|url=https://soranews24.com/2017/04/21/poke-ball-breath-mint-holder-series-will-keep-you-from-being-a-smelly-pokemon-otaku/|website=SoraNews24|access-date=August 22, 2017|date=April 20, 2017|archive-date=May 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515234912/https://soranews24.com/2017/04/21/poke-ball-breath-mint-holder-series-will-keep-you-from-being-a-smelly-pokemon-otaku/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Become a Pokémon Master with Bandai's Poké Ball Collection!|url=https://otakumode.com/news/58f87c3f14a2491e6bfcd83e/Become-a-Pok%C3%A9mon-Master-with-Bandai-s-Pok%C3%A9-Ball-Collection!|website=Tokyo Otaku Mode|access-date=August 22, 2017|date=April 21, 2017|archive-date=October 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028204731/https://otakumode.com/news/58f87c3f14a2491e6bfcd83e/Become-a-Pok%C3%A9mon-Master-with-Bandai-s-Pok%C3%A9-Ball-Collection!|url-status=live}} The first set was released in August 2017, and the second was released in September 2017, with pre-orders starting on April 23, 2017.{{cite web|last1=Dennison|first1=Kara|title=Premium Bandai Now Offering Real* Pokéballs|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2017/04/22/premium-bandai-now-offering-real-pokballs|website=Crunchyroll|access-date=22 August 2017|date=23 April 2017|archive-date=July 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718020332/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2017/04/22/premium-bandai-now-offering-real-pokballs|url-status=live}} Bandai also released S.H. Figuarts figures of Ash and the Team Rocket trio in July 2017,{{cite web|title=S.H.Figuarts Brings Ash and Team Rocket Together Again!|url=https://otakumode.com/news/58b673fdddad3a8274a3e24a/S-H-Figuarts-Brings-Ash-and-Team-Rocket-Together-Again!|website=Tokyo Otaku Mode|access-date=August 22, 2017|date=March 2, 2017|archive-date=March 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303090034/http://otakumode.com/news/58b673fdddad3a8274a3e24a/S-H-Figuarts-Brings-Ash-and-Team-Rocket-Together-Again!|url-status=live}} while Good Smile Company also announced they would release a Nendoroid of Ash in December 2017.{{cite web|author1=Kahotan|title=Nendoroid Ash & Pikachu (Pokémon)|url=https://mikatan.goodsmile.info/en/2017/07/12/nendoroid-ash-pikachu-pokemon/|website=Kahotan's Blog|access-date=August 22, 2017|date=July 12, 2017|archive-date=August 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816014405/http://mikatan.goodsmile.info/en/2017/07/12/nendoroid-ash-pikachu-pokemon/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Sounders|first1=Mike|title=Still not a Pokemon champion Ash Ketchum is now available in Nendoroid form, with a catch|url=https://www.destructoid.com/still-not-a-pokemon-champion-ash-ketchum-is-now-available-in-nendoroid-form-with-a-catch-448673.phtml|website=Destructoid|access-date=22 August 2017|date=13 July 2017|archive-date=March 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180328092616/https://www.destructoid.com/still-not-a-pokemon-champion-ash-ketchum-is-now-available-in-nendoroid-form-with-a-catch-448673.phtml|url-status=live}}
= Home media =
According to Oricon, the top-selling animation in Japan on Blu-ray/DVD by series sales surveyed from December 11, 2017 to June 10, 2018 ranks Pokemon The Movie: I Choose You! as the 29th most-sold anime series with 24,976 units.{{Cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-06-26/top-selling-animation-in-japan-on-blu-ray-disc-dvd-by-series-2018/.133429|title=Top-Selling Animation in Japan on Blu-ray Disc/DVD by Series: 2018 (First Half)|access-date=December 21, 2018|archive-date=December 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206152744/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-06-26/top-selling-animation-in-japan-on-blu-ray-disc-dvd-by-series-2018/.133429|url-status=live}}
Reception
=Box office=
The film topped Japanese box office records, earning first place and grossing more than {{JPY|516 million}} ({{US$|4.61 million|long=no}}) in the first two days, beating Gintama on its premiere.{{cite web|title=国内映画ランキング ： 2017年7月18日発表（毎週火曜更新）|url=https://eiga.com/ranking/20170718/|publisher=Eiga.com|access-date=September 9, 2017|language=ja|archive-date=September 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905013249/http://eiga.com/ranking/20170718/|url-status=live}} The movie earned ¥2.14 billion ($19.6 million) in its fourth week and remained at the sixth position.{{cite web|title=国内映画ランキング ： 2017年8月7日発表（毎週火曜更新）|url=https://eiga.com/ranking/20170807/|publisher=Eiga.com|access-date=September 9, 2017|language=ja|archive-date=September 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907014606/http://eiga.com/ranking/20170807/|url-status=live}} In its fifth week it grossed US$22 million and climbed up to the fourth position before being dethroned by Transformers: The Last Knight.
The film has grossed $30,024,522 in Japan, $3,559,886 in South Korea, $2,401,722 in the United States and Canada,{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3540157953/|title=Pokémon the Movie 20: I Choose You!|website=www.boxofficemojo.com|access-date=April 23, 2018|archive-date=May 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505112545/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3540157953/|url-status=live}} {{£|400,000|long=no}} ({{US$|{{To USD|400|GBR|year=2017|round=yes}},000|long=no}}) in the United Kingdom,{{Cite book |url=https://www2.bfi.org.uk/sites/bfi.org.uk/files/downloads/bfi-statistical-yearbook-2018.pdf |title=Statistical Yearbook 2018 |publisher=British Film Institute (BFI) |year=2018 |location=United Kingdom |pages=31–2 |access-date=25 April 2022 |archive-date=May 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528130725/https://www2.bfi.org.uk/sites/bfi.org.uk/files/downloads/bfi-statistical-yearbook-2018.pdf |url-status=live }} {{US$|{{#expr:155932+208974}}|long=no}} in Italy and Mexico,{{cite web |title=Gekijouban Poketto monsutâ: Kimi ni kimeta! (2017) - International |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Gekijouban-Poketto-monsuta-Kimi-ni-kimeta-(Japan)#tab=international |website=The Numbers |access-date=13 February 2019 |archive-date=February 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215050608/https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Gekijouban-Poketto-monsuta-Kimi-ni-kimeta-(Japan)#tab=international |url-status=live }} and $803,261 in other territories, for a worldwide total of {{US$|{{#expr:30024522+3559886+2401722+515000+364906+803261}}|long=no}}.
= Critical response =
The film received negative reviews from critics. On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 33% based on 9 reviews, with an average rating of 5.3/10.{{Citation|title=Pokémon The Movie: I Choose You!|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/pokemon_the_movie_i_choose_you/|language=en|access-date=2018-07-16|archive-date=November 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171127201054/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/pokemon_the_movie_i_choose_you/|url-status=live}} Callum May of Anime News Network gave the film an overall grade of A, calling the film a "Pokémon movie for classic Pokémon fans", and added: "While it features new Pokémon from Sun and Moon like Lycanroc and Incineroar, many of the stories and references are from the series 20 years ago, repurposed into far more emotionally moving encounters". He praised the film for having a stronger narrative than the other movies in the franchise, but criticized Sorrel and Verity's personalities, calling them "more like bystanders of someone else's story, and the attempts at creating backstories for them aren't built up at all".{{cite web|last1=May|first1=Callum|title=Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/pokemon-the-movie/i-choose-you/.118917|website=Anime News Network|access-date=August 22, 2017|date=July 17, 2017|archive-date=August 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803100534/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/pokemon-the-movie/i-choose-you/.118917|url-status=live}} Brian Costello of Common Sense Media gave the film a score of 2 stars out of 5, writing: "Pokemon the Movie: I Choose You! is best for Pokemon fans or those who know enough about Pokemon to understand the battle scenes and already know and care enough about the characters to fully understand what's at stake."{{Cite web|last=Costello|first=Brian|date=2019-07-11|title=Pokemon the Movie: I Choose You! - Movie Review|url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/pokemon-the-movie-i-choose-you|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-11|website=Common Sense Media|language=en|archive-date=July 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711011628/https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/pokemon-the-movie-i-choose-you}}
= Audience response =
Some long-time fans of the anime expressed negative criticism of the film on social media{{cite web|last1=Hoffer|first1=Christian|title=New Pokemon Movie Just Erased Two Key Characters from Ash's Past|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/pokemon-movie-brock-misty/|website=WWG|publisher=Pop Culture Media|access-date=August 22, 2017|date=July 10, 2017|archive-date=July 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718064352/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/pokemon-movie-brock-misty/|url-status=live}} due to the exclusion of Misty and Brock in favor of two new companions, with one saying "It's almost like Brock and Misty never existed".{{cite web|last1=Ashcraft|first1=Brian|title=New Pokémon Movie Rewrites History, Ditches Brock And Misty|url=https://kotaku.com/new-pokemon-movie-rewrites-history-ditches-brock-and-m-1796767604|website=Kotaku|access-date=August 22, 2017|date=July 10, 2017|archive-date=August 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828223759/http://kotaku.com/new-pokemon-movie-rewrites-history-ditches-brock-and-m-1796767604|url-status=live}} The point where Pikachu actually speaks the human language was also criticized. The English dub was also criticized for script changes, voice acting, music changes and the DVDs lacking the original Japanese sub version. Overall, fans were upset that these changes were not addressed.{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/11/14/16646708/pokemon-i-choose-you-movie-pikachu-talking|title=Pikachu is talking now and it's very upsetting|first=Megan|last=Farokhmanesh|website=The Verge|publisher=Vox Media|date=November 14, 2017|access-date=November 26, 2017|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201160631/https://www.theverge.com/2017/11/14/16646708/pokemon-i-choose-you-movie-pikachu-talking|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-the-movie-i-choose-you-ruins-pikachu/1100-6454764/|title=Pokemon The Movie: I Choose You Ruins Pikachu|first=Kallie|last=Plagge|website=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=November 7, 2017|access-date=November 26, 2017|archive-date=July 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722231557/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-the-movie-i-choose-you-ruins-pikachu/1100-6454764/|url-status=live}} As shown at the film's first screening at the 2017 Japan Expo, most of the main characters from the first six series were relegated to cameos, which also caused some harsh criticism from older fans.{{cite web|last1=Hemmings|first1=Hannah Mylrea|title=Brock and Misty are being written out of Pokémon, and these people's childhoods are ruined|url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/the-movies-blog/pokemon-brock-misty-written-out-2107989|website=NME|publisher=Time Inc.|access-date=August 22, 2017|date=July 11, 2017|archive-date=August 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823024359/http://www.nme.com/blogs/the-movies-blog/pokemon-brock-misty-written-out-2107989|url-status=live}}
Sequel
A sequel to Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! called Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us was released in Japan on July 13, 2018. and then worldwide in theaters on November 24, 2018. {{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-12-10/attack-on-titan-wit-studio-animates-2018-pokemon-film-with-olm/.125106|title=Attack on Titan's Wit Studio Animates 2018 Pokémon Film With OLM|website=Anime News Network|date=December 10, 2017|access-date=December 12, 2017|archive-date=May 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508055056/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-12-10/attack-on-titan-wit-studio-animates-2018-pokemon-film-with-olm/.125106|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2017/12/11/ash-gets-a-new-look-at-wit-studio-and-olm-team-up-on-2018s-pokmon-anime-movie|title=Ash Gets A New Look As Wit Studio And OLM Team Up On 2018's "Pokémon" Anime Movie|last=Green|first=Scott|website=Crunchyroll|date=December 11, 2017|access-date=December 12, 2017|archive-date=August 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818113253/http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2017/12/11/ash-gets-a-new-look-at-wit-studio-and-olm-team-up-on-2018s-pokmon-anime-movie|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1512957140|title=ポケモン映画2018特報動画が解禁！7月13日ロードショー | アニメイトタイムズ|access-date=December 12, 2017|archive-date=June 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617165114/https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1512957140|url-status=live}}
Notes
{{Notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{wikiquote}}
- {{Official website|https://www.pokemon-movie.jp/history/history2017/index.html|Japanese movie website}}
- {{Official website|https://www.pokemon.co.jp/tv_movie/movie/2017/|Pokemon.co.jp movie website}}
- {{IMDb title|6595896|Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!}}
- {{Anime News Network|anime|19350}}
- {{Rotten Tomatoes|pokemon_the_movie_i_choose_you}}
{{Pokémon Generation 7|state=expanded}}
{{Pokémon}}
{{OLM films}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!}}
Category:2010s Japanese-language films
Category:Animated films about mother–son relationships
Category:Films directed by Kunihiko Yuyama
Category:Films produced by Minami Ichikawa