Lure of Pokemon
IT’S amazing how the world today is still in thrall to The disarmingly cute and exotic Pokemon monster-pets have taken over the world for the past two decades, and they show no signs of slowing down. Over the course of 20 years, the franchise has continuously maintained its relevance on platforms such as video games, trading cards, television series, movies and eventually on smartphones and tablet screens when the mobile Pokemon GO game was released.
has become pop culture. Hats off to Satoshi Tajiri, the man who started it all.
Now with 19 movies under its belt, countless video games and a string of TV series,
celebrated its 20th anniversary with another film — the movie titled
While the movie saw its release in other countries a few months ago, it will make its way here on Dec 7.
Apparently the movie acts as a soft reboot, where fans get to relive the golden years of
It retells the original anime’s storyline where Ash Ketchum ends up with Pikachu one day upon discovering that his three starter Pokemon — Bulbasaur, Squirtl, and Charmander — have been taken by other trainers.
The movie sets off from here, following the pair on their adventure.
“This is a special movie that brings back the story of the first generation and injected with a newer essence to appeal to audiences ranging from the older group, who watched the original series 20 year ago, to young ones now,” says Susumy Fukunaga, corporate officer of The Pokemon Company (TPC).
TIE-UP
Long-time fans of can thank the team behind local animation studio Animonsta and Primeworks Studios which joined forces to welcome
to Malaysia.
The team at Animonsta had the privilege of watching a screening of the movie in Tokyo, Japan last July — and that’s when the opportunity of distributing the movie here fell into place.
Scenes from the movie Pokemon the Movie: I Choose You! .
Wanting to expand its reach and create a strong marketing strategy to attract viewers, it partnered with Primeworks Studios.
“We have a good relationship with various Japanese companies, and one of it is Takara TOMY, the toy distributor for
“It introduced us to TPC, and soon after, TPC appointed us as its Master Licencee in Malaysia.
“We are the first local company to be appointed asits representative in Malaysia,” says Kee Yong Pin, chief operation officer of Animonsta.
Yong Pin is confident that the movie will create another phenomenon among Pokemon lovers here.
“Many associate with but for long-time fans and those who grew up with it stretches way beyond that.
has it community of followers through trading card games, Nintendo 3DS console games, TV series and so much more. These add to the excitement,” he says.
Meanwhile, Marini Ramlan, Primeworks Studios general manager of innovation anddistribution, explains that it has always had a key interest in animation, hence the decision to join forces with Animonsta to distribute the movie.
“Leveraging on Animonsta’s strong presence online, coupled with Media Prima’s marketing strategy, we will reach a wider audience.
“It’s fascinating to see the culture of
and how it all started. Pikachu is undeniably the biggest Pokemon superstar. I’m sure fans will thoroughly enjoy the film,” she says.
The movie is available in both Japanese and English.
“Currently we are the only country that offers the English version outside of the US.
“Pikachu willbe making appearances in select cinemas once the movie is released, so do look out for that too!” adds Marini.
Primeworks Studios is in the midst of looking into distributing more international titles, in addition to animation, next year.